Serbia to afforest 7,000 hectares, revitalize 51,000 hectares of forests
Serbia intends to afforest 7,000 hectares with climate-resilient tree species and converse 51,000 hectares of degraded forests within the USD 84 million FOREST Invest project.
An agreement for the project ‘Enhancing the resilience of Serbian forests to ensure energy security of the most vulnerable while contributing to their livelihoods and carbon sequestration (FOREST Invest)’ was signed between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in its capacity as an Accredited Entity of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, as well as public enterprises Srbijašume and Vojvodinašume, which manage forests.
The project envisages afforestation of 7,000 hectares with climate-resilient tree species, the conversion of 51,000 hectares of degraded low forests into high forests, and the rehabilitation of at least 500 hectares of abandoned private agricultural land through agroforestry plantations, according to FAO.
The project is financed by FAO, Serbia and GCF
The project, valued at USD 84 million, is funded by the Green Climate Fund, the Government of Serbia and FAO. Over the course of seven years, FOREST Invest will enhance the resilience of forest ecosystems, improve energy security for vulnerable communities, and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
By implementing these and other measures, greenhouse gas emissions are expected to be reduced by 8.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). Nearly three million residents of Serbia will indirectly benefit from improved forest resilience and sustainable management, FAO said.
Gonzalez: Progress in Serbia will guide future efforts in other countries
The contract was signed by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management Aleksandar Martinović, Srbijašume CEO Krsto Janjušević, executive manager for forestry, ecology and development of Vojvodinašume Marko Marinković, and FAO Deputy Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia Nabil Gangi.
According to Aleksandar Martinović, the project will help Serbia to establish foundations for long-term reforms in the forestry sector, ensuring sustainability, climate resilience and a better quality of life for people.
Henry Gonzalez said the innovative project in Serbia increases investment in sustainable forestry initiatives that include both mitigation and adaptation measures. Progress in Serbia will guide future efforts in other countries, he stressed.
The partnership between FAO and the government is built on a shared commitment to sustainable development, food security, and climate resilience, Nabil Gangi pointed out.
