The Near East Forestry and Range Commission (NEFRC) is a statutory body of the United Nations Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO). Established in 1952, the Commission is a regional forum for dialogue and exchange of experiences & knowledge on forestry and rangeland issues in the region. Since its inception the Commission has held 19 sessions hosted by member countries and passed recommendations on a number of topics of relevance to the forestry sector in the region.

The 20th Session of the Near East Forestry & Range Commission (NEFRC) with the theme “Good Governance of Forests and Rangelands: pillar of food security” is scheduled to be held during the period 29 January- 2nd February, 2012 in the Republic of Turkey.

In line with the governance theme of the session, and given the success of the first Near East Forestry Week, a second Near East Forestry Week (2nd NEFW) will take place parallel to the NEFRC Session. 2nd NEFW seeks to foster and encourage the participation of Private Sector Companies, Non-Governmental Organizations, Community Based Organizations and Associations, and the media and their dialogue with public sector organizations. It is being organized by FAO and the Turkish Ministry of Forestry and Water affairs.