Session 1 - Overview of forest ecosystem accounts: extent and condition 

- Recording of Session   

Background of the virtual training :
Forests are among the most vital ecosystems on the planet, providing a wide array of services including carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, water regulation, and livelihoods for millions of people. In Africa, forest ecosystems play a critical role in supporting both rural economies and national development goals. However, these ecosystems are increasingly under pressure from deforestation, land degradation, climate change, and unsustainable resource extraction.

Despite the growing urgency of environmental challenges, many countries face limited technical capacity to systematically measure, monitor, and value forest ecosystem services. This gap hinders the ability of policymakers to make informed decisions and compromises efforts to integrate environmental sustainability into national planning and budgeting processes.

The System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) provides a globally recognized framework for compiling ecosystem accounts that link environmental data with economic indicators. Forest ecosystem accounts, in particular, offer a powerful tool to generate credible, policy-relevant evidence for sustainable natural resource management. They help quantify the extent and condition of forest ecosystems, assess the flow of services they provide, and estimate their economic value.

Recognizing the need to strengthen institutional and technical capacities across the continent, UNECA, jointly with the Office for National Statistics of the United Kingdom (UK) and the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), is organizing a virtual training series. This initiative aims to equip national statistical offices and environmental agencies with the knowledge and tools needed to develop and apply forest ecosystem accounts in their respective contexts.

Objectives: The objectives of the virtual training are:

• To share practical experiences and methodologies from the UK and Kenya on forest ecosystem accounting;
• To build capacity in measuring forest extent, condition, and ecosystem services;
• To foster regional dialogue and collaboration on ecosystem accounting.

Target Audience: Technical experts and decision-makers from national statistical offices, environmental ministries, and related institutions across Africa.

Format: The virtual training will take place online sessions through the Zoom platform. Each session will be approximately 2 hours long, featuring presentations, Q&A, and interactive discussions.

Language: Training materials will be in French. The programme will offer simultaneous interpretation between  English and French during the sessions.

Proposed Schedule and Topics:

Expected outcomes:

• Enhanced understanding of ecosystem accounting frameworks.
• Strengthened capacity to apply SEEA guidelines.
• Identification of country-specific opportunities and challenges.