FAO has been monitoring the world’s forests since 1946 through regular assessments conducted with its member countries. FAO now works with partners to use remote sensing and cloud-based super computers to help countries monitor and report on forests and develop climate change mitigation plans and data-driven land-use policies. The Global Forest Resources Assessment presents a comprehensive view of the world’s forests and the ways in which the extent of forest resources, their condition, management and use is changing. 

FAO also compiles global statistics on the production and consumption of forest products, pulp and paper production capacities and recovered paper data surveys. The FAO Yearbook of Forest Products is a compilation of statistical data on basic forest products for all countries and territories of the world.

At a national level, FAO also supports countries to develop national forest monitoring systems, forest product statistics and socioeconomic surveys to improve national forest information.