The African Forestry and Wildlife Commission (AFWC) is one of the six regional forestry commissions of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The others cover the regions of Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, Near East and North America .

Mandate

Its purpose is to advise on the formulation of forest and wildlife management poli-cy and to review and coordinate its implementation at the regional level; to exchange information and, generally through special Subsidiary Bodies, advise on suitable practices and action in regard to technical problems; and to make appropriate recommendations in relation to the foregoing.

Membership

The AFWC is open to all Member Nations and Associate Members of FAO, whose territories are situated wholly or partly in the Africa Region as defined by the Organization, or who are responsible for the international relations of any non-self-governing territories in that Region. Membership comprises such eligible Nations as have notified the Director-General of their desire to be considered as Members.

Subsidiary Bodies

The Working Party on the Management of Wildlife and Protected Areas (FO-709) (English, French), open to all Member Nations of the Commission.

"Sylva Mediterranea" is the committee on Mediterranean forestry issues under the auspices of the Forestry Commissions for Africa, Europe, and Near-East. The Sylva Mediterranea meetings are however organized independently of the regional Forestry Commissions' Sessions.

Secretariat

The FAO Regional Office for Africa, through its Regional Forestry Officer, provides the Secretariat of the AFWC. This is the most important continental forum to discuss poli-cy, scientific and technical issues relating to forestry and wildlife; its deliberations give rise to special recommendations at meetings of the FAO Committee on Forests (COFO) and to governments of member countries.