Major Programme 2.4: Forestry

(All amounts in US$ 000)

Main Substantive Thrusts and Priorities

187. Sustainable forest management has three main dimensions: environmental, economic and social. The structure under Major Programme 2.4 Forestry has been adjusted to provide roughly comparable emphasis to each of these major themes:

1. Programme 2.4.1: Forest Resources which is to address primarily the environmental functions of forests, including key aspects of forest conservation and management and hence primarily Strategic objectives D1 and D2;
2. Programme 2.4.2: Forest Products and Economics (formerly Forest Products), to cover the various economic functions of forests and thus respond to Strategic objectives C1 and C2 with elements addressing A1 and E2;
3. Programme 2.4.3: Forestry Policy and Institutions (formerly Forestry Policy and Planning), to focus on the social and institutional dimensions of forests, addressing several Strategic objectives including A1, B2 and, in the case of much of the capacity building, D2; and
4. the fourth programme, 2.4.4: Forestry Information and Liaison, provides cross-cutting support to the other three technical programmes, while coordinating FAO's contributions to major international initiatives in forestry. Its information efforts address Strategic objective E1, whereas its work on the international forestry process is more targeted on B1 and B2.

188. At the more detailed level, adjustments lead to four new programme entities, while two entities are shifted between programmes, and they will be implemented by multi-disciplinary task forces. All of these are "technical projects", with time-bound objectives.

189. New entities - The four new entities enable clearer recognition of essential aspects in forests management and conservation, which were not easily identified in the previous structure: 241A7 - Forests and Water; 241A8 - Forests and Climate Change (previously part of 242A1); 243A4 - Forest Policies and Governance; and 243A5 - Forests, Poverty Alleviation and Food Security.

190. Shifted entities - The following entities have moved between programmes to allow for the above-mentioned finer matching of the first three programmes to the three main dimensions of sustainable forest management, leading to a more substantial budgetary provision for Programme 2.4.2: 242A3 - Forestry Sector Outlook Studies (shifted from 243A1); and 242A4 - Economic Aspects of Forests (shifted from 243P2).

Changes in resources

191. The overall increase in resources under the real growth scenario is the highest in percentage terms (6.9%) of any major programme, responding to requests from Governing and Advisory Bodies to strengthen FAO's contributions to the goal of sustainable forest management world-wide. In particular, these additional resources would permit establishing the new programme entities mentioned above on a sound footing.

192. The number of technical projects increases from 7 to 11, responding to requests from Governing Bodies for time-bound entities, which have a normal span of six years.

193. The FAO/Netherlands Partnership Programme and the National Forest Programme Facility, currently supported by five donors, are highly successful initiatives, which have re-invigorated support for sustainable forest management in countries which have suffered high rates of deforestation and forest degradation in recent decades. It is anticipated that these initiatives will stimulate new extra-budgetary support in 2004-05, emphasising cross-sectoral, multi-disciplinary approaches to strengthen national institutions and to encourage countries to address forestry issues through participatory processes.

194. The entities to benefit most from these strategic partnerships with donors under Programme 2.4.1 Forest Resources, are the new entities 241A7, 241A8 and 241P1, while other donors are likely to continue to support entities 241A4 and 241A5. Under Programme 2.4.2 Forest Products and Economics, donors are expected to support work on forest outlook studies (entity 242A3) and on model forest practices (entity 242P2). By its very nature, Programme 2.4.3 Forestry Policy and Institutions is expected to further benefit from additional resources stemming from the above strategic partnerships, under all its constituent entities. Much more limited extra-budgetary support should be forthcoming for facilitating FAO's contributions to international forestry processes (244A1) and forestry information (244P1).

Programme 2.4.1: Forest Resources

(All amounts in US$ 000)

241A1 - Sustainable Management of Natural Forests and Woodlands

Objective

Improved local, national and regional forest management capacity leading to practices and policies that conserve, enhance and sustainably utilise natural forests and woodlands for a wide variety of goods and services.

