Mexico Reforms National Forestry Council to Strengthen Inclusive Forest Governance

Mexico has renewed its National Forestry Council (CONAF) for 2026–2029, expanding representation and introducing gender parity for the first time as the country strengthens forest governance in response to climate change, wildfires, deforestation, degradation, and illegal logging.

The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) and the National Forestry Commission (CONAFOR) have expanded the council to 89 institutions and organizations, 25 more than in the previous term. The new structure brings broader participation from government, forest communities, Indigenous and Afro-Mexican peoples, academia, industry, civil society, forestry professionals, and women’s organizations.

Indigenous and Afro-Mexican representation has also been strengthened through Mexico’s National Catalog of Indigenous and Afro-Mexican Peoples and Communities, with the government emphasizing the importance of territorial knowledge, identity, and community participation in forest policy.

Women’s participation is another major focus. The renewed council establishes dedicated representation for women’s organizations and groups, while women will also hold roles within the leadership of technical committees. A National Network of Women Forest Entrepreneurs is being developed to further support women working across the forestry sector.

The council’s renewal comes alongside Mexico’s broader reforestation efforts. According to SEMARNAT, approximately 32,000 hectares have been reforested with 15 million trees between 2025 and 2026.

As Mexico faces mounting pressure on its forest ecosystems, the expanded CONAF is intended to serve as a stronger platform for inclusive decision-making, sustainable forest management, ecosystem restoration, and the wellbeing of communities dependent on forest resources.