FAO Committee on Forestry (COFO 28) Closes in Rome; Proposed UN Decade for Afforestation and Reforestation 2027–2036 Gains Backing

The 28th session of the FAO Committee on Forestry met in Rome from September 28 to October 2, 2026. In his opening statement, FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu cited SOFO 2026: 1.56 billion hectares of land degraded, including 460 million hectares of forest, and 91 countries pledging to restore 190 million hectares. India reaffirmed support for a proposed UN Decade for Afforestation and Reforestation (2027–2036) and pressed for measurable restoration results and climate/biodiversity finance. No official confirmation of a formal COFO endorsement of the Decade was found; treat as expressed support only.