Forestry is a sector undergoing dynamic evolution in a rapidly-changing world. At the same time, public attention is focused, as never before, on a broad spectrum of forestry issues that is encompassed in the term sustainable forest management, but stretches across a range of diverse topics, initiatives and perspectives. Under these circumstances, it is imperative that information that documents the current status and key dynamics of change is readily accessible to decision-makers and stakeholders in the sector.
Since 1995, FAO has published five editions of its flagship forestry report, State of the World's Forests (SOFO). In partnership with its regional forestry commissions, it has also conducted a series of comprehensive outlook studies, including the Asia-Pacific Forestry Sector Outlook Study, published in 1998. This report, State of forestry in Asia and the Pacific - 2003, provides a bridge from the global focus of SOFO and across the five-years since the publication of the Outlook Study.
State of forestry in Asia and the Pacific - 2003 endeavors to present a broad summary of policy relevant information and data. Its purpose is to provide policy-makers, civil society and those who derive their livelihood from the forestry sector a comprehensive and objective view of forestry. It particularly highlights the contrasting approaches being adopted by countries across the region in addressing the most pressing challenges confronting the region; including developments in participatory forest management, forest conservation, illegal logging, promotion of sustainable management and institutional restructuring. It documents recent changes in national forest policies and forestry legislation that address these crucial issues.
The report provides a vehicle to capitalize on the willingness of countries in the region to share information and learn from the experiences of others. It is written for a wide audience, including people working in governmental and intergovernmental organizations concerned with forestry policy and programmes, research and educational institutions, private sector and community-based enterprises, and international financial or development organizations. It should stimulate open and informed debate on policy issues, as well as enhance national efforts to improve practices and promote sustainability in forestry. The publication represents an important initiative of FAO to bring about appropriate development in the forestry sector. It is my hope that the report will provide considerable value to planners, policy-makers and forestry stakeholders by facilitating comparative approaches to policy development.
He Changchui
Assistant Director-General and
Regional
Representative for Asia and the Pacific
Food and Agriculture Organization of
the United Nations
