FAO/Forestry/headlines

FAO Forestry Officer, Patrick Durst, wins B.R. Sen award

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:00:00 GMT

Patrick Durst receives the B.R. SEN award 2011 for his extensive contributions to forests and forestry over his nineteen-year career, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. His leadership, intellectual and policy-related contributions have resulted in a variety of widely-used knowledge products, innovative capacity building activities, and strengthened national forest policies, which have raised the Organization’s visibility and credibility in the region. His efforts have ensured that forestry and forest-related issues are top priority areas in the Asia-Pacific region.

Video: Kenya Forest Service's award-winning project in the Mau forests

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 22:00:00 GMT

The Kenya Forest Service has won an FAO award for its implementation of the Sustainable Livelihood Development Project in the Mau forest complex. The service receives the Edouard Saouma Award, which is presented to the institution or institutions that have implemented with particular efficiency a project funded by FAO's Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP).

Expert interview: Practical guide to reviewing national forest programmes and policies

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 22:00:00 GMT

Úrsula Kcenia Parrilla Artiúguina, Advisor, International Relations and Cooperation Unit, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources of Guatemala, is among experts providing input for a new FAO practical guide for reviewing national forest programmes and policies. Here she explains why the guide is needed.

Developing a practical guide for reviewing national forest programmes and policies

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 22:00:00 GMT

Over the past five years, FAO has provided support to forest policy formulation in around 20 countries worldwide. The experience from these and numerous other forest policy development processes clearly shows that substantial changes have occurred in the past 20 years, profoundly affecting not only forest policies but also the way forest policies are formulated or reviewed. An expert meeting will be held in Rome from 11-12 June to peer review a draft guide on how to review national forest programmes and policies.

FAO releases summary and key messages from the International Conference on Forests for Food Security and Nutrition

Thu, 30 May 2013 22:00:00 GMT

Attended by more than 400 participants, comprising experts from governments, civil-society organizations, indigenous and other local communities, donors and international organizations in more than 100 countries, the Conference Summary includes 13 key messages, addresses significant points and makes over 20 recommendations for action.

The Global Timber Forum – a united voice on the world stage

Wed, 29 May 2013 22:00:00 GMT

The first steps in the formation of a new communication and discussion platform for the international timber industry were taken in Rome last week – the aim, to improve networking and knowledge sharing in the sector worldwide and strengthen its market presence and political profile. The launch meeting of the Global Timber Forum (GTF) took place at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UNFAO). It was attended by over 80 delegates from 40 countries; a mix of industry organizations and private sector representatives.

The event was co-convened by the UNFAO, The Forest Trust/Timber Trade Action Plan (TFT/TTAP) and the European Timber Trade Federation (ETTF).

Publication: Sustainable management of Pinus radiata plantations

Sun, 26 May 2013 22:00:00 GMT

Pinus radiata (radiata pine) is a versatile, fast-growing, medium-density softwood, suitable for a wide range of end-uses. Its silviculture is highly developed, and is built on a firm foundation of over a century of research, observation and practice. Radiata pine is often considered a model for growers of other plantation species. The focus of this book is on the principles and practices of growing radiata pine sustainably. It also looks ahead to emerging challenges facing radiata pine plantation management, such as the effects of climate change, new diseases and other threats, and meeting changing product needs and societal demands.

Video: Tracing our timber

Tue, 21 May 2013 22:00:00 GMT

This short film provides valuable insight for the European timber industry into how FLEGT licenses will assist them in complying with the new European Union Timber Regulation. With the robust legality assurance system guaranteed by FLEGT, these licenses could save importers time and money.

Contribution of forests to food security and nutrition needs more attention

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Wed, 15 May 2013 22:00:00 GMT

Governments, civil society and the private sector should ensure and strengthen the contributions of forests, trees and agroforestry systems to food security and nutrition, said participants in the first-ever International Conference on Forests for Food Security and Nutrition (13-15 May), organized by FAO.

Fruit trees in Kenya wins photo contest

Tue, 14 May 2013 22:00:00 GMT

Rome: FAO, as part of the UN-REDD Programme, is pleased to announce the winner of the Nurture Forests for the Future – REDD+ for Food photo contest, held during the International Conference on Forests for Food Security. Ms. Lani Holmberg with her image Papaya trees and poverty fighting wins a photo mission with FAO and will showcase her winning photo on the National Geographic Italy website.

Forest products critical to fight hunger - including insects

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Mon, 13 May 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Forests, trees on farms and agroforestry are critical in the fight against hunger and should be better integrated into food security and land use policies, FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva said today at the International Conference on Forests for Food Security and Nutrition in Rome (13-15 May).

Live webcasting from the International Conference on Forests for Food Security and Nutrition

Sun, 12 May 2013 22:00:00 GMT

Around 400 participants from over 100 countries will be attending the conference today, which aims to increase understanding of the crucial role that forests, trees on farms and agroforestry systems can play in improving the food security and nutrition of rural people. Follow the conference via live webcast today at 09:30 CET.

