WHY A FOREST STRATEGIC PROGRAM?

Mexico’s forests, home to an astonishing diversity of life, face unprecedented threats. Deforestation, driven by agricultural expansion and unsustainable development, along with the degradation of natural resources, not only endangers biodiversity but also the well-being of millions who depend on these ecosystems.

The Forest Strategic Program 2025 seeks to be the response to this crisis, a comprehensive strategy designed to change the course of our interaction with forests.

In 2001, the Federal Government of Mexico launched the Forest Strategic Program 2025 (PEF 2025), followed by the enactment of the General Law of Sustainable Forest Development (LGDFS) in 2002.

These key initiatives aim to promote both the conservation and protection of forest resources and their sustainable development. Additionally, these policy measures aim to facilitate a greater transfer of forest responsibilities to the states, highlighting the importance of long-term forest strategic programs and state forest legislation as essential elements in this process.

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STRATEGIC FORESTRY PROGRAM GOALS	STRATEGIES TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY
Conservation and Protection: The Program implements conservation and restoration measures to halt forest loss and rejuvenate damaged ecosystems, ensuring their biodiversity and ecosystem services.	Sustainable Forest Management: Promotes practices that ensure natural regeneration, biological diversity, and long-term productivity, fulfilling their ecological, social, and economic functions sustainably.
Sustainable Development: Aims to balance economic needs with environmental conservation, promoting ecological, socially just, and economically viable forest management practices.	Commercial Forestry Plantations: Supports the development of sustainable plantations as a means to relieve pressure on natural forests and provide viable income for communities.
Community Participation: The program encourages active community involvement in forest management, equitably sharing the benefits of sustainable management and empowering them as custodians of their natural environment.	Germplasm Conservation: Focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of forest germplasm to protect genetic diversity and strengthen the resilience of forests.

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ASSESSMENT AND RENEWAL OF THE FOREST STRATEGIC PROGRAM

As the Forest Strategic Program 2025 approaches its culmination, it is crucial to conduct a comprehensive assessment of its achievements compared to the established goals. The implementation of this program has represented a monumental effort towards the conservation and sustainable management of Mexico’s forest resources, seeking to balance economic, social, and environmental needs.

The success of the program can be measured in terms of the extent of conserved and restored forests, the empowerment of local communities through active participation in forest management, and progress towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly forest management practices.

The program’s contribution to reducing deforestation and promoting sustainable commercial forest plantations should be evaluated as indicators of its positive impact on biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. However, beyond the assessment of specific achievements, it is essential to recognize the importance of renewing and expanding these types of programs for the coming years.

Climate change and biodiversity loss are global challenges that require continuous and adaptive action. The renewal of programs like the Forest Strategic Program will not only help consolidate the progress made but also adapt strategies and actions to new realities and emerging challenges.

The continuity of efforts such as the Forest Strategic Program is essential to ensure the long-term protection of forest resources, promote sustainable development, and support the well-being of communities dependent on these ecosystems. Through the review, updating, and expansion of programs of this kind, Mexico can continue to lead by example in sustainable forest management and environmental conservation, ensuring a legacy of prosperous and resilient natural resources for future generations.