Biennial Outputs

• Guidelines, case studies and other information materials on improved practices in silviculture and management of natural forests
• Regional and sub-regional networks of model and demonstration forests (Reduced in ZRG)
• Analysis of status and trends in forest management
• Guidelines and case studies on the use of computers and computer software in forest management
• Information materials and documentation in support to the effective implementation of Agenda 21 Chapter 11 (Combating Deforestation) and the FAO Plan of Action for SIDS
• Direct support to countries to implement improved arid zone forest management practices
• Support to countries and regions to combat desertification and to implement the UNCCD
• Support to country networking and cooperation in the field of arid zone forestry issues (Reduced in ZRG)
• Information materials and documentation in support to the effective implementation of Agenda 21 (arid zone forestry issues) and UNCCD
• Support to countries against forest pests and diseases, including the use of integrated pest management practices in forestry, appropriate training and networking
• Development and maintenance of the global information system for the assessment, conservation and sustainable utilisation of forest genetic resources
• Preparation of national and regional reports on the state of forest genetic diversity
• Support to preparation of regional action plans on forest genetic resources (Reduced in ZRG)
• Guidelines and best practices to prevent and control forest fires at regional, national and community levels, including training and enhanced collaboration among countries and organizations
• Nine sub-regional networks supported, information dissemination and further expansion of ongoing networks on forest fire management (Reduced in ZRG)
• Dissemination of legal information on international agreements to member countries

241A4 - Conservation in Forests and Fragile Ecosystems

Objective

Improved national policies and practices, supported by international awareness and collaboration, for the sustainable use of forest and wildland resources and environmental conservation; support of biodiversity, the protective role of trees, shrubs and other vegetation in fragile ecosystems and sustainable arid land management.

Biennial Outputs

• Dissemination and exchange of experiences, best practices and innovative approaches in integrated watershed management and sustainable mountain development
• Pilot activities for field testing and demonstration of innovative approaches to integrated watershed management and sustainable mountain development
• Publications on sustainable practices to manage wildlife and to conserve biological diversity in forest and woodland ecosystems (Reduced in ZRG)
• Organization of field-schools and workshops (Eliminated in ZRG)
• Support to the national implementation of UNCCD through facilitation of Action Plans, dissemination of best practices on control of land degradation through forestry and agro-forestry
• Reports on the International Partnership on Sustainable Development in Mountain Regions, to CSD, WSSD follow-up mechanisms, and other processes related to Agenda 21
• Support to the International Partnership on Sustainable Development in Mountain Regions, including hosting and servicing its secretariat (Eliminated in ZRG)
• Institutional support provided to the development of national mechanisms for follow-up to the International Year of Mountains
• Selected countries supported in the development of national strategies laws or programmes for sustainable mountain development (Eliminated in ZRG)
• Support to international cooperation and exchange on the role of trees, forests, and other land use practices appropriate to fragile mountain environments and drylands

241A5 - Forest Plantations and Trees Outside Forests

Objective

Awareness of the role and contribution of forest plantations and trees outside of forests, including agro-forestry systems and urban and peri-urban environments; improved national policy formulation and investment.

Biennial Outputs

• Support to forest genetic resources networks, coupled with studies and guidelines on access to tree planting materials and technologies (Reduced in ZRG)
• Studies and guidelines on access to tree planting materials and technologies
• Guidelines on appropriate technologies for plantation and tree establishment and management
• Information on status and trends of forest plantations, including their economic and environmental impacts
• Advice on land use policy, planning and methodologies for trees outside forests (Reduced in ZRG)
• Dissemination of agro-forestry techniques to promote food security
• Information, policy and planning advice and sharing of best practices on the integration of trees in urban and peri-urban environments

241A7 - Forests and Water

Objective

Enhanced national awareness and dialogue on, and enabling policy environment for the role of forests and trees, and related practices such as watershed management, in the conservation of water resources.

Biennial Outputs

• Methodologies and technology transfer for effective watershed management, including forest practices which lead to the sustainable use of water resources
• Develop, prepare and disseminate specific communication materials targeting policy makers for the promotion of effective approaches (Eliminated in ZRG)
• Development of innovative approaches for the conservation and sustainable development of upland watersheds
• Disseminate information collected on achieved results and lessons learned (Eliminated in ZRG)
• Promotion of new approaches to watershed management and related disaster control methods
• Promote and test the role of tree-based production systems and trees outside forest in the conservation of water resources (Eliminated in ZRG)
• Support to institutional capacity building to implement appropriate policies to conserve water resources
• Support to implementation of recommendations from the International Year of Mountains (2002) and the International Year of Fresh Water (2003)

241A8 - Forests and Climate Change

Objective

International climate change-related instruments, national programmes, implementation plans and mechanisms adequately address and safeguard the sustainable development of forests, forestry and forest products.