News from FAO Forestry

Thu, 09 May 2013 22:00:00 GMT

Follow the work of FAO Forestry and its partners in the May issue of inFO news, a regular news bulletin published by the Forestry Department of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

FAO publishes 65th Yearbook of Forest Products

Mon, 06 May 2013 22:00:00 GMT

Published in six languages, the Yearbook is a compilation of annual data on production and trade of basic forest products for all countries and territories of the world.

EU FAO Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade programme endorses first projects in Latin America and Asia

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 22:00:00 GMT

Fourteen projects in 13 countries have been endorsed since the programme expanded to Latin America and Asia last year. The projects address a broad range of thematic areas from timber monitoring and traceability; governance; mechanisms to combat forest illegality to enhancing compliance and regulation of timber harvesting and trade.

First Global Plan of Action for Forest Genetic Resources adopted by FAO members

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 22:00:00 GMT

The first Global Plan for Action for the Conservation, Sustainable Use and Development of Forest Genetic Resources was adopted last week by FAO's Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. The Commission has asked FAO to ensure mobilization of adequate financial resources for its implementation, particularly in support of developing countries.

EU FAO Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade Programme: Deadline extended for project proposals

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 22:00:00 GMT

Working in forest law enforcement and trade in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Guyana, Honduras, Indonesia, Liberia, Republic of Congo, Republic of Laos, Malaysia or Vietnam? The deadline for project proposals for the EU FAO FLEGT Programme has been extended to 30 June 2013.

Video: Earth Day Italia 22 April

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 22:00:00 GMT

Italian TV presenter Carlo Massarini speaks at FAO headquarters ahead of Italy's Earth Day concert, which FAO is supporting for the third year running. FAO Goodwill Ambassador Khaled and Italian singer Fiorella Mannoia will star in the concert on 22 April 2013 in Milan.

Celebrating 300 years of sustainable forest management

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 22:00:00 GMT

Berlin, Germany: The Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, and FAO Forestry Assistant Director-General, Eduardo Rojas-Briales, spoke yesterday at a ceremony to mark 300 years since the publication of the first comprehensive book about forestry to include the concept of sustainability. In 1713, German mining administrator Hans Carl von Carlowitz published Sylvicultura oeconomica to address the need for restoration and sustainable use of forests in Germany. Rojas-Briales provided a global perspective on the importance of sustainable forest management around the world.

Celebrating Earth Day at FAO

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 22:00:00 GMT

For the third time, FAO will be supporting the annual Earth Day Italia Concert, to be held on Monday 22 April. FAO Goodwill Ambassador Khaled, a musician of world renown, will be performing on stage with Italian singer Fiorella Mannoia in Milan, Italy. The concert will be live streamed. On Thursday 18 April , FAO Assistant Director-General for Forestry and UN Commissioner for Expo 2015 Eduardo Rojas-Briales, Expo 2015 Representative, Earth Day Italia President, and Ms Fiorella Mannoia, will all participate in the Earth Day press conference. It will be webcast at www.fao.org/webcast.

Working with forest products statistics in China

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 22:00:00 GMT

Haikou, China: In collaboration with the International Tropical Timber Organization and the Asia-Pacific Forest Network for Sustainable Management and Rehabilitation, FAO conducted the first joint workshop on China’s forest products statistics from 1-3 April.

Over 40 participants attended, including major national and provincial governmental statistical officials from China State Forestry Administration, national timber and forest products experts from the Chinese Forestry Academy, and representatives from China National Forest Products Industry Association and the General Administration of Customs of China to exchange and discuss knowledge, experiences and challenges on forest products statistics in China.

UN honours forest activists, filmmakers and photographers who inspire action

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 22:00:00 GMT

A political activist working to safeguard the Amazon rainforest and a businessman considered the 'grandfather' of the Turkish environmental movement are among the winners of United Nations awards honouring individuals who have done extraordinary work to spotlight the special relationship between forests and people.

In addition to five “Forest Heroes” from Brazil, Rwanda, Thailand, Turkey and the United States, the UN Forests for People Awards also recognized filmmakers and photographers for their creative efforts to raise awareness about forests and their contributions to people's lives.

Guidelines for formulating national forest financing strategies

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 22:00:00 GMT

Forests provide fresh water, soil protection, carbon sequestration, and other valuable resources that forest-dependent communities have relied on for millennia. Quantifying these goods and services has been the focus of considerable attention in recent years. Given that most of the forests in Asia and the Pacific region are state owned, mechanisms on ways to receive funds from outside national treasuries need to be sought taking account of the role of public institutions, the interests of local communities, payment for ecological services and promotion of private sector investment. This publication provides a set of guidelines for formulating national forest financing strategies to invigorate the forestry sector and enhance sustainable forest management.

