Forest Resources

A prerequisite to the sustainable management of natural forests is access by policy-makers and forest managers to a broad range of information comprising: the extent of forest resources; the status of, and progress towards, sustainable forest management; risks to forest resources; the demand for and supply of forest goods and services; the latest developments and experience in forest management techniques, and interactions between forests and other uses of land.

Plantations and planted trees will increasingly be the source of wood and non-wood products as the ability of natural forest resources to meet future demands is reduced. These plantations are expected to be established mostly by the private sector. Member Countries need to be aware of trends in the establishment and management of plantations, and the extent to which they will contribute towards meeting the future demand for wood and non-wood forest goods and services, including environmental services, in order to develop effective policies for the sustainable management and conservation of forests and other tree resources. Member Countries also need to increase the contribution of trees outside forests in rural, urban and peri-urban environments to enhance sustainable livelihood of populations and food security. This requires: improved knowledge of trees outside forests, ways to augment their productivity through agro-forestry systems, enhanced protective role and functions of trees in fragile ecosystems and marginal lands, in particular in dry ecosystems, and close integration of the protective roles and social functions of trees and tree systems in urban and peri-urban areas.

Upon request, FAO provides technical assistance to Member Countries to: (i) support and increase national capacities to conserve, enhance and sustainably utilize natural forests; (ii) support programmes for plantations and planted trees through measures including the introduction and use of best silvicultural and management practices, the use of physiologically and genetically optimal materials, and to facilitate forest and land use policy decisions; as well as (iii) to assist the many countries that face degradation of their forest lands to protect their forest resources and move towards the improved use of trees outside forests.

SEE NORMATIVE FRAMEWORKS:

• Integrated Pest Management (Identified Forest Pest) (TCP)
  
• Strengthening Forest Fire Management (TCP)
  
• Design and Formulation of a National Action Plan to Combat Desertification (TCP)
  

SEE PROJECT EXAMPLE:

• Rehabilitation of Affected Forests, Afforestation and Restoration of the Biological Diversity in __ Municipality of Yyy Province (Country Xxx) (Asia) (TF)
  

USEFUL FAO LINKS:

• Forestry Department
  
• Sustainable Development Department "SD Dimensions - Environment"
  
• Desertification
  
• World Information and Early Warning System on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
  
• Biological Diversity