Biennial Outputs

• Collaboration with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to develop and promote guidelines for improved forest practices
• Development of carbon inventory for forest ecosystems in developed and developing countries (Eliminated in ZRG)
• Consistent terminology related to carbon stock assessment in forests (Eliminated in ZRG)
• Assistance to national capacity building to comply with the Kyoto Protocol (Reduced in ZRG)
• Support to technical discussions on forests and climate change
• Analysis of key issues related to forests and climate (Reduced in ZRG)
• Promotion of wood fuels as substitute for fossil fuels (Reduced in ZRG)

241P1 - Assessment and Monitoring of Forests and Woodland Resources

Objective

International and national initiatives, policies and programmes reflect and are facilitated by a common and enhanced information base.

Biennial Outputs

• Development and transfer of new methodologies for forest inventories and assessments through pilot projects in countries
• Enhanced national-level analyses and use of forest-related information in national policy processes (Reduced in ZRG)
• Continuously updated national information, provided by countries, on forests and forestry disseminated through the FAO website
• Periodic updates of core forest resources statistics in the State of the World's Forests (SOFO) reports
• Update of Global Forest Resources Assessment 2000 (to be published in 2005)
• Training, workshops and publications to support improved national forest assessments
• Support to country efforts to monitor, assess and report on progress toward sustainable forest management, including effective implementation of agreed criteria and indicators

241S1 - Technical Support and Advisory Services

Objective

Technical advice and information.

Biennial Outputs

• Advice to countries and support to field projects related to forest management and conservation, including trees outside forests (Reduced in ZRG)

Programme 2.4.2: Forest Products and Economics

(All amounts in US$ 000)

242A3 - Forestry Sector Outlook Studies

Objective

Policy formulation in countries and donor assistance and investment programmes that take into account long-term opportunities and challenges of the forestry sector, stimulated by enhanced strategic planning capacity.

Biennial Outputs

• SOFO 2005
• Four regional/sub-regional workshops helping selected countries to build up country capacity in long term strategic planning
• Assistance to selected countries in Africa to revise country outlook papers (Reduced in ZRG)
• Regional network of forestry planners to strengthen planning capability
• Two global and 4 regional thematic studies assessing long term trends on selected topics
• Draft outlook study for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAFSOS)
• European Forest Sector Outlook Study
• Identification of themes/ topics that require in-depth assessment and follow-up studies (Reduced in ZRG)
• Five thematic studies relating to the outlook study on West and Central Asia
• Assessment of trends in production, consumption and trade of forest products and updated forecasts to the year 2020
• Draft of the outlook report for the West and Central Asia region
• Two sub-regional workshops to discuss and finalise the outlook report

242A4 - Economic Aspects of Forests

Objective

Forest policy makers, owners, managers and investors design policies and pursue practices that are economically sustainable over the long-term and lead to increased investment and employment in the sector, including in small-scale enterprises.

Biennial Outputs

• Development of innovative methodologies for resource mobilisation and investments in sustainable forestry management
• Two regional workshops on pricing of forest products
• Technical advice to countries to improve/rationalise revenue collection systems (Reduced in ZRG)
• Methodologies for assessing and internalising the values of forest-based public goods, addressing critical environmental issues
• Case studies on economic issues relating to forest-water linkages and approaches to internalising the externalities
• Position papers on economic issues in CDM investments in 4 selected countries
• Five country case studies analysing the employment and income generation potential of forestry, taking into account technological changes (Reduced in ZRG)
• Case studies on small-scale enterprises focusing on their role in poverty alleviation, taking into account emerging constraints and opportunities
• Position paper examining the economic aspects of poverty alleviation through forestry interventions
• Report on shifts in trade patterns, in response to differential economic performances of countries and regions
• Support to inter-governmental discussion of forest trade policy and forest certification issues
• Four case studies on trade of goods and environmental services focusing on their implications for sustainable forest management (Reduced in ZRG)

242P1 - Forest Products Information

Objective

National forestry strategies and policies are based on an improved awareness and understanding of forestry product trends and support their sustainable use, and forest management better reflects sustainable harvesting practices.

Biennial Outputs

• Regular publication and distribution of the Forest Harvesting Bulletin, including electronically
• Regular publication and distribution of the Forest Energy Forum newsletter
• Regular publication and distribution of Non Wood News and the electronic newsletter "Digest" (Reduced in ZRG)
• Information collection, which will also serve as inputs to FORIS
• Regular publication of Recovered Paper Statistics and the Pulp and Paper Capacity Survey
• Publication of the Forest Products Yearbook in 2004 and 2005
• Production and dissemination of summary analysis of key trends in production, consumption and trade of forest products

242P2 - Appropriate Utilisation of Forest Products

Objective

National forest wood and non-wood product utilisation practices are based on a solid information foundation and reflect balanced economic and social concerns.

