Geneva Timber and Forest Study Papers – serie

Forest information systems (FIS) play a crucial role in effective forest management and evidence-based decision-making processes. They provide a comprehensive and integrated approach to collect, analyse, and disseminate data and information related to forest ecosystems. This guide aims to equip users with the knowledge and practical tools necessary to carry out a pre-analysis for the efficient development and implementation of forest information systems at national level. The different sections include specific exercises and learning objectives, offering step-by-step instructions to help practitioners understand, develop and implement the outlined processes. The exercises covered in the guide include institutional mapping, understanding the organizational context, as well as defining business and IT-related objectives of a FIS programme. Each exercise is accompanied by introductions to the topics and explanations of the context. The guide emphasizes the importance of active stakeholder engagement and participatory analysis throughout the FIS development process. It encourages users to identify key-stakeholders, gather relevant information on the national context, and use this data for informed decisions. Additionally, the guide provides guidance on mapping activities in the national forest sector, as well as establishing linkages between actors, activities and demands.

To ensure that critical information is available to all, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have summarized in this publication the main dynamics and significance of forest damage, and their reporting in the UNECE region. The publication invites readers to reflect on possible harmonized methodologies and reporting schemes. In this regard, it also underlines the collective effort that is essential for the forest sector. Real-world scenarios, such as the analysis of forest damage and disturbance data, require state-of-the-art techniques beyond the usual statistical evaluation. Innovative technologies highlighted in this publication such as remote sensing, artificial intelligence and machine learning will need to be integral parts of any advances in forest damage assessment. Reporting on forest damage is not just a technical exercise. It is a critical element of our shared commitment to biodiversity, climate resilience and livelihoods. Supporting comprehensive reporting will lay the foundation for safeguarding forest ecosystems for future generations. This publication is an important step towards improving international reporting on forest damage and the result of a collaborative effort of national and international experts, supported by the secretariat.

The Forest Products Annual Market Review 2023-2024 provides a comprehensive analysis of markets in the UNECE region and reports on the main market influences beyond the region. It covers products from the forest to the end user and from roundwood and primary processed products to value-added, housing and wood energy. Statistics-based chapters provide economic overview and policies review, analyse the markets for soft sawn wood, wood-based panels, pulp and paper, and wood energy. Underlying the analysis is a comprehensive collection of publicly available data. The Review highlights the role of sustainable forest products in international markets, discusses policies concerning forests and forest products, assesses the main trends and drivers, and analyses the effects of the current economic situation on forest product markets including on bioeconomy.

The study was developed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) in response to the request of the Republic of Moldova, to improve the forest reproductive material (FRM) sector in the Republic of Moldova. The study includes an overview of FRM production in selected European countries, assesses Moldova's FRM production capacity and identifies challenges such as outdated technology and labour shortages. It highlights the need for better nursery infrastructure, species diversification and strategic planning to meet targets set in the National Afforestation and Reforestation Programme (NARP). Centralizing FRM production, modernizing techniques and securing political support are critical to success. The study outlines concrete steps to improve the FRM sector, link it to NARP objectives, and ensure long-term sustainability through comprehensive planning and stakeholder engagement.

The study provides an overview of forest information systems (FIS) in the context of their application in forest policy and management. It describes the FIS types and functions and analyses their application in the forest sector. It outlines how these technological advances can improve modern forest policy-making and natural resource management. It provides examples of FIS solutions and their implementation in selected countries. The separate practical guide complements the study, which details the needs, opportunities and constraints for developing/improving forest information systems for the forest sector.

The study offers a comprehensive overview of forests and the forest sector within the boreal biome and delves into the importance of boreal forests in environmental, social, and economic contexts. The study is based on a thorough review of existing literature and data on boreal forests and country-specific national overviews prepared for this project by six UNECE countries with boreal forests. Despite their importance, boreal forests receive less attention than tropical forests. The study addresses this gap, examining their characteristics, management practices, and challenges.

This publication provides an overview for policymakers and decision takers on how sustainably grown wood can contribute to the efforts of cities to reducing the carbon footprint in the built environment. The document emphasizes the carbon and other technical advantages of an increased use of wood as low carbon construction material in cities in the ECE region and beyond. It further provides guidance on how various actors could contribute to facilitating an increased utilization of wood from sustainable sources as a key raw material in low carbon construction in cities.

This publication provides information on forest products markets and related policies in Europe, North America and the Commonwealth of Independent States. It begins with an overview chapter, followed by analysis of government and industry policies and market-based implements affecting forest products markets. The third chapter is on institutional forestland ownership. Five chapters are based on annual country-supplied statistics, describing: wood raw materials, sawn softwood, sawn hardwood, wood-based panels, and paper, paperboard and woodpulp. Additional chapters discuss markets for wood energy, value-added wood products, and housing. Production, trade and consumption are analyzed and relevant material on specific markets included.

This study provides an overview of the current policy and regulatory environment regarding sustainable construction materials in the building sector in Europe and North America, and, where applicable, offers a commentary on the effectiveness of such regimes in driving the adoption of wood products. The study’s objective has been to conduct a broad survey across a range of policies, initiatives and programmes in order to document the current circumstances as a starting point for further discussions, technical meetings and policy debates with a view to enhance the use of wood in buildings through policy advice to member states.

The objectives of this study are to further improve our understanding about the ways in which payments for ecosystem services schemes can be applied to forests, in particular focusing on forest’s hydrological functions for the mutual benefit of both humans and the environment. In addition, the study covers advances and challenges facing these schemes and provides practical guidance for policymakers and practitioners. This study contains the most comprehensive currently available database of case studies on forest-water related payment for ecosystem services schemes in the UNECE region.

The Forest Sector Outlook 2020-2040 study for the UNECE region provides information that supports decision-making by showing the possible medium- and long-term consequences of specific policy choices and structural changes, using scenario analyses whenever possible. The study is the first to cover the entire UNECE region and provides results for the main UNECE subregions of Europe, North America and the Russian Federation.

This publication offers a strategic guide for integrating sustainable urban and peri-urban forestry into national policies and international environmental frameworks. It provides actionable recommendations, guidance, and tools to help governments mainstream urban forestry across sectors and levels of government. Drawing on global case studies and the San Marino Regional Urban Forestry Action Plan, it highlights how urban forestry contributes to climate resilience, biodiversity, land restoration and the SDGs. The publication also outlines practical mechanisms for embedding urban forestry into national plans and reports under the Rio Conventions, enhancing coherence, visibility, and access to finance. By aligning urban forestry with global goals, it supports greener, healthier, and more resilient cities while advancing national and international commitments.

This comprehensive study explores the multifaceted role of forests within the environment, economy, and society, with a specific focus on the ECE region. It begins by defining and presenting the global distribution of forests, followed by a detailed examination of their diverse biomes and typical forest types within the ECE region. The document tracks forest development, including area and growing stock dynamics, and highlights key tree species. It then delves into critical aspects such as the health and vitality of forests, their management practices (including ownership and functions), and their vital protective functions for both humans and the planet. Further sections are dedicated to the immense biodiversity found in ECE forests, their crucial role as carbon reservoirs in climate regulation, and their significant economic contributions through timber and non-wood forest products. Finally, the overview addresses the profound social dimensions of forests, recognizing their value for recreation and cultural heritage.