Glasgow, 8 November 2021 (TDI): Brunei endorsed the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use at the COP26. COP26 is the 26th Session of the United Nations Conference on Climate Change going on in Glasgow, Scotland. More than 110 countries endorsed the Declaration to halt and undo deforestation.
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
During the Summit, world leaders reiterated their commitment to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. They also confirmed their commitment to the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Sustainable Development Goals, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification; and other initiatives
Declaration on Forests and Land Use
By becoming part of the Declaration, Brunei will conserve forests and other terrestrial ecosystems. It will expedite trade and development strategies that will not cause deforestation and land degradation. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei, Awang Erywan Mohd Yusof represented his country as well as ASEAN.
Building Resilience
As per the dictates of the declaration, it will lessen vulnerability, build resilience and improve rural livelihoods. Furthermore, it will embrace an economy that is resilient and protects the forest, biodiversity, sustainable land use, and climate goals.
Forest Coverage of Brunei
The forest coverage of Brunei is 72 percent, with a capacity to absorb 13.9 MtCO2e of carbon emissions, every year. The country will continue to protect its rainforests. It will increase forest reserves from 41 to 55 percent of the total land area. Brunei aims to increase the country’s carbon sink by planting 500,000 new trees; by 2035.
Sustainable Development Goals
Forests, biodiversity, and sustainable land use are vital for sustainable development goals. Trees help attain a balance between anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and elimination by sinks. They maintain ecosystem services and help adapt to climate change.
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