Biennial Outputs

• Training on best practices in wood harvesting and engineering for the forest industry (Reduced in ZRG)
• Support to the implementation of regional and national codes of forest harvesting and engineering (Reduced in ZRG)
• Development of regional code for forest harvesting for Latin America in collaboration with Latin American Forestry Commission
• Promotion of bio-energy as an environmentally friendly source of energy and its integration into national agriculture, energy and environment development policies
• Support to capacity building on environmentally sound forest practices, including through workshops and sharing of best practices
• Elaboration of methodologies for assessment, management and utilisation of non-wood forest products (NWFP)
• Facilitation of consensus on definitions and codes of key non-wood forest products
• Analysis of environmental issues related to forest utilisation and more generally in the forest sector, including causes for wood substitution and promotion in the use of forest products
• Support to capacity building on environmental impact assessments (Reduced in ZRG)
• Development of methodologies for Woodfuel Integrated Supply and Demand Overview Mapping (WISDOM) to enhance planning and policy development in this sector

242S1 - Support to Field Projects and Advisory Services

Objective

Increased access to resources and benefits derived from resources.

Biennial Outputs

• Support to field projects (Reduced in ZRG)
• Advice to member countries related to forest products and economics (Reduced in ZRG)

Programme 2.4.3: Forestry Policy and Institutions

(All amounts in US$ 000)

243A3 - Strengthening National Institutional Capacities

Objective

National forestry institutions are more efficiently managed and better coordinated and the main stakeholders, including researchers, educators and policy makers are enabled to formulate and enforce policies which promote development of the forestry sector in a sustainable way.

Biennial Outputs

• Analysis and publication on forest institutions performance and on reforming forest organizations
• Manual on Economic and Environmental Accounting for Forestry (Eliminated in ZRG)
• Assistance for institutional capacity building and information for improved policy analysis and better governance of the forestry sector
• Studies, guidelines and publications on country capacity issues, with emphasis on institutional development and performance, knowledge management and governance
• Demonstration and documentation of extension partnership models for tree and forest products, including approaches to equitable market access (Eliminated in ZRG)
• Models of joint ventures schemes, clearing house, and private forest owners associations
• Study of equity issues in wood and non-wood forest products marketing chain (Eliminated in ZRG)
• Support to forestry education institutions, especially in curriculum development and review, training needs assessments and strengthening of institutional arrangements
• Strengthening of regional forestry education networks
• Improved global exchange and cooperation in forestry education
• Review of models for improved relevance and impact of forestry research on social and economic development of countries
• Assistance to national and regional forest and environment research planning
• Improved exchange of information and cooperation in forestry research; including the strengthening of regional forestry research networks

243A4 - Forest Policies and Governance

Objective

Concerned stakeholders in countries will more objectively and rationally guide, implement and monitor forestry policies and programmes, promoting sustainable development as well as increased economic returns, products and services from the sector.

Biennial Outputs

• Support to countries in cross-sectoral analysis, policy formulation, implementation of national programmes, research/monitoring of critical forestry issues including governance, forest law compliance, privatisation and decentralization (Reduced in ZRG)
• Publications, workshops and seminars on forest policies and governance (Reduced in ZRG)
• Study on cross-sectoral impacts, privatisation and decentralisation of forest authorities
• Comparative analysis of major issues like privatisation and decentralisation on sustainable forest management (Reduced in ZRG)
• Methodologies and tools for forestry policy and programmes formulation, implementation and evaluation

243A5 - Forests, Poverty Alleviation and Food Security

Objective

Increased national and international awareness of the forestry sector's contribution to poverty alleviation, food security and sustainable development and a strengthened role of forestry in national and international planning and policy setting.

Biennial Outputs

• Studies and guidelines on the impact of forest policies and strategies on poverty alleviation and food security (with emphasis on cross-sectoral linkages/issues)
• Support to integration of forestry issues in national development planning processes, coupled with awareness-raising (Reduced in ZRG)
• Support to countries in relation to emerging opportunities such as markets for environmental services, forest valuation methods, carbon markets and innovative financial mechanisms to benefit the poor (Eliminated in ZRG)
• Manual on how to improve forestry contribution to poverty alleviation aimed at raising awareness among practitioners
• Study on innovative approaches to alleviating poverty through the improved utilization of forests and trees
• Analysis of relationship of national forestry programmes with poverty reduction strategic papers in selected countries

243P4 - Participatory Forestry and Sustainable Livelihoods

Objective

Forest management policy, planning and legislation and implementation practices at local, national and regional levels reflect appropriate participation of key stakeholders, including local communities, and create an enabling environment for better access to forest resources and sustainable livelihoods.