Achievements of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests presented at UNFF10

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 22:00:00 GMT

Istanbul, Turkey: CPF Chair and FAO Forestry Assistant Director-General Eduardo Rojas-Briales presented the achievements and activities of the CPF this morning at the 10th session of the United Nations Forum on Forests.

News from FAO Forestry

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 22:00:00 GMT

Follow the work of FAO Forestry and its partners in the April issue of inFO news, a regular news bulletin published by the Forestry Department of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

New e-learning course for safer trade in forest commodities

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 22:00:00 GMT

A new free online course is helping to ensure safe international trade by highlighting the important role of phytosanitary measures in cross-border trade of forest products. The course was developed by FAO, the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) Secretariat and other partners and launched during the 8th Session of the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures.

EU to support Tanzania in protecting forests

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Dar es Salaam: The Joint Research Centre of the European Union and the Tanzania Forest Services have today signed an agreement to curb the alarming rate of deforestation in the country. The agreement is complementary to the on-going national forest assessment (NAFORMA) in Tanzania, initiated in 2009 and currently in its final stages. Through NAFORMA, which is jointly financed by the Government of Finland and Tanzania, with technical support by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the EU, Tanzania is mapping the entire country to assess its forest resources including the size of the carbon stock stored within its forests.

Training manual: Collaborative conflict management for enhanced national forest programmes

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Published by the National Forest Programme Facility at FAO, the manual provides guidelines for designing and conducting training courses for practitioners involved in managing conflict related to forest policy. It suggests a general framework for a five-day course and provides training activities, questions that training participants in conflict management workshops often ask, and a sample training agenda.

FAO calls for ‘Zero Illegal Deforestation’ target

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 23:00:00 GMT

On the first International Day of Forests, celebrated by the United Nations today, FAO Director-General Jose Graziano da Silva proposed that countries support a Zero Illegal Deforestation target in the context of the post-2015 debate.

United Nations: Celebrates the forests' vital, life-sustaining role

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 23:00:00 GMT

In a message for the new International Day, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said: “By proclaiming the International Day of Forests, the United Nations has created a new platform to raise awareness about the importance of all types of forest ecosystems to sustainable development.”

“On this first International Day of Forests,” he continued, “I urge Governments, businesses and all sectors of society to commit to reducing deforestation, preventing forest degradation, reducing poverty and promoting sustainable livelihoods for all forest-dependent peoples.”

International Day of Forests: a 360-degree perspective from the Collaborative Partnership on Forests

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 23:00:00 GMT

In 2011, during the International Year of Forests, the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF) – a partnership of 14 international organizations and secretariats – issued a series of press releases on 14 forest themes, from biodiversity, to women and gender, to the fight against hunger, providing a 360-degree perspective of the world’s forests. The CPF is sharing this compilation of those themes on the occasion of the first International Day of Forests in 2013 as a demonstration of the CPF’s fruitful collaboration and its continuing efforts to raise the profile of forests.

inFO news

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 23:00:00 GMT

February 2013

United Nations Awards: Forests for People

Sun, 10 Feb 2013 23:00:00 GMT

The United Nations Forum on Forests are calling for nominations for Forest Heroes and entries for short films and photos to share inspirational forest stories. Winners will be invited to Istanbul to receive their award at the 10th Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests to be held in April.

New policies needed to promote agroforestry

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Millions of people could escape poverty, hunger and environmental degradation if countries put more effort into promoting agroforestry, an integrated approach combining trees with crops or livestock production. A new guide published by FAO provides ten major tracks for policy action as well as examples of best practices and success stories.

Sustainable forestry: evaluating the health of the world's most renewable resource

Sun, 27 Jan 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Global – the international briefing interviews Jan McAlpine, Director of the UN Forum on Forests Secretariat and Eduardo Rojas-Briales, Assistant Director-General of FAO Forestry. They identify some of the critical governance issues that arise in the promotion of sustainable development in the world's forests and point to some successes in forest management.

UNFF announces the Forests for People Film Competition

Sun, 13 Jan 2013 23:00:00 GMT

January_2013: The Secretariat of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) has announced a film competition focused on forests. The competition, organized in collaboration with the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival, invites the submission of short films of up to five minutes on the theme “Forests for People.” The films should demonstrate how forests are important to or inspire the filmmaker.

inFO News

Sun, 13 Jan 2013 23:00:00 GMT

December 2012

Unasylva 239: The power of forests

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 23:00:00 GMT

This edition of Unasylva comes in the wake of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, Rio+20, which, among other things, produced a document called The Future We Want. In it, world leaders renewed their commitment to sustainable development and recognized the enormous capacity of forests to address many of the most pressing sustainable development challenges. The articles in this edition of Unasylva suggest that awareness of the role of forests, and a willingness to pay for that role, will grow in coming decades; forests are too culturally, ecologically, economically and socially important to be neglected for much longer. Their move into the mainstream of development policy will do the world a power of good.

