A newly released update from Biodiversity & Forest Regional Centres of Excellence (RCoEs) offers a fresh look at how their work is unfolding across Africa in 2026, inviting readers to explore the progress and stories behind their efforts.  

The first half of the year brought steady advances in forest knowledge, capacity building and regional collaboration in which work continued in the State of the Forest in West Africa Report, supported by expert discussions that helped refine its structure and scientific direction. Training efforts remained strong with IMET coaching sessions in Côte d'Ivoire bringing together participants from 19 countries and strengthening the network that supports protected area management.

The Centres remained active in regional dialogue, contributing to exchanges on knowledge systems, data use and long-term sustainability. Recent published forests reports for Central, East and Southern Africa added fresh perspectives on forest trends, governance and assessments in protected areas.

The months ahead promise more workshops, evaluations, the launch of the Biodiversity Outlook for Eastern and Southern Africa (BOESA) and much more.

Access both English and French versions of the update here: 

EN: Biodiversity and Forest RCoEs Highlights and update January-June 2026

FR: Biodiversity and Forest RCoEs Highlights and update January-June 2026