Forest Stewardship Council at COP 29 Our engagement at UN Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan Learn more about COP 29 → FSC/Emilio White United Nations Climate Change Conference The annual United Nations Climate Change Conference is the world’s only multilateral decision-making forum on climate change. COP 29 will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan on 11-22 November 2024. It will bring together world leaders and negotiators from the member states (or Parties) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to further global progress, with business leaders, young people, climate scientists, Indigenous Peoples, and civil society sharing insights and best practices to strengthen global, collective and inclusive climate action. Milan Reška Forests: A natural solution for climate change Climate change is a defining challenge of our time. One of the most effective ways to combat climate change is with healthy, resilient forests. Forests help regulate our climate by absorbing and retaining carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The healthier the forest, the more carbon it can capture and store. But today, the destruction of forests accounts for at least 10 per cent of annual carbon emissions. When forests are responsibly managed so biodiversity is maintained, the plants and trees within them can extract more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and slow climate change. See how → FSC Delegation The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) will be attending COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 15 to November 22. We look forward to connecting with existing and potential partners, financial actors, governments and industry leaders to discuss sustainable forestry solutions that support climate action. Don't hesitate to contact our delegates ahead or during the conference to schedule meetings. Sharon London, Climate Partnerships Director, FSC I&P. Elson Fernandes, Executive Director, FSC Brazil. Jorge Matallana, Climate and Ecosystem Services Manager, FSC. Sukran Baycura, National Representative, FSC Turkey. Salina Sanou, Deputy Programe Director, FSC Indigenous Foundation. Join Us at Side Events We invite you to a series of side events at COP29. Gain insights from our experts into FSC’s innovative approach to ecosystem services monitoring, emerging trends in forest finance, opportunities in forest carbon projects and the empowerment of Indigenous communities in climate action. We'll also be unveiling an exciting new partnership that opens fresh opportunities for sustainable forest management. Don’t miss this chance to discover impactful initiatives shaping the future of our forests. 13 November | 12:20-13:20 | Indigenous Peoples Pavilion "Empowering Indigenous Peoples: Driving Participation in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for Climate Action" At COP29, with an increased focus on inclusivity and just transitions, it is imperative to explore how Indigenous Peoples can meaningfully participate in developing and implementing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). By creating a platform for dialogue and collaboration, this event aims to bridge the gap between policy frameworks and the grassroots knowledge that Indigenous communities offer. 17 November | 12:00-12:45 | Baku Convention Center "Protecting Forests, Preserving Climate - Strategies for Sustainable Land Use and Forest Conservation" As forests play an essential role in regulating the Earth's climate, the urgency to implement effective conservation and sustainable land use strategies has never been greater. This session brings together scientists, policy makers, and community leaders, to present innovative approaches to forest conservation. How can the private sector collaborate with local communities, governments, and NGOs to implement effective forest conservation strategies? 18 November | 12:30-13:45 | Legal Amazon Consortium Pavilion - Blue Zone Panel "Reforesting Minds: The Challenge of Promoting a Forest-Friendly and Environmentally Conscious Mindset" The panel will discuss the importance of fostering greater environmental awareness and its major challenges. Additionally, it will aim to explore ways to enhance the skills and competencies related to a sustainable economy. 18 November | 17:30-19:00 | China Pavilion "Green Low-Carbon Industry and Architecture in the Vision of Carbon Neutrality: Technological Breakthroughs and Policy Dialogue on the 3060 Path" This side event aims to share the latest developments in green, low-carbon industry and architecture, focusing on technological innovation, practical applications, and international cooperation in the vision of carbon neutrality. The event will highlight China's achievements in addressing climate change and building an ecological civilization while discussing development pathways and experiences with international peers. 20 November | 18:30-20:00 | SE Room 9 "Advancing the Quality and Integrity of Forestry Climate NbS: Challenges, Innovations, and Strategies" This side event, co-hosted by Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), University of British Columbia (UBC), American Forest Foundation (AFF), Balance Eco Foundation, Université Laval, and Zhejiang A&F University (ZAFU) will focus on advancing high-integrity forestry-based nature-based solutions (NbS) as critical tools for addressing climate change, enhancing biodiversity, and supporting socio-economic development. Featuring insights from global experts, the event will address pressing challenges and opportunities in forest carbon projects, including those specific to bamboo, and explore how these solutions can be scaled effectively in the global carbon market. 21 November | 16:30 - 17:30 | WWF pavilion "Equity in Action: Nature-Based Financial Pathways to Protect Forests and Biodiversity" The new wave of climate pledges promises to drive finance to promote sustainable forest management, but we need to design systems with the right pieces in place to deliver such finance with equity. Join us to discuss how FSC certification, with the power of technology, can help drive resources for fair and impactful climate action. Moderator: Sharon London – Climate Partnerships Director, FSC Investments & Partnerships Panel Speakers: Beatrice Barresi - Senior Sustainable Operations Officer, European Space Agency Sergio Guzmán - Manager, ACOFOP-AMPB, (Association of Forest Communities of Petén and Mesoamerican Alliance of Peoples and Forests Jorge Matallana - Manager Climate & Ecosystem Services, FSC International Marina Negrisoli, Sustainability Director, Suzano FSC Verified Impact This pioneering solution empowers Forest Stewards to communicate how they are making a measurable difference in the fight against some of the biggest challenges of our time, including climate change and biodiversity loss. Learn about FSC’s innovative tool that allows companies to measure and report on their positive impact on carbon storage. Media requests Our delegation speakers are available for exclusive interviews. To request an interview with any of the following speakers, please contact media@fsc.org. Sharon London, Climate Partnerships Director, FSC I&P. Elson Fernandes, Executive Director, FSC Brazil.