Forest products industry slowly recovers from recession

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 23:00:00 GMT

The global forest products industry is slowly recovering from the economic crisis, with the Asia-Pacific region and particularly China taking the lead. New data published by FAO indicate that on average global production of the main forest products grew by 1 to 4 percent in 2011 compared to 2010.

Infosylva forestry news clippings Special edition COP18

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 23:00:00 GMT

In conjunction with the COP, about 700 forestry experts, activists, policymakers, global leaders and climate change negotiators gathered on 2 December 2012 for the sixth annual Forest Day. As part of the Forest Day programme, participants at a roundtable on strengthening intersectoral collaboration in REDD+ agreed that to protect forests, we need to think beyond them. We need to take a landscape view: only when forestry, water, agriculture, mining and other relevant sectors and industries are brought to the same table will we be able to slow the drivers of deforestation.

Infosylva forestry news clippings 22/2012

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Among the many interesting news items in this edition, you will find an article reporting that deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon has fallen to the lowest rate since annual record-keeping began in 1988.

Forest Day 6: Living landscapes, solutions for a sustainable world

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Only a few seats remain for the sixth and final Forest Day, held annually during the Conference of the Parties to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change.

If you are not going to Doha, you will be able to watch a live video stream of Forest Day on December 2 at www.ForestDay.org/live at 0900 Doha time (1300 Jakarta time) (0700 CET) (0600 GMT) (0100 EST).

inFO News

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 23:00:00 GMT

November 2012

Infosylva forestry news clippings 21/2012

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 23:00:00 GMT

November 2012

Scaling up sustainability: time for forestry to come out of the forest

Sun, 28 Oct 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Linking forestry to food security, human development and the economy can help create solutions to pressing global issues, argues Peter Holmgren, CIFOR Director-General.

Infosylva forestry news clippings 20/2012

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 22:00:00 GMT

October 2012

inFO News

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 22:00:00 GMT

September 2012

New international forestry award

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 01:00:00 GMT

The first-ever Wangari Maathai Award has been given today to a forestry activist from Nepal to recognize his efforts to promote community forest management. The ceremony took place at the Committee on Forestry (COFO), at FAO headquarters in Rome.

Activist from Nepal wins Wangari Maathai Award 2012

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 22:00:00 GMT

Narayan Kaji Shrestha has won the first-ever Collaborative Partnership on Forests Wangari Maathai Award for his outstanding contribution to forests.

The award was established this year to honour the life and work of the late Kenyan environmentalist Maathai, a champion of forest issues worldwide and the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

Innovations and investments urged to modernize Russian forest sector

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 22:00:00 GMT

The forest sector in the Russian Federation needs to be modernized using innovations and breakthrough technologies to maximize its potential as a global mitigator of climate change and an important source of timber, according to a new study presented today by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of the Russian Federation.

2012 State of the World's Forests

Sun, 23 Sep 2012 22:00:00 GMT

As the global community looks for ways to move to a greener economy, it is increasingly clear that forests, forestry and forest products must play a central role. This tenth edition of State of the World’s Forests explores the role of forests in human history, finding strong links between forest use and economic and social development and between unabated forest destruction and economic decline.

Forests vital resource in sustainable development

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 22:00:00 GMT

FAO Director-General Jose'Graziano da Silva underlines the importance of forestry in overall sustainable at the opening of FAO's Committee on Forestry. The nexus between forestry and sustainable development was one of the cross-cutting issues considered at the Rio+20 Conference in June.

Ten Central African countries agree to improve forest monitoring

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 22:00:00 GMT

A new regional initiative will help ten Central African countries to set up advanced national forest monitoring systems, FAO announced today. The forestry project will be managed jointly by the Central Africa Forests Commission (COMIFAC) and FAO in close collaboration with the Brazilian National Institute for Space Research (INPE).

inFO News

Sun, 01 Jul 2012 22:00:00 GMT

June 2012

Putting forests at the heart of a new, greener economy

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 23:00:00 GMT

The world's forests have a major role to play in the transition to a new, greener economy, a theme being discussed at the Rio+20 Conference. But to spark that shift, governments must enact programs and policies aimed at both unlocking the potential of forests and ensuring that they are sustainably managed, according to a new FAO report presented in Rio.

Rio+20 High-Level Side Event: The Landscape: transformative action through cross-sectoral coordination

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 22:00:00 GMT

Rio de Janeiro, 19 June: Sponsored by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests, this high-level event on 19 June provides an opportunity to discuss the importance of integrated sustainable land management or a ‘landscape’ approach to improve cross-sectoral actions that contribute to economic development. The event will provide heads of CPF member organizations and principals as well as forestry ministers the opportunity to discuss examples and concrete benefits from using a landscape approach.

