This event will launch the GEF-8 Medium-Sized Project, focusing on the critical role of primary forests in biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. Partners, including IUCN and members of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF), will highlight the need for greater cooperation to protect these ecosystems. Participants will hear from experts driving these critical efforts as part of a global push for stronger primary forest conservation initiatives.

Speakers

Carlos Manuel Rodriguez - CEO and Chairperson, GEF

Stewart Maginnis - Deputy Director General, IUCN

Vanuessa Gefferie - Permanent Secretary for General and Financial Affairs, Ministry of Spatial Planning and Environment, Suriname

Juliette Biao - Director, United Nations Forum on Forests Secretariat

Cyril Kormos - Founder and Executive Director of Wild Heritage

Frédéric Castell - Senior Natural Resources Officer, The Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment, FAO 

Moderator:

Chetan Kumar, Global Head, Forest and Grasslands Team, IUCN