Infosylva

Dear reader,

Welcome to this new edition of Infosylva!

To help countries succeed in their struggle against illegally harvested timber, FAO has recently released a new publication: Traceability: a management tool for business and governments. Available in three languages, it aims to give governments and companies a useful instrument for full accountability along the entire production and supply chain of timber. (In English, Spanish and French)

On the occasion of the UNFCCC COP22 in Marrakesh, René Castro, Assistant Director General of the FAO Forestry Department, tells us in an interview with Planeta Futuro of El País about the importance of forests for our lives, the need to preserve them for our future wellbeing, and what FAO does to protect them, while encouraging their sustainable management. (In Spanish)

FAO and the Government of Togo have signed an agreement for a pilot project to be carried out through the country's National Reforestation Programme. The project aims to increase the forest cover of this tropical country. (In French)

Participants at a Steering Committee meeting of a GEF/FAO funded trans-boundary project between Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire expressed satisfaction with progress made in their joint protection of elephants in the Bia-Diambarakro corridor. Opportunities for greater collaboration, including support for the sustainable livelihoods of local communities in the area, were also emphasised. (In English)

In Lebanon, a project for a new National Centre for Seeds and Forest Plants has been set up by FAO, in collaboration with the Lebanese Institute of Agricultural Research, and funded by the Government of Norway. When operative in two years' time, the centre will contribute to the country's reforestation programmes. (In French)

With a new and revamped website, FAOSTAT offers the world's most comprehensive statistical database accessible to the public, on food, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, natural resources management and nutrition. Check out its new layout and improved functions here: English, Spanish and French.

And don't forget to watch the new videos produced by the UN-REDD programme about REDD+ and the future of African forests. Along with a general overview concerning Africa, more specific insights are provided for Cote d'Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Madagascar and the United Republic of Tanzania. (In English)

Finally, we heartily encourage you to join our #2billioncare campaign to protect dryland forests by widely sharing the following video, produced by FAO with the pro bono collaboration of the South African advertising agency M&C Saatchi Abel. (English but versions in Spanish and French will follow soon)

Enjoy your reading and viewing!