CPF releases sustainable forest management fact sheets

Sun, 03 Jun 2012 22:00:00 GMT

As the world celebrates World Environment Day and prepares to gather in Rio for the Rio+20 Conference, the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF), a voluntary arrangement consisting of 14 international organizations, institutions and secretariats, releases eight fact sheets underlining the important role of forests and sustainable forest management (SFM) for human well-being, sustainable development and a green economy.

Forests: the heart of a green economy

Thu, 31 May 2012 22:00:00 GMT

FAO and other international organizations will join forces with the private sector to make the forest sector more visible at Rio+20 by holding a forward-looking side event on 18 June. The role of forests and forest industries in building the green economy and fostering rural development at the resource base – the two key themes of Rio+20 – will be highlighted.

FAO helps Tanzania monitor carbon stocks

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Tue, 15 May 2012 22:00:00 GMT

FAO is helping scientists and policymakers in Tanzania to evaluate how much carbon is stored in forests and forests soils, which will enable them to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A new FAO soil survey project was presented today at the UN Climate Change Conference taking place in Bonn, Germany.

Countries adopt global guidelines on tenure of land, forests, fisheries

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Fri, 11 May 2012 11:00:00 GMT

In a landmark decision the Committee on World Food Security today endorsed a set of far-reaching global guidelines aimed at helping governments safeguard the rights of people to own or access land, forests and fisheries. The new Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests in the Context of National Food Security outline principles and practices that governments can refer to when making laws and administering land, fisheries and forests rights.

Forests: 8th Roundtable at Rio+20

Tue, 08 May 2012 22:00:00 GMT

Rio de Janeiro, 19 June 2012: Organized by CIFOR, Forests: The 8th Roundtable at Rio+20 will gather global experts and policy makers to discuss new research findings – and remaining knowledge gaps -- and their policy implications for integrating forests into the solutions to four key challenges toward a green economy: Energy, food and income, water, and climate.

Nominations open for Wangari Maathai Award 2012

Mon, 07 May 2012 22:00:00 GMT

The Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF) has launched the first ever Wangari Maathai Award to honour and commemorate an extraordinary woman who championed forest issues around the world. The USD20,000 award will be given in recognition of outstanding contributions made by an individual to preserve, restore and sustainably manage forests and to communicate the key role forests play in rural livelihoods and the environment across generations.

inFO News

Wed, 02 May 2012 22:00:00 GMT

May 2012

Natural teak forests decline, while planted teak forests increase

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 22:00:00 GMT

The results of a new FAO global Teak Resources and Market Assessment conducted in 60 tropical countries show that natural teak forests are declining worldwide and that the quality of natural grown teak wood is deteriorating. On the other hand, the survey also reveals that planted teak forests are increasing in area and - when good management practices are applied - producing high quality wood.

Unasylva 238: Measuring forest degradation

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Unasylva closes the International Year of Forests 2011 with a selection of papers on forest degradation. These were developed as part of a special study FAO and its partners conducted to create a set of indicators on the state of forest degradation. Also featured is a major study that analysed remote sensing imagery to understand forest-cover and land-use change; and a way to use such data to map the myriad opportunities for forest landscape restoration.

inFO News

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 23:00:00 GMT

March 2012

Forestry programme newsletter

Forest Heroes Awards: IYF closing ceremony at UNFF

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:00:00 GMT

People who made special contributions towards protecting forests and forest communities received Forest Heroes Awards at a special ceremony hosted by the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) Secretariat to mark the conclusion of the International Year of Forests, in New York. The ceremony also featured the winners of the 2011 Universal Postal Union letter-writing contest, which drew entries from more than 2 million youth worldwide, and the winners of the 2011 children’s art contest “Celebrate the Forests”. A commemorative book Forests for People with 75 articles from 35 countries was also launched.

inFO News

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 23:00:00 GMT

December 2011 issue

Book on Amazon plants puts science in the hands of people

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 23:00:00 GMT

A new FAO study released today shows how plants and fruits from Amazonian forests can be used to improve people’s diets and livelihoods. The book — which is written in easy-to-grasp, accessible language — seeks to bring knowledge out of the academy and into the hands of people. It was unveiled today during a ceremony at FAO marking the close of the International Year of Forests.

Closing event for the International Year of Forests 2011

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Rome, Italy – The FAO Forestry Department held a closing event for the International Year of Forests 2011 at FAO headquarters for Permanent Representatives, Rome-based Intergovernmental Organizations, external partners, and FAO staff. Showcased prominently at the event was the new publication, Fruit trees and useful plants in Amazonian Life, a joint production of FAO, the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and People and Plants International.

