CTFT TREE SEED LABORATORY FRANCE research results will be applied in Africa / C. COSSALTER
The Tropical Forestry Action Plan (TFAP) is a new initiative within the international development assistance community aimed at the harmonization and strengthening of action programmes In tropical forestry (see the special report in Unasylva, 38 (152): 37 64).
TFAP was developed by FAO in collaboration with specialists from other UN agencies, International organizations, governments and development assistance organization The Plan has gained widespread support as a framework for programme development in tropical forestry assistance.
The TFAP sets out action strategies in five priority areas:
i) forestry in land-use;
ii) forest-based industrial development;
iii) fuelwood and energy;
iv) conservation d tropical ecosystems; and
v) institutions.
Research is integrated throughout the TFAP as a fundamental component of each action programme. In addition, the institutional aspects of research are strongly emphasized in the institutions action programme.
The TFAP will be implemented through the elaboration of national tropical forestry action plans by the interested developing countries, often with technical and financial assistance from the donor countries and development agencies. From national plans, projects will be formulated and presented to development assistance agencies for funding within the framework of TFAP.
In the process, the research priorities, constraints and opportunities within the framework of national plans can be identified, brought to the attention of decision-makers and development assistance organizations, and supported through coordinated inputs from national, regional and international levels.
It will then be the responsibility of the international community to work out ways and means: through regional networks, bilateral and multilateral funding programmes, and through organizations such as IUFRO, ICRAF and Tropenbos.
Identifying research needs is only the first step. Facilities, trained personnel and programme funds will also be necessary. The TFAP action programme for institutions puts high priority on these elements d the research sector.
Research will also be receiving specific attention in the implementation of TFAP, in that most multidonor country missions fielded under TFAP will have a research specialist as a member of the mission team. TFAP implementation Is already under way In countries such as Cameroon, Guinea, the Dominican Republic, Panama, Peru and Nicaragua.
FAO has distributed the TFAP report throughout the International forestry research community, so that those responsible for the administration and planning d research programmes, in both developed and developing countries, will be aware d the TFAP and the opportunities it presents for cooperation and collaboration in support d tropical forestry research.
Further information on TFAP Is available from the Office of the TFAP Coordinator, Forestry Department, FAO, Rome. Copies d the TFAP report are available on request while supplies last.
