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The objective of this study conducted in the first half of 2017 was to analyze the necessity of and options for mitigating biodiversity risks resulting from FLR and the trade-offs that potentially accompany the implementation of FLR at scale. For this, the authors reviewed relevant literature, analyzed the outcomes (decisions and guidance) of the main relevant international policy processes and conducted an explorative expert survey online. Furthermore, unstructured interviews with participants at the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) conference on FLR in Puerto Rico, and participant observation at three high-level policy events related to the Bonn Challenge in 20173 were used to validate the findings. The report proceeds as follows: Section 2 provides a brief overview on definitions and interpretations of key terms related to FLR. In section 3, the international policy processes are analyzed regarding formally agreed objectives, decisions and guidance of relevance for implementing FLR. In section 4, the results of an empirical FLR expert survey are presented, focusing on views on potential FLR risks and trade-offs for biodiversity. The study concludes with options for addressing risks and dealing with regulatory deficits.

This set of training materials makes Forest Genetic Resources (FGR) training relevant, attractive and accessible to non-specialists. It enables teachers and trainers to cover FGR issues in their courses, and increase understanding of how to manage diverse and complex forest and other tree based ecosystems sustainably. This training guide has been developed for: - Lecturers and students in tertiary education programmes on forestry, agriculture, environmental studies, and broader land management programmes. - Trainers and trainees in short courses (on-the-job training) on forest biodiversity and forest genetic resources; - Forestry practitioners: forest/land-use managers, certification organizations, NGOs. The guide has a global geographic scope and covers issues of global and local relevance with regard to conservation and sustainable use of FGR. Organized in a modular format, the guide provides case studies, teacher notes, audiovisuals that are flexible and easy to use in a range of formal or informal training and learning situations. Thus, the trainer can select topics and case studies that are of particular interest and relevance to students.

This case study provides evidence that small-scale reforested lands offer an appropriate strategy and means of diversification of food sources to help curb food deficits in the months before the major harvest of food grains. This practice of reforesting lands goes beyond planting trees for ecological benefits; it integrates the value of trees for livelihoods and diversity providing food in times of scarcity. Legislation should be developed to create enabling conditions to help households invest in land restoration. Integration of FLR should be enhanced as a component of land-use plans to ensure food security of smallholders in the Sahel. Promotion of women-led FLRs is vital to achieving a positive outcome. Efforts need to be made to support and empower the role of women in FLRs by providing gender-relevant knowledge and creating gender-sensitive tenure regulations.

The general objectives of FOREAIM were 3 fold: with a broad based multidisciplinary approach instead of the mono disciplinary methods which currently predominate local forest restoration research, we 1) advanced scientific understanding of the restoration processes and through this we shall 2) produced knowledge, practical tools, models and management guidelines for restoration implementation and 3) with full involvement of all stakeholders, we synthesized information on economic, societal, policy and marketing issues to enhance employment opportunities and incomes, thus improving livelihoods for all sectors of the community.

This book presents the results of an international research project, which was designed explicitly to examine application of the FLR approach to dryland forest ecosystems in Latin America. In order for FLR to be transferred into mainstream practice that is adopted and promoted by governments and the private sector, as well as by local communities, information is needed on how the principles of FLR can be implemented in practice, in a cost-effective manner. It is this information need that the project was designed to address.