Evaluating forests and forest livelihood projects

Forests are not only home to millions of species but also play a critical role in sustaining the livelihoods of communities across the globe. Forests are essential for food security, agriculture, and the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on them for survival.

Forests and their biodiversity provide food for local communities, as well as for regional and global markets. They provide a range of products including fruits, nuts, honey, mushrooms, spices, and medicinal plants that have been used for generations by indigenous communities for food, medicine, and cultural purposes. For example, in the Amazon rainforest, indigenous communities rely on the forest to provide them with food and shelter, as well as medicine and traditional knowledge. The forest is also home to a variety of crops such as cocoa, coffee, rubber, and timber which contribute significantly to the livelihoods of rural communities.

Forests also play a critical role in supporting agriculture by providing ecosystem services such as water regulation, soil conservation, and nutrient cycling. Forests help to regulate the water cycle by preventing soil erosion and increasing soil moisture, which is essential for crop growth. They also provide nutrient cycling services by decomposing organic matter, fixing nitrogen, and recycling nutrients, which are crucial for soil fertility and agricultural productivity.

In many developing countries, forests are a vital source of income and employment, especially for marginalized communities. Forests provide jobs for millions of people who work in forestry, logging, and processing industries. They also provide opportunities for ecotourism and recreational activities, which contribute to local economies.

However, the benefits of forests are under threat due to deforestation, degradation, and land-use change. Deforestation, which is the permanent loss of forests, has been identified as a significant contributor to climate change and the loss of biodiversity. Deforestation also affects the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on forests for their survival.

It is essential to promote sustainable forest management practices that balance economic, social, and environmental objectives. Sustainable forest management aims to maintain the productivity, diversity, and resilience of forest ecosystems while providing for the economic and social needs of communities that depend on them. Sustainable forest management practices include conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of forests, as well as improving governance and ensuring equitable access to forest resources.

⦿ Evaluation of the project “Improving global forest management through improved global forest information” 

⦿ Terminal evaluation of the project “Rehabilitation of forest landscapes and degraded land with particular attention to saline soils and areas prone to wind erosion”

⦿ Evaluation of the project "Strengthening National Forest Inventory and Satellite Land Monitoring System in Support of REDD+ in Bangladesh"

⦿ Terminal evaluation of the project "Community-based Sustainable Dryland Forest Management"

⦿ Terminal evaluation of the project “Forest Resources Assessment and Monitoring to Strengthen Forest Knowledge Framework in Azerbaijan”

⦿ Evaluation of the FAO-EU forest law enforcement, governance and trade programme – Phase III

⦿ Terminal evaluation of the project "Sustainable management of mountainous forest and land resources under climate change conditions"

Explore all evaluations related to forests...