CIFOR-ICRAF and Partners Convene International Scientific Symposium and High-Level Workshop to Strengthen the Future of Central African Forest Research and Resilience
29 November 2025, Gabon: The Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), together with partners of the EU-funded RESSAC programme, is convening an international scientific symposium from 25–26 November and High-Level Discussion Workshop on 27 November 2025 in Libreville. These meetings will examine how human–nature interactions shape the resilience of Central Africa’s forest ecosystems—one of the world’s most biodiverse and climate-critical regions.
The Scientific Symposium: Central African Forest Ecosystems – Understanding Human–Nature Interactions to Strengthen Economic and Ecosystem Resilience will bring together leading scientists, policymakers, civil society, practitioners, and development partners. Hosted by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Republic of Gabon and co-organized with the Network of Higher Education Institutions and Research Institutions in Central Africa (REESIRAC), the event will showcase new evidence from the “Applied research in ecology and social sciences in support of sustainable management of forest ecosystems in Central Africa” (RESSAC) programme.
Since 2022, RESSAC—funded by the European Union—has generated actionable knowledge to support sustainable forest management, strengthen local livelihoods, and inform policy for long-term ecosystem resilience across the region.
High-Level Dialogue to Strengthen Research Leadership in Central Africa
Immediately following the symposium, CIFOR-ICRAF will host a High-Level Discussion Workshop on 27 November 2025. The dialogue aims to secure the long-term legacy of the RESSAC programme by strengthening strategic partnerships and reinforcing scientific leadership within Central African universities and research institutions.
The workshop will convene representatives from: Central African Forests Commission (COMIFAC), European Union, Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), CIFOR-ICRAF, chancellors and directors of academic and research institutions, Ministries responsible for forests, environment, higher education, and scientific research, international research cooperation agencies, private-sector research and development leaders
“Central Africa’s forests play a critical role in stabilizing the global climate,” said Peter Minang, CIFOR-ICRAF Director Africa. “Through RESSAC, CIFOR-ICRAF and its partners have shown that rigorous, collaborative science can deliver concrete solutions for communities and decision-makers. This symposium and the high-level workshop represent an important step toward consolidating strong African scientific leadership capable of guiding landscape resilience for decades to come.”
Together, participants will outline pathways to reinforce academic leadership, advance regional collaboration, and position Central Africa as a global hub for ecosystem and biodiversity research.
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