Economic growth is needed across Africa to tackle poverty, but countries cannot disregard the adverse impact of growth on the environment. Green growth aims to eliminate the dichotomy that traditionally exists between the economy and the environment. It is a model of economic development that reduces environmental risks by managing natural resources more efficiently and effectively and adopting cleaner production methods. Green growth is also about redistributing wealth and supporting the poor. The aim is to improve quality of life whilst ensuring that production processes and consumption patterns do not further damage the environment.

The Institute of African Leadership for Sustainable Development (UONGOZI Institute) launched the Green Growth Platform (GGP) and hosted the Decision Makers’ Forest Academy (DMFA) in Iringa, Tanzania, 8-10 May 2012 -  the first event of its kind in Africa. As a core activity within the Green Growth Platform, the Forest Academy, a concept adapted from one developed by the Finnish Forest Association brings together high-level leaders from government, the private sector and civil society to discuss and experience the critical issues facing the forestry industry in Tanzania.

From participants’ responses, the inaugural Forest Academy was a resounding success. This publication introduces the Green Growth Platform and the DMFA’s unique learning approach and shares the ideas and insights from participants attending the event in Iringa. The first part of the document presents an overview of the GGP and the platform’s launch, while the second part gives an insider’s view of the presentations, discussions and field visits that were conducted as a part of the Forest Academy.