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Foreword


In 1979 FAO's Forestry Department published Forestry Paper No 17, Economic Analysis of Forestry Projects. This paper was used consistently as part of FAO's programme to strengthen the capability of those responsible for forestry sector analysis and planning and for project preparation and implementation. It was in great demand as training and reference material both by academic institutions and by forestry planners and economists.

By the end of the 80s the shift in emphasis in forestry development towards social and environmental concerns had added complexity to forestry sector and project work, but it had not diminished the importance of a solid economic base. It was felt that the earlier publication needed to be checked both against new developments in project economics analysis and against the practical experience acquired in analysing the economic impacts of forestry projects over the decade. This concern was formally expressed by the Committee on Forest Development in the Tropics at its Ninth Session in September 1989 when it requested FAO to undertake an in-depth revision and updating of Paper No 17.

The present publication complies with this formal request. It also reflects the concern shared by FAO, UNEP and the World Bank that the scope of forestry project assessment be broadened to focus on impacts which translate effectively the role of forestry in sustainable development. This new publication is, in fact, part of a collaborative effort between the three Organizations to develop more holistic approaches to assess the economic, social and environmental impacts of forestry projects as a measure of their contribution to sustainable development. The publication is proof of this common effort and reflects a combination of the perspectives and experiences of the three Organizations. It is hoped that the impact assessment approaches recommended will be widely adopted as practical guidelines.

The publication was prepared by the Policy and Planning Division of the Forestry Department of FAO, under the direction of M.R. de Montalembert whose professional input is acknowledged, and with advice and assistance from UNEP, the World Bank, and other Departments in FAO. It was authored by H.M. Gregersen and A.H. Contreras, the authors of Forestry Paper No 17. H.M. Gregersen is Professor of Forestry and Agriculture and Applied Economics at the University of Minnesota, and A.H. Contreras, former senior forest economist with FAO's Forestry Department, serves the Asia Technical Department at the World Bank. Others who contributed to the writing of the publication are A. White, K. Christophersen, A. Lundgren, J.E.M. Arnold, T. Graham-Tomasi and K. Kanel. The Forestry for Sustainable Development Program of the University of Minnesota also contributed to this effort, and the World Bank's co-sponsorship was supported by a financial contribution from a Norwegian trust fund for environment and forestry economics.

The authors' preface spells out clearly the target audience of this publication. It is meant to be a practical guide which avoids unnecessary sophistication but which provides a powerful tool for more effective cooperation among foresters and economists working towards improving the economic base of sustainable forestry development. It is fervently hoped that this new publication will be most useful in strengthening capabilities for developing and implementing viable and sustainable forestry projects and activities.


C.H. Murray
Assistant Director-General
Forestry Department


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