Voluntary national contributions

Voluntary national contributions (VNCs) are country-led, voluntary commitments through which members of the United Nations Forum on Forests identify actions, targets and initiatives they intend to undertake to support the achievement of the Global Forest Goals and targets.

As set out in the United Nations strategic plan for forests 2017–2030, members may determine their VNCs on a voluntary basis, taking into account national circumstances, policies, priorities, capacities, levels of development and forest conditions. VNCs may also include forest-related actions that contribute to other international commitments and goals, such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, biodiversity objectives and climate action.

VNCs are forward-looking and action-oriented. They provide a flexible framework for countries to articulate how they intend to advance sustainable forest management and contribute to global forest-related objectives at the national level.

Purpose and role of VNCs

VNCs serve as implementation tools, enabling members to:

• Articulate national priorities and planned actions related to forests
• Highlight national efforts to address deforestation, forest degradation, climate change, biodiversity loss and land degradation
• Promote large-scale afforestation and reforestation, forest restoration, enhanced sustainable forest management and law enforcement
• Increase visibility of national forest-related commitments and initiatives

Through voluntary announcements at sessions of the Forum, VNCs also support transparency, peer learning and cooperation among members and partners.

Announcement and communication of VNCs

Members may announce their VNCs during sessions of the Forum, where voluntary announcements are a standing agenda item under the Forum’s programme of work. Members may also communicate their VNCs to the UNFF Secretariat at any time.

Repository of voluntary national contributions

To facilitate transparency and accessibility, the Forum requested the Secretariat to compile all VNCs in a publicly accessible and centralised repository. A simple, voluntary format has been adopted to support Members in communicating their contributions in a clear and consistent manner. 

The repository is intended to:

• Increase visibility of national forest-related commitments
• Support knowledge-sharing and mutual learning
• Highlight the diversity of national approaches to achieving the Global Forest Goals

The information presented reflects voluntary announcements as communicated by UNFF members and does not constitute an evaluation or assessment.

Looking ahead

VNCs continue to evolve as a practical and flexible means for members to demonstrate leadership, mobilise action and contribute to collective progress towards the Global Forest Goals. By sharing their voluntary national contributions, members strengthen cooperation under the UNFF and support global efforts to protect, sustainably manage and restore forests for present and future generations.