Miombo forest

Aug. 6, 2024

Recently, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) have signed two agreements for the implementation of projects aimed at protecting the Miombo forest.

About Miombo forest:

  • The Miombo is a biome that includes tropical and subtropical grasslands, bushlands and savannahs.
  • It is a vast African dryland forest ecosystem covering close to 2.7 million square kilometres across southern Africa, including Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
  • The woodlands are characterized by the dominance of Brachystegia species, either alone or in association with Julbernardia and Isoberlinia species.
  • It also encompasses four bio-regions and is responsible for maintaining the Greater Zambezi, one of the most important transnational river basins.
  • It is facilitating trade in the border region between Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
  • Significance of this forest: This forest is vital for millions of people in rural areas, providing essential resources such as firewood, food, and water.

Key facts about the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

  • It is a specialized agencyof the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and food security.
  • Its goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives.
  • Member countries:With 195 members - 194 countries and the European Union, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.
  • Its sister bodies are the World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
  • Headquarters:Rome (Italy).