The 2023–2024 fiscal year marks the beginning of a new strategic phase for RECOFTC. This year’s annual report reflects our successes over the first year of implementation of our Strategic Plan 2023–2028.  

We have so much to be proud of this year. Our long-standing partnerships, technical expertise and community-rooted approaches continue to deliver results across the Asia-Pacific region. We currently have about 60 projects, including bilateral and regional ones, through which we work across and beyond our seven focal countries – Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand and Viet Nam.  

In this report, we review and celebrate our achievements – from better laws and policies to strengthened flows of finance, fair benefit sharing, and enhanced capacities and respect for rights.  

That said, we also recognize the challenges affecting our communities and our work. Climate risks, risks and shocks through forest fires, socio and geopolitics, economic volatility, regulatory complexities and governance challenges remain significant throughout the region and the world. It is our long-term, inclusive and landscape-based approach that positions us well to navigate these risks and uncertainties.  

We continue to work at the interface between global frameworks and local realities, especially in the context of climate finance, due diligence requirements, good governance, gender equality and private-sector engagement in forest landscape restoration and deforestation-free products. And we generate and share evidence that informs policy and decision-making at all levels, especially through the ASEAN as a socio-economic block.

As we move forward, I invite our donors, partners and well-wishers to work with us – on the ground, in policy spaces and through our various networks and secretariat functions – and help build productive, inclusive and resilient forest landscapes.

Onwards and upwards together,  

David Ganz

Executive director

RECOFTC