Strengthen the technical foundation for forest resource conservation and development and forest product development and utilization.

 

This objective covers technical aspects of best practices for sustainableforest management and use. One of its principal components is continued support to the implementation of criteria and indicators for the sustainable management of forests through regional and eco-regional processes.Measures for the conservation and management of forest genetic resources,wildlife and forest ecosystems will be reviewed in all types of forests. Studieson management systems and improved logging practices will focus largely on the tropical humid zones, arid and semi-arid zones and countries with low forest cover. Support will continue to be given in the field of tree improvement, and studies will be carried out on the environmental, social and economic impacts of plantations. Studies will be carried out on trees outside forests, on the emerging issues of recreation and urban and peri-urban forestry, as well as on agroforestry and afforestation and reforestation in countries with low forest cover. With regard to the utilization of forest products, FAO Forestry will focus on low-impact harvesting, appropriate processing techniques, employment opportunities and infrastructure development, forest products marketing and the assessment of the contribution of non-wood forest products(NWFPs) to food security.