CS Barasa makes bold statement at FCLP Ministerial meeting at COP31

Speaking at the Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership (FCLP) All-Member Ministerial Meeting in Antalya, Turkey, on November 14, 2026, Barasa called for accelerated global efforts to halt and reverse forest loss by 2030.

She reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to the partnership, highlighting the country’s leadership in two key work streams: Green Construction, which it co-leads with Canada, and Integrated Fire Management and Wildfire Resilience, jointly advanced with Peru.

Barasa said forest conservation must complement economic development, noting that the Green Construction initiative seeks to promote sustainably sourced timber and other low-carbon construction materials.

The initiative focuses on developing sustainable wood value chains, strengthening policy frameworks, encouraging innovation and mobilising investment in climate-resilient construction.

On wildfire management, Kenya and Peru are championing a shift from reactive firefighting towards prevention, preparedness, early warning systems, community participation and sustainable landscape management.

Barasa said the partnership had made progress over the past year in promoting integrated approaches to wildfire management, with Kenya also supporting the Antalya Action Plan on Integrated Fire Management.

The action plan, advanced under Turkey’s COP31 Presidency in collaboration with Brazil and the Republic of Korea, seeks to strengthen international cooperation, mobilise resources and support country-led responses to increasing wildfire risks.

At the national level, Kenya is implementing measures to translate its commitments into practical interventions.

The Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) is advancing innovations in sustainable wood utilisation, while the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) is investing in forest fire surveillance, early warning systems and coordinated emergency response.

Barasa said the initiatives were showcased to FCLP delegates during a ministerial meeting held in Nairobi in March 2026.

Looking ahead to 2027, the Cabinet Secretary reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to working with FCLP members to expand sustainable construction, strengthen wildfire resilience, facilitate technology transfer and mobilise climate financing.

She welcomed the United Kingdom’s decision to join Kenya and Peru in co-leading the Integrated Fire Management work stream, describing stronger international partnerships as critical to addressing growing wildfire threats.

Barasa also called for increased support to developing countries, particularly through financing and technology transfer, to ensure global climate commitments translate into measurable outcomes on the ground.

“Kenya remains convinced that sustainable forest management must deliver both climate resilience and economic prosperity,” she said..