Background

The demand of society on forests has continuously changed. Initially, forests were mainly seen as resources for timber. Overtime, the role of forests has expanded as our society expects various economic, social and environmental products and services from the forests. Forests now are seen as a component of broader landscapes. The interconnectedness of forests to other sectors has become much more understood. Also, there is a better appreciation of the environmental and cultural role of forests. Looking into the future, it is very important for governments, organizations, private sector and other stakeholders to understand the roles of forests and forestry in the next decades. This will help them in designing their interventions, investments and strategic planning.

In the past, in collaboration with governments and partners, FAO has undertaken regional and global outlook studies to assess how the future is likely to unfold and to identify challenges and opportunities that are likely to emerge. FAO completed the first Asia-Pacific Forestry Sector Outlook Study (APFSOS I) in 1998 and APFSOS II in 2010. Governments appreciated the results of the studies as they used them for strategic planning at national and sub-national levels. Policy dialogues involving key stakeholders such as private sector, international organizations, donors, youth, etc. on issues such as investment, partnership and priorities in the forestry sector were also informed by the results of these studies. Additionally, various organizations have used the studies for research and capacity building.

While the broad trends outlined in APFSOS II are still valid, there is a need to discuss and provide an overview of the probable paths of forestry development to the year 2030 and beyond. APFSOS III will consider the implications of new international frameworks and agreements, new technologies, the role of youth in the future, the changing pace of globalization, the importance of environmental services and conservation, etc. All of these factors could possibly take forestry along a trajectory different from what was visualized earlier.

An Advisory Committee for APSOS III consisting of leading experts and representatives of key institutions has been established to provide strategic advice and support for undertaking the APFSOS III.

Objectives
The first meeting of the Advisory Committee will be held in Bangkok, 26-27 April 2018. As APFSOS III has an ambitious target to complete the first draft by the end of 2018, the meeting will discuss the broad framework for implementation of APFSOS III including prioritization of key issues to be considered, the overall structure of the outlook report, cooperation and involvement of partners, and other relevant matters.

Photos and Presentations from the First Advirosry Committee Meeting

Changing society and landscapes: Forestry in Asia and the Pacific in 2030 Report of the First Meeting of the Advisory Committee of the Asia-Pacific Forestry Outlook Study III

Provisional programme

Participants of the First Advisory Committee

Proposed report outline of APFSOS III

Term of reference of the Advisory Committee