Global forest expert panels (GFEP) are led by the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO). GFEP produces objective and independent scientific assessments and provides state-of-the-art reports to international forums and policy processes to support more informed decision-making at the global level. The reports are prepared by thematic expert panels with internationally recognized scientific experts. All reports undergo rigorous peer review.
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March the International Day of Forests (IDF) in 2012. The Day celebrates and raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests. On each International Day of Forests, countries are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns. The theme for each International Day of Forests is chosen by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests.
In 2002, UNFF member states mandated a CPF Task Force for streamlining forest-related reporting. The objective was to propose ways to reduce the forest-related reporting burden, for example, through reducing and streamlining reporting requests, synchronizing reporting cycles, harmonizing data collection methods and increasing data comparability and compatibility, and facilitating the accessibility and flows of existing information.
This initiative was adopted in 2018 to strengthen sustainable wood value chains by enhancing their social, economic and environmental benefits from production through to consumption. It is led by FAO, with support from its Advisory Committee on Sustainable Forest-based Industries (ACSFI), Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), World Bank and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
The CPF launched the first Wangari Maathai Award in 2012 to honour and commemorate the impact of this extraordinary woman who championed forest issues across the globe. Winners are celebrated for their outstanding contributions to conserve, restore and sustainably manage forests and to raise awareness of the key role forests play in supporting local communities, rural livelihoods, women, youth and the environment.
The Global Forest Financing Facilitation Network was established by the UN Forum on Forests in 2015 to facilitate access to more effective use of funding for forests; share data and best practices on forest financing; and contribute to the Global Forest Goals of the UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2030. CPF members contribute to the scaling-up of sustainable forest management by assisting countries to access resources.
The Green Finance for Sustainable Landscapes (GF4SL) project will be executed by UNEP and CIFOR from 2021 to 2024. The project aims to influence the enabling conditions for commitments toward deforestation-free, sustainable commodity production and other forms of sustainable land use. The overall objective is to boost bank and investor interest to increase capital flows towards restoration and deforestation-free agriculture.
This initiative aims to catalyse action, generate awareness and foster partnerships for inclusive forest education and knowledge-sharing systems. Actions include strengthening forest education in primary schools, university programmes, continuing education, field training through extension and farmer field schools, and use of traditional and indigenous knowledge. The initiative is led by FAO, ITTO, IUFRO and CIFOR-ICRAF and supported by UNFF and UNFCCC.
