Research on tropical forests & forestry: The Role of the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)

Forest research in the tropics: The initial diagnosis A weak southern voice Limited focus on policy and institutional issues Lack of multidisciplinary and cross-sectoral approaches Little comparative work Data collection with little write-up, much less synthesis Weak links to policy-making

CIFOR was created to address some of these issues It does policy-relevant research, which emphases synthesis & cross-country work. It strengthens developing country research capacity through partnerships, in-service training, reference materials, methods workshops & south-south exchanges. It promotes multi-disciplinary & cross sectoral approaches. It invests in communications. It tries to promote pro-poor perspectives.

What is CIFOR? One of 15 research centers supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). A hybrid between an inter-governmental organization & an NGO. Does research together with partners in about 30 tropical countries. CIFOR is based in Bogor, Indonesia and has staff in a dozen countries. [CIFOR is not a donor organization.]

What topics does CIFOR work on? Forests & livelihoods [forests & poverty, integrating conservation & development] Environmental services & sustainable use of forests [sustainable production of timber & ntfps, biodiversity, water, and carbon] Forests & governance [local institutions, social learning, trade & finance, forest law enforcement, and conflict]

CIFOR’s Resources About 60 CIFOR researchers & 150-200 partner researchers. Annual budget, about US $15 million About 30% of the budget goes to partners About 70 donors, but 2/3 of funds come from ten largest (mostly governments)

Communicating Research Results Media stories Workshop & conference presentations Books & monographs Journal articles Web site One-on-one contact with partners Forest Policy Experts listserve (POLEX)

Partnership with other international organizations Member of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (along with IUFRO & ICRAF) Works closely with ICRAF (joint staff, projects, infrastructure) Joint projects with EFI, CATIE Works with regional research associations (e.g. FORNESSA, CORAF, APAFRI)