Biennial Outputs

• Development and implementation of effective approaches for increased participation of forest stakeholders in forest processes
• Support to community of practice on "enhancing stakeholders participation in national forestry programmes"
• Capacity building support to stakeholders in participatory processes (Reduced in ZRG)
• Support to training programmes on participatory processes for national forestry programmes development in partnership with training institutions (Reduced in ZRG)
• Methodologies, case studies and practical guidelines
• Improved guidelines on community-based enterprise development based on feedback from experience

243S1 - Interaction with Field Programmes and Advisory Services

Objective

Improved capacity to understand and utilize forest policy and institutional tools/instruments developed through field programmes/projects. Trained forestry staff and people on policy, planning and participatory processes. Governmental and non governmental institutions strengthened and able to deal with emerging issues and to involve different sectoral stakeholders.

Biennial Outputs

• Support to field projects (Reduced in ZRG)
• Advice to member countries related to forest policies, governance, participation, research, education, extension, poverty alleviation, and sustainable livelihoods (Reduced in ZRG)

Programme 2.4.4: Forestry Information and Liaison

(All amounts in US$ 000)

244A1 - International Forestry Processes

Objective

Increased consensus and action-oriented outcomes within various international forest-related instruments and processes coupled with facilitation of the implementation of actions agreed in these processes at national, regional and global levels.

Biennial Outputs

• Technical and policy studies and documents prepared for the sessions of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) (Reduced in ZRG)
• Support to the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF) through documents, meetings, Web site (Reduced in ZRG)
• Further development of the Sourcebook of Funds for Sustainable Forest Management
• Report of the Task Force to Streamline Reports to International Forest-Related Processes
• Reports to the UN Commission on Sustainable Development and other international bodies
• Support to and coordination of FAO contributions to international conventions related to forests (Reduced in ZRG)

244P1 - Forestry Information

Objective

Improved awareness of key forestry issues, advocacy of sustainable management of forest resources (on the part of policy makers in formulating forest sector plans and of researchers and academic institutions in informing the public debate) based on wider access to a current and objective information base.

Biennial Outputs

• Continued development and enhancements of FORIS (Forest Information System), including direct access by member countries
• Support to national forestry information capabilities (Reduced in ZRG)
• Timely and accurate information on the status and trends of the world's forests, related policies and institutions, and on FAO's work in forestry, including the biennial publication of the State of the World's Forests (SOFO) (Reduced in ZRG)
• Timely information on the world's forests, related policies and institutions, and on FAO's work in forestry
• Quarterly publication of Unasylva, including Internet accessibility
• Dissemination of targeted information including advocacy materials

244S1 - Support to Statutory Bodies and Liaison with the Regional Offices

Objective

Support the efforts of countries to develop and implement legislation, policies, plans and programmes to implement sustainable forest management by providing a forum where countries can exchange views and experiences on what is working and why.

Biennial Outputs

• Organization of the seventeenth session of the FAO Committee on Forestry
• Organization of the fourteenth session of the African Forestry and Wildlife Commission
• Organization of the twentieth session of the Asia-Pacific Forestry Commission
• Organization of the thirty-second session of the European Forestry Commission
• Organization of the twenty-third session of the Latin America and Caribbean Forestry Commission
• Organization of the twenty-second session of the North American Forestry Commission
• Organization of the sixteenth session of the Near East Forestry Commission
• Promotion of more effective use of the regional forestry commissions as venues for policy dialogue and coordinated action to promote sustainable forest management (Reduced in ZRG)
• Two meetings of the Advisory Committee on Paper and Wood Products
• One meeting of the Panel of Experts on Forest Gene Resources
• One meeting of the International Poplar Commission
• One meeting of Silva Mediterranea
• One meeting of the Working Group of the African Forestry and Wildlife Commission
• Support to effective coordination between FAO Headquarters and decentralized offices (Reduced in ZRG)

Programme 2.4.9: Programme Management

(All amounts in US$ 000)

195. This programme covers the immediate Office of Assistant Director-General (FOD), including the Programme Coordination Unit (FODP), the offices of division directors and those parts of the Regional Office direction attributable to forestry activities. The increase in programme management under 249S1 results from a technical adjustment in the distribution of the Management Support Service (MSS) of AFD.