Collaborative Partnership on Forests

UGANDA 2018. Sawlog Production Grant Scheme © FAOPetterik Wiggers

Towards Sustainable, Diverse, Resilient and Inclusive Planted Forests, Afforestation and Reforestation efforts

Target countries: Global
Lead members: Landscape Alliance, FAO, IUFRO and ITTO
Timeframe: 2026–2028 (phase 1)
Contributions to forest-related goals: GFGs 1 and 2, SDGs 1, 12, 13 and 15

Objective

Planted forests have the potential to deliver on multiple objectives beyond the production of lumber, energy, or chips. Well-designed and sustainably managed planted and productive forests, including small-scale plantations, smallholder tree-farming systems (such as woodlots), and agroforestry systems, contribute to the transition towards sustainable and resilient agrifood systems and advancing sustainable forest-based bioeconomy approaches.

Main activities

The first phase of the initiative will focus on the development of a flagship publication and associated data compilation, taking stock of the most recent global advances and developments. Coinciding with the launch of the UN Decade on Afforestation and Restoration in line with Sustainable Forest Management (2027-2036), the publication will:  

  • Release new data and information on planted forests and their production across the world; 
  • Share state-of-the-art resources, best management practices, and innovative systems to guide countries in their afforestation and reforestation efforts and in the sustainable management of existing planted forests; and 
  • Review challenges, opportunities and risks for planted forests in the coming decade and beyond, while discussing planted forests’ contributions to the first Global Forest Goal (GFG), and especially to its target 1.1 “Forest area is increased by 3 per cent worldwide”.

2026/2027:

  • Fully-fledged flagship publication product developed, informed by dedicated studies 
  • Co-organization of a webinar series on key planted forest tree species;
  • Organization of dedicated sessions at key international events, as appropriate; and 
  • Technical inputs and exchange at relevant policy forums.

2028:

  • Launch of the flagship publication;
  • Co-organization of the 6th International Congress on Planted Forests in 2028 (including potential launch of the flagship publication);
  • Technical inputs and exchanges at relevant policy forums; and
  • Expansion into phase 2 and associated resource mobilization.

Expected impacts by the end of the 2026-2028 period

Updated data and information on the current status, trends, and challenges concerning planted forests and afforestation and reforestation efforts are collected, analyzed, and disseminated to enable the uptake of best practices and to nurture upscaling on the ground.