"Weaving knowledge into Development"

Global report cites progress in slowing forest losses

13 March 2007, Rome – A number of regions of the world are reversing centuries of deforestation and are now showing an increase in forest area, according to FAO's State of the World’s Forests report, released today.

Towards a better knowledge of forest ecosystems

Rome, 5 March 2007 - Stressing that improved forest policies and sustainable forest management necessarily entail a periodic methodical evaluation of forest resources, FAO deplores the delay of many countries in adopting modern technology and methods for collecting, analysing and managing the data needed for such an evaluation.

Capacity building: Strengthening knowledge to combat forest fires

Rome, 5 March 2007 - The number of forest fires caused by people without the knowledge or the means to prevent, control and fight them, has grown exponentially in certain parts of the world. Building the capacity at all levels, including government officers, private forest owners and local communities, to prevent, control and fight forest fires has been a major task for FAO.

Killing two birds with one stone: Transferring knowledge to fight poverty and land degradation

Rome, 5 March 2007 - With help from FAO, farmers in six sub-Saharan countries have been able to increase their income from the sale of gums and resins and to restore degraded land.

The invaders are here: Sharing knowledge to prevent and control pests from harming forests

Rome, 5 March 2007 - Outbreaks of forest invasive species are no longer confined to one country or region . The increase in travel, trade and transport as well as climate change have made invasive species a growing transnational problem. Invasive species are spreading quickly from one country to another and may cross continents. Sharing knowledge with people beyond one's border is therefore essential.

Using knowledge handed down from generations to produce commercial products in bamboo

Rome, 5 March 2007 - Knowledge and skills handed down from generation to generation have found a new lease of life in the production of marketable goods to provide much-needed cash to local producers.

History of forestry as it developed in Central Europe, unveiled

Rome, 5 March 2007 - For the first time, FAO will display at the upcoming Committee on Forestry (13-16 March), a historical collection of rare forestry books dating back to the eighteenth century that provide a snapshot in time of the state of forest research as it first developed in Central Europe and evolved through the beginning of the twentieth century.

last updated:  Thursday, March 15, 2007