ReForest at COP29: Financing Agroforestry for a Sustainable Future

In a recent article, a European Research Executive Agency (REA) emphasises the vital role of EU-funded projects in paving the way toward a sustainable future. Participation in COP29 provides an outstanding platform to showcase the progress achieved, fostering meaningful dialogue with stakeholders committed to tackling climate change.

The ReForest project is honoured to join the 29^th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, at a side event organised by the Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association (EMEA) a oldalon “Financing Agroforestry: Exploring Diverse Financing Schemes for Sustainable Land Use”. The event will spotlight the critical role of agroforestry in advancing climate resilience and sustainable agriculture, as well as the innovative financing mechanisms that can accelerate its adoption.

Agroforestry, which integrates trees and shrubs within agricultural landscapes, delivers a range of environmental, social, and economic benefits. From enhancing biodiversity and soil health to providing stable, sustainable livelihoods, agroforestry represents a transformative approach to land use. However, the lack of tailored, accessible financing remains a barrier for widespread adoption, particularly for smallholder farmers who could greatly benefit from agroforestry’s long-term gains. This event will convene experts to explore financing schemes that bridge this gap, enabling more sustainable and resilient agricultural systems globally.

Event Highlights and Key Discussion Points

Agroforestry’s Economic and Environmental Benefits: The dual benefits of agroforestry for enhancing biodiversity, improving resilience to climate change, and providing long-term economic returns.
Public and Private Financing Models: The role of government subsidies, grants, and policy frameworks that incentivize agroforestry, alongside private-sector-led green financing models like green bonds and carbon credits.
Impact Investing and Blended Finance: How impact investors and blended finance mechanisms can de-risk agroforestry investments while delivering both financial returns and social/environmental benefits.
Access to Finance for Smallholders: Addressing the financing gap for smallholder farmers, including microfinancing, cooperatives, and the role of community-based financing schemes.
Innovative Financial Tools: Exploring tools such as payment for ecosystem services (PES), carbon financing, agroforestry insurance products, and sustainability-linked loans that support long-term agroforestry investments.
Challenges and Opportunities for Scaling: Identifying the key barriers to scaling up agroforestry financing, including the need for long-term investment horizons, regulatory frameworks, and alignment with sustainability standards.

Meet Our Panelists

Moderated by Dr. Yeganeh Forouheshfar from EMEA, this event features thought leaders from diverse backgrounds:

Martin Lukac, ReForest Coordinator, and Professor at The Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague
Tiago Zibecchi, Researcher at EMEA
Enrique Doblas, Ecology researcher and consultant at CREAF
Hafsa El Bekri, Executive Strategy Senior Associate at Positive Agenda
Marek Chalupnik, Co-Founder & COO at DeepRoots
Gerry Lawson, Policy Officer at EURAF
Andrea Casadesús, Coordinator of the BETA Research Group at the BETA Technological Center

Join Us at COP29

Date: November 19, 2024
Idő: 17:00 – 18:30 AZT / 14:00-15:30 CET
Location: Mediterranean Pavilion, COP29 Conference Centre, Baku, Azerbaijan, and Online

Participants can attend in person or virtually via Zoom.

The ReForest project’s involvement in COP29 reflects its commitment to scaling agroforestry as a climate solution, especially in vulnerable regions where communities face the impacts of extreme weather events.

Visit the REA events page for a full overview of EU-funded projects participating in COP29, or stop by the EU Pavilion in Baku to learn more!