In a hotly contested bid to host the 27th International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) world congress, Kenya beat Canada to host the congress in 2029 in Nairobi.
For the first time, the congress will be held on African soil since the formation of IUFRO 133 years ago.
According to Kenya Forestry Research Institute CEO Dr. Jane Njuguna, who spoke during a partner’s breakfast in Nairobi, collaborative efforts of the government of Kenya through the ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Kenya Forest Service, Green Belt Movement, The University of Nairobi, CIFOR-ICRAF, regional forestry institutes and many other partners and stakeholders support KEFRI’s vision to host the congress.
The bidding process, which began in 2022, attracted support nationally, in the African region, and was endorsed by the African Union Commission. The IUFRO Presidential nominee and team visited Kenya to evaluate the proposed venues for the 27th IUFRO in December 2022, after which the IUFRO International Council endorsed the decision in May 2023. In June 2023, Kenya won the bid, beating Canada.
“In our bid themed “Advancing Global Partnerships in Forestry Research and Development” truly summed up the spirit of collaboration that lies at the heart of IUFRO’s mission and Africa’s future. Said Dr. Njuguna. “KEFRI is taking the lead in ensuring the congress is successful”, added Dr. Njuguna
The Cabinet secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Dr. Deborah Barasa, who spoke at the event, said that the government is ready to host the congress. “This indeed is a testament to Kenya’s leadership in forestry through the country’s unwring commitment to ensuring sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, land restoration, and innovative forestry research and technology. Kenya is home to unique biodiversity, deep-rooted forest traditions that cherish trees and forests as pillars in culture and support. Said Barasa
Other stakeholders supporting KEFRI in its bid to host the congress are the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), which is currently restoring 10,000 Ha of degraded forests in Kenya, in support of the government’s ambition to implement a tree-growing initiative aimed at bringing the forest cover to 30 percent by 2032.
KAM is proposing tax incentives within the Finance Act framework to boost conservation. Kaberia Kamencu-Chair, Timber & Furniture Sector at KAM, proposes tax deduction (e.g., 100-150% of verified planting costs) for manufacturers’ reforestation expenses, recognizing their environmental and economic value.
A tax credit or exemption for costs incurred in restoring degraded public lands, modeled on global precedents like reforestation credits in other nations.
Streamlined processes to qualify such activities under existing donation rules (Section 16(2)(e)) via partnerships with registered entities like the Kenya Forest Service.
Gatsbay Africa, on its part, says that the wood industry could improve livelihoods by 2050, where more than 100 billion shillings could be realized annually compared to 50B today.
Kenya is ranked 6th among countries with the most beautiful contrasting landscapes in the world, like Mt. Kenya, misty forests, dryland forests, mangrove forests, and Chalbi desert. Favorable weather, white sandy beaches and hot air balloon safaris, some of the reasons that gave the country a win to host the congress.
The congress is expected to bring 5,000 -10,000 international in-person scientists and accompanying person,s among other delegates.