Mountain forests under threat

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 10:00:00 GMT

The integrity and resilience of mountain forests is under threat from increasing temperatures and wildfires, population growth and food and fuel insecurity, warns FAO in its new publication "Mountain Forests in a Changing World" released today in the lead up to the UN International Mountain Day on 11 December.

Experts: New wave of deforestation threatens Africa’s climate resilience

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 23:00:00 GMT

DURBAN - A new wave of deforestation is sweeping across Africa decimating wildlife and threatening the resilience of its ecosystems to withstand the effects of climate change—especially in the area of food security, experts said.

Satellite technology yields new forest loss estimates

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 23:00:00 GMT

A new, satellite-based survey released by FAO provides a more accurate picture of changes in the world's forests, showing forest land use declined between 1990 and 2005. The survey used high-resolution satellite imagery provided by the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the United States Geological Survey.

International partnership calls for increased attention to forest ecosystem-based solutions ahead of Rio+20 Summit

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 23:00:00 GMT

In a submission to the Preparatory Process for Rio+20, the Members of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests called upon countries and major groups and stakeholders to explore the opportunities and lessons learned from forest ecosystems, their management and utilization. Furthermore, the Partnership called for actions at Rio+20 to take a holistic approach to capture the multiple benefits of forests and merge the traditional three pillars of sustainable development to better integrate forest ecosystems in a green and low carbon economy.

Healthy national and international markets are essential for sustaining forests

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 23:00:00 GMT

The Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF), an international consortium of 14 organizations, secretariats and institutions working on international forest issues, called today for more attention to the key role that markets play in sustaining the environment, and in particular the world’s forests.

Emmanuel ZeMeka, Executive Director of the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO, a CPF member) noted that "for many countries forests provide a major source of foreign exchange and domestic revenue for economic development" and highlighted the need to establish markets for "a wider range of the goods and services provided by forests." He made his remarks ahead of the ITTO’s Annual Market Discussions in La Antigua, Guatemala, which focus on the benefits of trade in wood products to the international community.

Guidebook aims to stop spread of ‘alien’ forest pests

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 09:00:00 GMT

A new guide published by FAO aims to help countries prevent forest-damaging pests from spreading to new areas. At least 35 million hectares of forest are damaged by outbreaks of forest insect pests each year. The guide provides suggestions on how to implement effective pest management strategies and ensure the safe movement of forest commodities across the national borders.

Protecting forests to preserve livelihoods

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 23:00:00 GMT

An FAO programme that helps local communities in Mongolia protect their forests is being seen as a model for action in the Asia-Pacific region. The Participatory Forest Management project has effectively stopped illegal logging and forest fires in 15 pilot districts since it began in 2007, and is set to go nationwide when the pilot program ends in January 2012.

Forests, potential solution in the fight against hunger

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The role of forests in providing timber and other wood products must not overshadow their important contribution to feeding many of the world's poorest communities, a group of international forest organizations and secretariats said today. The potential of forests to improve food and nutritional security needs more attention from national policymakers and international development agencies.

As world goes urban, new focus on role of trees in cities

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Focused policies and investments aimed at protecting and managing forest and trees in and around cities are needed to strengthen urban livelihoods and improve city environments, as the world becomes increasingly urbanized, said the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF), of which FAO is a member, on the occasion of World Habitat Day celebrated today.

Ecotourism can play vital role in maintaining healthy forests

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The continuing boom in ecotourism has the potential to save endangered forests or destroy them, depending on how effectively tourism expansion is managed, an international partnership for forest conservation and improvement cautioned today as the world celebrates the World Tourism Day and the International Year of Forests.

FAO-supported forest policy in Gambia wins award

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:00:00 GMT

Gambia's Community Forestry Policy, put in place with support from FAO, has won silver in the 2011 Future Policy Awards as one of the world's most inspiring and innovative forest policies. The country has developed and implemented the first policy and legislation framework in Africa that provides local populations with secure and permanent forest ownership rights.

Better landscape management needed to prevent forest fires

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Countries need to pay more attention to fire management on lands bordering forests in order to prevent the 95 percent of wildfires that originate from human activities in forests and adjacent areas, an international partnership for forests warned today.

Increased forest threat from extreme weather

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Extreme weather events and natural disasters will pose an increasing threat to the world's forests in coming years, requiring heightened cooperation between regions and countries, an international partnership for forest conservation and improvement warned today. The group's warning came as FAO launched a new publication report on how 'abiotic disturbances' are impacting forest health.

Reforming forest tenure systems

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Reforming forest tenure systems and securing forest ownership rights can significantly improve peoples’ livelihoods and enable them to gain income from forest products, said FAO in a newly published guide, Reforming Forest Tenure. The continuing demand for land, weak governance in many countries, and climate change add urgency to forest tenure reform.

