Tag Archives: forestry report

FRA ‘shocked’ at World Bank Forestry Report

The $4.1 billion in funding invested by the World Bank into forestry projects has largely failed to fulfil its goals, according to the Bank’s own investigation

Bainbridge Island, WA, February 01, 2013 – The $4.1 billion in funding invested by the World Bank into forestry projects has largely failed to fulfil its goals, according to the Bank’s own investigations. Forestry Research Associates (FRA) claims that encouraging more private investment into sustainable plantations could help to improve the lives of those living in vulnerable forested regions.

The World Banks has given cash to 345 forestry projects spread over 75 nations in the ten years to July 2011. However, the report said that many of these projects were not being run sustainably or in an environmentally friendly way. The World Bank came under criticism for continuing to support industrial logging and failing to ensure the benefits of their cash were going to the rural poor rather than the local wealthy people, who were, in fact, benefiting more in some cases. The World Bank also failed to involve local communities in decision making.

Many countries in Europe and elsewhere have invested millions of dollars into the fund to support the forestry projects being backed by the World Bank. It is thought that this latest report could lead to a major review of these contributions. The UK, for example, has contributed $600 million to the Bank’s forestry schemes in the last five years.

FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins, said, “The news that the World Bank’s cash could have been doing the opposite of helping poorer communities and preventing climate change is a shock and we believe it’s now time to look at other ways to help these regions.”

FRA supports a range of sustainable forestry investment schemes, such as the sustainable plantations run by Greenwood Management in Brazil. Through these projects, local communities learn that keeping natural forests alive and standing can generate rewards through carbon trading deals, for example. At the same time, managing plantations responsibly means the forestry industry is safeguarded for generations to come.

Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com

FRA: UN Forestry Report says Forestry could ‘Revolutionise’ Economy

FRA is welcoming a report from the UN, which says that countries need to introduce the right policies to ensure that their forestry assets fulfil their potential.

Bainbridge Island, WA, June 21, 2012 – Forestry Research Associates (FRA) is welcoming a report from the UN, which says that countries need to introduce the right policies to ensure that their forestry assets fulfil their potential.

The report claims that if the world’s forests were managed properly and sustainable, they could create a solid green economy. The report also includes the UN pledge to replant 18 million hectares of forests – a move that has been welcomed by FRA, a research and analysis consultancy specialising in forestry investment and sustainability.

UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) assistant director-general for forestry, Eduardo Rojas-Briales, stated, “Forests and trees on farms are a direct source of food, energy and income for more than a billion of the world’s poorest people.

“At the same time, forests trap carbon and mitigate climate change, maintain water and soil health, and prevent desertification.”

He went on to explain how the sustainable management of the world’s forests could revolutionise the world’s economy and could shift economic power more towards countries that have high concentrations of forests. He explained, “The sustainable management of forests offer multiple benefits – with the right programmes and policies, the sector can lead the way towards more sustainable, greener economies.”

FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins said that the report was an “exceptionally positive” new insight into the potential of the forestry sector. “This report reflects the importance of sustainable forestry management.

“We believe that investing in sustainable plantations and sustainably managed natural forests is essential for the future of the green economy.”

FRA supports projects such as those run by Greenwood Management in Brazil and elsewhere, which allow investors to buy up sections of plantation. These non-native plantations produce timber and charcoal products that are an alternative to using native forests and, as a result, help to reduce deforestation and add to the amount of forest land.

Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com