INGO/International union of forest research organizations (IUFRO)

Description What is done in the programme or project and why, what results are pursued, who benefits from the activities and who are involved in the implementation.

The International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) has a recognized status as an advocate for the international cooperation in forest research and as an educator of research institutions and scientists. IUFRO's member organizations include the world's most significant forest research institutions, such as the Finnish Natural Resources Institute (Luke). The Ministry for Foreign Affairs and IUFRO have cooperated since 2006, with the objective of enhancing the contribution of international scientific community to international forest related policy processes, especially the work of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF), and of strengthening the implementation of sustainable forest resources management, particularly in developing countries. In 2020 the MFA and IUFRO defined a new strategic partnership priorities for 2020-2021. The main goal is to produce scientific synthesis products addressing the themes of “forests and human health” as well as “restoring forests for sustainable development – policies, practices and impacts” in combination with capacity building in science-policy interactions contribute to forest-related sustainable development. The supported project is global but benefits especially developing countries. IUFRO's global programme Special Project on World Forests, Society and Environment (WFSE) produces multidisciplinary knowledge which is important for developing country societies and which supports political decision-making. IUFRO's expert panel produces assessments and policy brief publications targeted at political decision makers. The expert panel has produced basic information for the UN Forum on Forests, among others, and for the COPs of Multilateral Environmental Agreements. In 2022, Finland supports IUFRO with a total of 400 000 euros. Finland's contribution is especially linked to the priority area IV of the Development Policy "Food security and access to water and energy have improved, and natural resources are used more sustainably". The IUFRO activities supported by Finland aim especially at reducing poverty and inequality as well as promoting sustainable development. The scientific knowledge produced by IUFRO with Finnish support is public and accessible to all.