Olympic track legend Carl Lewis sprints again for Haiti forests

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 16:00:00 GMT

FAO Goodwill Ambassador and Olympic track legend Carl Lewis ended a two-day visit to Haiti today where he saw for himself reforestation efforts to help the country protect itself against flash floods and mudslides as hurricane season begins

Turning the tide on desertification in Africa

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 22:00:00 GMT

An FAO pilot project that has proved a great success in combating desertification is to be rolled out more widely in an attempt to turn African drylands back into fertile land. With two thirds of the African continent now classified as desert or drylands and desertification affecting a quarter of the world's population, the breakthrough has the potential to transform the lives of vulnerable populations.

Good forest governance key for climate change schemes

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Sun, 22 May 2011 22:00:00 GMT

FAO and the World Bank have unveiled a new guidance framework which can help countries assess the governance of their forest resources. The ability to demonstrate good governance in forestry is becoming increasingly important for countries wishing to participate in emerging climate change mitigation schemes.

Growing number of mega-fires may contribute to global warming

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Mon, 09 May 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Whilst changing climatic conditions may be exacerbating the growing number of mega-fires round the world, these fires may also themselves be a contributing factor to global warming, said FAO. The agency called upon countries to implement more comprehensive fire management strategies and improve the monitoring of wildfire carbon gas emissions that cause global warming.

Forests and climate change in the Mediterranean

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 22:00:00 GMT

A new partnership for Mediterranean forests has been established to address major threats to the region's forests triggered by climate change. The partnership involves twelve institutions and organizations, including FAO, and will focus primarily on six countries of the southern and eastern Mediterranean: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Syria, Lebanon and Turkey.

Forests are key for high quality water supply

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 23:00:00 GMT

The global water situation is so precarious that by 2025, two-thirds of the world's population may experience regular water shortages. Forests capture and store water and play an important role in providing drinking water for millions of people. International agencies involved in forest protection call upon countries to pay more attention to forest protection for the provision of clean water.

Reviving agricultural and forestry research in DR Congo

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 23:00:00 GMT

In partnership with the European Union (EU), FAO is leading efforts to help the Democratic Republic of the Congo breathe new life into agricultural and forestry research, vital to nourish an underfed population and to preserve some of its most precious resources.

Unasylva 237: International Year of Forests 2011 - Celebrate forests every day

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 23:00:00 GMT

FAO inaugurates the International Year of Forests with a special photographic issue of Unasylva. More than 100 international days are celebrated throughout the year, in recognition of a vast range of issues, occupations, activities and cultural values important to humanity. This beautiful compilation of images illustrates that forests have a link to almost all of them. While the international days are the thread that holds the collection together, the organization is thematic, rather than chronological, the better to catalogue forests’ place in many sectors. The issue expresses the theme of the international year – “Forests for people” – by showing how forests are important to nearly all kinds of human activity.

2011 State of the World's Forests

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 23:00:00 GMT

The ninth biennial issue of State of the World’s Forests, published at the outset of 2011, the International Year of Forests, considers the theme ‘Changing pathways, changing lives: forests as multiple pathways to sustainable development’.

International Year of Forests launched

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Millions of forest-dependent people play a vital role in managing, conserving, and developing the world's forests in a sustainable manner, but the outside world often underestimates their rights to use and benefit from local forest resources, according to a new FAO report on the state of the world's forests. FAO releases the report at the launch of the United Nations International Year of Forests in New York.

FAO receives top award for forest fire protection

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 23:00:00 GMT

The Forestry Department of FAO yesterday received an important Spanish award in recognition of its outstanding merits in forest fire protection. Each year, the Spanish NGO "Asociación para la Promoción de Actividades Socioculturales" gives the "El Batefuegos de Oro" (Golden Fire Swatter) award for achievements in forest fire protection.

Unasylva 236: Forests, people and wildlife

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 22:00:00 GMT

FAO's international journal of forestry, Unasylva, celebrates 2010, the International Year of Biodiversity, by examining strategies for the successful cohabitation of forests, people and wildlife. This issue addresses the challenges of balancing conservation and use of plant and animal biodiversity in forest settings, particularly where people's livelihoods or species survival are at stake. Also published in French and Spanish.

Forest biodiversity at risk

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 22:00:00 GMT

The world's forest biodiversity is threatened by a high global rate of deforestation and forest degradation as well as a decline in primary forest area. In many countries, however, there is a continued positive trend towards the conservation of forest biological diversity via dedicated conservation areas.

FAO launches NASA-developed fire monitoring system

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 07:00:00 GMT

FAO today has launched a new online portal on fire information and real time monitoring to help countries to control fire effectively and protect property and natural resources. The new Global Fire Information Management System (GFIMS) detects fire hotspots from satellites operated by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Growing poplars for food security

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 22:00:00 GMT

Around one million people in Siyang County, China, are now enjoying benefits from the capacity of poplar forests to restore marginal flood plains stabilizing the banks of the Yellow, Huai and Yangtze rivers. Poplar trees protect fields from floods, wind, sandstorms and soil erosion which gives boost to agricultural activities and improves rural livelihoods.

