FAO's approach to SFM is based on the Forest Principles, which were included in Chapter 11 of Agenda 21 adopted at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, and the seven thematic elements of SFM defined by the United Nations General Assembly. Together with cross-cutting guidance, these principles and elements guide FAO's normative work related to SFM.

Support for SFM implementation in FAO is people-centred and builds on society's increasing awareness of environmental, social and cultural aspects, including participatory processes and gender equality. Interactions with other sectors, and the critical roles that forests and trees play in water production, soil conservation, climate-change mitigation, biodiversity conservation and bioenergy are well recognized, as are the significant contributions that forests and trees make to food security, sustainable livelihoods and the eradication of poverty. Progress towards SFM is uneven, and there is therefore a need to increase SFM implementation across the world through a continuum of approaches.

Programmes

FAO, together with partner organizations, is implementing a range of programmes that address various aspects of SFM. Some of the key programmes that contribute to improved forest management are described below.