News
ADB, UNEP, and India's National Green Tribunal Build Judicial Capacity for Climate and Ecological Protection
The International Conference on Climate and Environment Dynamics was held in New Delhi, India, on 19–20 September 2026. It was organized by India’s National Green Tribunal (NGT) in partnership with ADB and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
MoFAI Builds Momentum at COP15 on Migratory Species
Forests are crucial ecosystems for migratory species, providing habitats and shelter, regulating climate and hydrological patterns, and providing channels of ecological connectivity. Migratory species underpin forest biodiversity, support nutrient cycling, and enable seed dispersal and pollination.
ADB's MoFAI Accelerates the Work of Its Technical Working Group
The Model Forest Act Initiative (MoFAI) made significant progress in drafting during its Technical Working Group (TWG) meetings in Manila, Philippines on 16–19 February 2026.
MoFAI Convenes Partners and Advisory Council Meeting
The Model Forest Act Initiative (MoFAI) convened its first Partners and Advisory Council Meeting on 2 December 2025, bringing together the Executive Board, Advisory Council, Drafting Committee, and Secretariat.
MoFAI Unveils the Preliminary Draft of the Model Framework Forest Act at UNFCCC COP30
The Model Forest Act Initiative (MoFAI) presented the preliminary draft of the Model Framework Forest Act at the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Forest Pavilion in Belém, Brazil, on 12 November 2025.
ADB, ADBI, and UNEP Convene Policy Dialogue on Model Forest Act Initiative Ahead of COP30 in November
On 25 September 2025 in Tokyo, ADB, ADB Institute, and the UN Environmental Programme held consultations on a legal blueprint for modernizing national forest laws being developed under the Model Forest Act Initiative, supported by the ADB Law and Policy Reform Program and other partners.
ADB and IFAD Sign MOU to Enhance Law and Policy Collaboration in Forestry, Food, and Agriculture Sectors
On 3 September 2024, on the sidelines of the Annual Meeting of IFI General Counsels in Montevideo, Uruguay, the Asian Development Bank General Counsel Thomas M. Clark and the International Fund for Agricultural Development General Counsel Katherine Meighan signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance collaboration in legal and policy development in the forestry, food, and agriculture sectors, as well as their shared interest in advancing environmental rule of law
Asian Development Bank Collaborates with Indonesian Stakeholders on the Model Forest Act Initiative
The Model Forest Act Initiative held a pivotal week of intensive work and knowledge sharing in Indonesia on 26-30 July 2024, bringing together leading experts in forest law and policy to refine the draft Model Forest Act and engage with key stakeholders.
The Model Forest Act Initiative Gains Momentum at United Nations Forum on Forests
The Model Forest Act Initiative gained significant traction at the recent 19th Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests held in New York City (6-10 May 2024).
ADB Presents the Model Forest Act Initiative at the 19th Session of the UN Forum on Forests
ADB's Law and Policy Reform Program, together with the United Nations Environment Programme, presented the Model Forest Act Initiative (MoFAI) to UN member states, permanent observers and regional and international organizations at the 19th Session of the UN Forum on Forests in New York City.