The Global Forest Resources Assessment 2010 (FRA 2010) was the most comprehensive assessment of forests and forestry of its time, not only in terms of the number of countries and people involved, but also in terms of its scope. The assessment examined the current status and trends of about 90 variables covering the extent, condition, uses and values of forests and other wooded land, with the aim of assessing all benefits from forest resources. Information was collated from 233 countries and territories for four points in time: 1990, 2000, 2005 and 2010. The results were presented according to the seven thematic elements of sustainable forest management. 

FAO worked closely with countries and specialists in the design and implementation of FRA 2010 through regular contact, expert consultations, training for national correspondents and ten regional and sub-regional workshops. More than 900 contributors were involved, including 178 officially nominated national correspondents and their teams. The outcome was better data, a transparent reporting process and an enhanced national capacity in developing countries for data analysis and reporting. The final FRA 2010 report was published at the start of FAO’S biennial Committee on Forestry meeting during the World Forest Week in Rome.