Holding back the sand

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 22:00:00 GMT

A successful FAO-run project in Mauritania to fix sand dunes and stop sand encroachment has many lessons for other similar projects in the Sahel and Sahara. A manual on the project has been published by FAO to mark The World Day to Combat Desertification. Sand encroachment can bury villages, roads and oases and damage crops and irrigation infrastructure, causing economic damage and increasing poverty and food insecurity.

Unasylva 234/235: XIII World Forestry Congress

Mon, 31 May 2010 22:00:00 GMT

A special double issue sampling the wide-ranging information presented at the world’s largest forest-related gathering, held in Buenos Aires, Argentina from 18 to 23 October 2009. With articles from each of the seven main thematic areas of the congress, as well as an overview of the event and its recommendations.

Enlisting communities in wildfire prevention

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 22:00:00 GMT

Fighting wildfires requires participation by local communities, since most fires are caused by human activities. FAO has published a new version of its "Wildland Fire Management Handbook for Trainers," which calls for a more integrated approaches to fire management, including not only detection and suppression but also prevention and preparedness.

World deforestation decreases, but remains alarming in many countries

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 23:00:00 GMT

World deforestation, mainly the conversion of tropical forests to agricultural land, has decreased over the past ten years but it continues at an alarmingly high rate in many countries, according to key findings of FAO's most comprehensive forest review to date, The Global Forest Resources Assessment 2010.

Unasylva 233: Green jobs

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:00:00 GMT

What does financial and economic crisis mean for the forest sector, and what can the sector do to respond? C.T.S. Nair and R. Rutt overview opportunities for creating forestry jobs. T. Presas gives an industry perspective. R. Taylor illustrates impacts of the crisis for wood industry in North America. Subsequent articles examine measures to support forestry’s role in economic renewal in the United States (A.R. Kimbell and H. Brown), South America (I. Tomaselli), India (J.R. Matta), the Philippines (J.L. Atienza, Jr), China (Q. Ma, J. Liu and W. Du), Central Africa (J.C. Tieguhong et al.) and South Africa (R.N. Heath and S. Chipeta).

Global forest monitoring to help mitigate climate change

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:00:00 GMT

For the first time worldwide, free and ready-to-use high-resolution satellite data is now available to monitor forests and help reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. The monitoring system has been launched by FAO and other partners as part of the Global Forest Resources Assessment.

World Forestry Congress to meet in Buenos Aires

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 03:00:00 GMT

As climate change negotiations enter their final stretch towards the December conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, the World Forestry Congress will be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 18-23 October 2009.

REDD: North-South Agreement for New Emissions Reduction Mechanism

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 22:00:00 GMT

In an unprecedented display of cooperation between developed and developing countries on climate change, eighteen Heads of State publicly expressed their commitment and support for REDD — Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation in developing counties.

First shoots of Haiti’s agricultural renaissance

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 23:00:00 GMT

An extensive programme to multiply quality seeds in Haiti has helped boost food production and contributed to the decline in the number of hungry people in the desperately poor Caribbean nation. Almost 250 000 smallholder and landless farmers have or will receive adapted quality seeds through the programme which although only half way completed has already paid for itself many times over.

The wildland fire problem

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 08:00:00 GMT

Every year fires affect an estimated 350 million hectares of land, with damage to property, livelihoods and frequently loss of life. Uncontrolled vegetation fires also contribute to global warming, air pollution, desertification and loss of biodiversity. Fire prevention is one of the most effective counter measures.

2009 State of the World's Forests

Mon, 11 May 2009 22:00:00 GMT

What will be the impact on forests of future economic development, globalized trade and increases in the world's population? The 2009 edition of the biennial State of the World's Forests looks forward, with the theme "Society, forests and forestry: adapting for the future".

Unasylva No. 231/232

Mon, 11 May 2009 22:00:00 GMT

Adaptation to climate change

€14 million Finland/FAO forestry programme

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Finland and FAO have signed a €14 million partnership agreement to improve forest data collection and analysis as well as management skills in selected developing countries for sustainable forest management.

Forestry in a new economic climate

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 09:00:00 GMT

The dual challenges of economic turmoil and climate change are bringing the management of forests to the forefront of global interest. The need to reform forestry institutions and increase investments in science and technology are key to the better management of forests, notes FAO's latest State of the World’s Forests report.

Forests and the global economy: 10 million new jobs

FAO-Newsroom@fao.org (FAO-Newsroom) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Ten million new green jobs can be created by investing in sustainable forest management, according to FAO. As more jobs are lost due to the current economic downturn, sustainable forest management could become a means of creating millions of green jobs, thus helping to reduce poverty and improve the environment,” said Jan Heino, Assistant Director-General of FAO’s Forestry Department.