(openPR) - Forestry Research Associates (FRA) has reported on claims from the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF) that the world's forests can play a vital role in feeding those living in developing countries.

Bainbridge Island, WA, November 04, 2011 - Forestry Research Associates (FRA) has reported on claims from the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF) that the world's forests can play a vital role in feeding those living in developing countries.

Although forests undoubtedly provide industry with the essential raw materials it needs to develop and expand, forests are also important for feeding the world’s hungry, claims the CPF. It adds that policymakers and international development agencies need to bear this role in mind when planning how forests should be managed.

The Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN, which is an active member of the CPF agrees with the claims. Its Assistant Director General, Eduardo Rojas-Briales, stated, “Forests and trees on farms are a direct source of food and cash income for more than a billion of the world’s poorest people.

“They provide both staple foods and supplemental foods. To enhance these benefits, governments and development partners should increase investments in support of sustainable forest management and rehabilitation of degraded forest lands,” he added.

FRA, which is a research and analysis consultancy supporting sustainable forestry and forestry investment, lent its support for the call for the importance of forests in the feeding of the world’s poor, to be considered when forestry management policy is established. Its analysis partner, Peter Collins, stated, “We agree that important consideration should be given to the important role and standing forests and sustainable forestry management plays in the developing world.

“We believe in supporting projects that boost the volume of forest and in emerging economies, such as the plantation project run by Greenwood Management and other similar businesses in Brazil. These projects add to the country’s forested land and also help to prevent the deforestation of native forests,” added Mr Collins.

Agroforestry has been touted as a viable solution that allows forests to be managed for timber, while helping to provide crops and livestock for food. The World Agroforestry Center’s Director General, Tony Simons, explained, “Agroforestry provides a climate smart agriculture alternative that can increase food production and improve farmers’ incomes and living standards.”

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