Knowledge hub

An effective forest policy requires appropriate decisions regarding the management and use of forest resources. Forest policy and management, however, are areas which are not well structured despite their high complexity. Recent advances in information processing technologies, as well as an unprecedent ease of information exchange, provide us with new abilities for better management of forest ecosystems and the services they provide. Forest Information Systems (FIS) aim to facilitate this issue by providing tools to assist gathering forest information, making them accessible for informed decisions, monitoring their results, and correcting existing policies. An FIS can increase operational efficiencies, bring cost reductions, supply better information for decision-makers, and through this contribute to the improvement of forest ecosystem services and state governance. They can also be a strategic tool for economic development, and a solution for increased transparency and participation expected by modern societies. This capacity building guidance outlines how these technological advances can be used to improve modern forest policy making and natural resources management. 

Forests in the Caucasus and Central Asia cover only a small share of the land, yet they embrace an impressive diversity of ecosystems—from mountains and floodplains to steppes, semi‑deserts, and deserts. Despite their limited extent, these forests shelter rich biodiversity, protect fragile landscapes, and play a vital role in safeguarding soils and ecosystems across the region. Recent initiatives and policy developments also signal a strong and growing commitment to sustainable forest management and the restoration of forest landscapes.

Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management provide a framework for comprehensive forest reporting, which defines, guides, monitors and assess progress toward sustainable forest management.

Sustainable Urban and Peri-urban Forestry - An Integrative and Inclusive Nature-Based Solution for Green Recovery and Sustainable, Healthy and Resilient Cities (EFR)