co-publications

Securing the future of mangroves

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 23:00:00 GMT

This policy brief is largely based on the World Atlas of Mangroves (2010) which provides a wealth of knowledge on the ecology, biodiversity, distribution, economic value, and management status of mangroves around the world. The aim of this policy brief is to provide managers with lessons learned on the conservation and management of mangroves, and recommend policy measures that could be taken in order to protect them.

Guide to investing in locally controlled forests

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Locally controlled forests involve one billion people and one quarter of the world’s forests, providing $75 – $100 billion per year in goods and services and a broad range of other economic, environmental, social, cultural and spiritual benefits. This guide is an outcome of the Growing Forest Partnerships initiative, supported by the FAO, IIED, IUCN, TFD and the World Bank. It is a primarily a tool for practical action – providing guidance on how to structure enabling investments and prepare the ground for asset investments that yield acceptable returns and reduced risk, not only for investors, but also for local forest right-holders, national governments and society at large

Strength in Numbers: Effective forest producer organizations

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 22:00:00 GMT

Forest producer organizations can be highly effective agents of poverty reduction through their advocacy and economic roles. Given the increasing amount of forest land now managed and controlled by individuals and communities, there is a need to strengthen cooperation in terms of forest products and services. Published by FAO, the Forest & Farm Facility and AgriCord with support from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, this publication presents a wide range of country examples of how forest farmers have organized themselves and the lessons drawn so far.

Unlocking national opportunities: new insights on financing sustainable forest and land management

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 22:00:00 GMT

One of the main challenges countries face in enhancing sustainable forest and land management is to increase the competitiveness of these land uses when compared with unsustainable ones. This policy brochure, drawn from experience in more than 80 countries worldwide, focuses on the development and implementation of strategies to enhance financing for sustainable forest and land management. Jointly published by FAO, the Global Mechanism, the National Forest Programme Facility, Tropenbos International and the International Tropical Timber Organization, it is intended for national and international policymakers and practitioners in both the public and private sectors.

Highlands and drylands. Mountains, a source of resilience in arid regions

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Dryland mountains are of great strategic value to regional and global development. They provide up to 90% of the freshwater supply to surrounding dry lowlands. More than a quarter of the world’s biodiversity hotspots and six out of eight Vavilov Centres of Diversity are found in dryland mountains. Yet these mountain regions are under increasing threat from climate change and unsustainable forms of land use, including mining and tourism.

Published by FAO, UNCCD, Mountain Partnership, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, and CDE, with the support of an international group of experts, this publication presents the socio-economy and environment of dryland mountains, the current threats they face, and good practices in sustainable development. It concludes with key messages for policy- and decision-makers.

Natural Inquirer: The World's Forests second edition

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The Natural Inquirer is an integrated science education journal for students aged 11-14. This edition of the Natural Inquirer presents the results of a worldwide effort to understand the world’s forests. Produced in collaboration with the US Forest Service and based on FAO's Global Forest Resources Assessment 2010 findings, this issue has new comprehensive content, graphs and pictures as well as lesson plans for educators and student exercises. It contains information from 233 countries and territories around the world.

The State of Forests in the Amazon Basin, Congo Basin and Southeast Asia

Mon, 30 May 2011 22:00:00 GMT

This report was prepared as a background document for the Summit of the Three Rainforest Basins, in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, on 31 May-3 June 2011. It draws on work undertaken by the FAO Forestry Department and the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), two international organizations at the forefront of providing information on these forests and promoting their sustainable management.

International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) Technical Series

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 23:00:00 GMT

Published jointly by FAO and the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation, this technical series addresses wildlife and conservation issues. Topics range from economic development, tourism, wildlife management laws to sustainable hunting. Some volumes are published in Russian, French and German.

World Atlas of Mangroves

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 22:00:00 GMT

This atlas provides the first truly global assessment of the state of the world's mangroves. Written by a leading expert on mangroves with support from the top international researchers and conservation organizations, this full colour atlas contains 60 full-page maps, hundreds of photographs and illustrations and a comprehensive country-by-country assessment of mangroves. Published with ISME, ITTO and project partners FAO, UNESCO-MAB, UNEP-WCMC and UNU-INWEH.

Natural Inquirer: The world's forests edition - Volume XI / Number 1

Sat, 30 May 2009 22:00:00 GMT

The Natural Inquirer is an integrated science education journal for students aged 11-14. In the United States where the journal was first published, the Natural Inquirer presents research from scientists working in the United States Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service. This edition of the Natural Inquirer presents the results of a worldwide effort to understand the world’s forests, organized by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, or FAO. The report from which this Natural Inquirer is written is the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2005. It contains information from 229 countries and territories around the world. Also published in French, Chinese, Czech and Arabic.

Planted Forests: Uses, Impacts and Sustainability

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Planted forests, despite being only seven per cent of the world's forest resources, have superseded naturally regenerating forests as the principal source of industrial wood products. Lessening the pressure for wood production, on natural forests, tree planting has released them to be managed for other purposes - carbon sinks, soil and water protection, conservation of biological diversity, recreation and amenity. Representing a complement, but not an alternative, to natural forests, planted forests have become increasingly important for reducing worldwide deforestation, loss of forest ecosystems and forest degradation. Examining the significance of this rapidly emerging world resource, chapters consider the strengths and weaknesses of planted forests, management objectives for their use and aspects of ownership and policy. Data from key production countries are used to evaluate the implications and sustainability of planted forests as a source of forest products as well as social and ecological issues.

Vital Forest Graphics

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 23:00:00 GMT

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Vital Graphics series presents critical environmental issues in a simple and immediate way through the use of extensive graphics. To help communicate the value of forests to policy-makers and the wider public, UNEP, FAO and the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) joined efforts to produce the present volume in the series, which analyses, synthesizes and illustrates two dozen topical forest issues, mostly presented as two-page spreads.

Cross-sectoral policy developments in forestry

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 23:00:00 GMT

Forest protection and forestry practices are closely linked to decisions that address measures on climate change, biodiversity and the institutional framework for sustainable development. This rich and multifaceted text documents the progress made in creating the political, economic and social conditions that are necessary for a sustainable and multifunctional use of forest resources. An invaluable resource for policy makers, land owners and representatives of non-government organizations, this book will also aid students and researchers in forestry and the environment, and all those concerned about the fate of forests and the maintaining of our natural resource base.