Addis Ababa:The inaugural Science Policy Information Network (SPIN) Africa Regional Science-Policy Dialogue on forestry was held in Addis Ababa, aiming to establish effective communication channels between policymakers and the scientific community.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the dialogue was organized in collaboration with the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) and SPIN Africa, featuring representatives from seven African countries. It marked the first in-person forum of the SPIN Africa network since its establishment in 2024 during a workshop in Sweden. Previously, the network operated primarily through virtual meetings.
The dialogue's purpose is to enhance connectivity and responsiveness of forestry research to policy needs across Africa, fostering collaboration among research institutions. IUFRO President Professor Daniela Kleinschmit emphasized the dialogue's role in promoting mutual understanding between scientists and policymakers, highlighting the importance of regional partnerships.
Wubalem Tadesse, SPIN Africa Core Group Chair, emphasized the network's role in translating research findings into policy-supportive information and addressing practical challenges faced by various countries. Damene Darota, Deputy Director General of Ethiopian Forestry Development (EFD), detailed Ethiopia's efforts to bridge the gap between research and implementation, which has contributed to increased forest cover and successful environmental initiatives.
Juliette Biao, Secretariat Director of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF), highlighted the dialogue's significance in fostering communication and collaboration to translate scientific knowledge into effective forest restoration policies. The event is expected to enhance the science-policy network's capacity for supporting evidence-based forestry policies and sustainable management of Africa's forest resources.
