- Bringing logging companies in line with FSC certification standards in the Congo Basin
- Building knowledge about climate change adaptation in Congo Basin
- New 10-year research initiative to protect forests and reduce risks for forest communities
- Bioenergy, sustainability and trade-offs
- Landmark findings show mangroves key to fighting climate change
- Rural poor rely on forests for nearly a quarter of household income
- Integrating the management of timber and non-timber forest products in the Amazon
- Reviving frankincense and myrrh for livelihoods and conservation in Ethiopia
- Urgent call for action at Forest Day 5
- Shining a spotlight on Indonesia’s forests
- Pathways to impact
Message from Director General
A great International Year of Forests
In 2011, the UN-designated International Year of Forests shone a spotlight on the actions needed to promote more sustainable management of forests. CIFOR had much to celebrate in this regard – as we outline in this annual report.
The year saw many new policies and pledges of financial support by governments and donors for efforts to stem deforestation and forest degradation. As CIFOR moves forward to implement the CGIAR Research Programme Forests, Trees and Agroforestry, we are confident that we are well positioned to take on the most important forestry research challenges we face today.
CIFOR now has about 200 staff, complemented by many associates, partners and consultants, who are carrying out forest-related research in some 20 countries. We have a growing number of high-profile global comparative research projects at various stages of completion that are generating new knowledge and impact consistent with our mission. We have significantly enhanced CIFOR’s presence on the global stage through increased investment in communications.
In November, I announced my intention to leave CIFOR, after having led the organisation since 2006. I believe that now is a good time for a leadership transition because the organisation is so strong in so many ways. Thanks to the commitment of our staff and board and the breadth of our partnerships, we have achieved remarkable progress towards our goal of becoming the ‘go-to’ resource for information and analysis on key forest issues.
It has been a pleasure to lead CIFOR during the past 6 years and I am confident that CIFOR’s next director general will bring new energy and perspectives to further ensure delivery on advancing our mission in the future.
Frances Seymour
Director General