The Center for International Forestry Research, CIFOR, is another future harvest center of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), and is committed to conserving forests and improving the livelihoods of people in the tropics. Operating through research partnerships out of its headquarters in Bogor, Indonesia, CIFOR works as a “Center without Walls,” as it employs a holistic, inter-disciplinary approach to solving general or widespread problems.

CIFOR's mission is to contribute to the sustained well-being of people in developing countries, particularly in the tropics. It aims to improve the scientific basis that underpins balanced management of forests and forest lands; develop policies and technologies for sustainable use and management of forest goods and services; and assist partner governments in improving their capacity for research, while supporting the optimal use of forests and forestlands

CIFOR's research helps local communities and small farmers gain their rightful share of forest resources, while increasing the production and value of forest products. Research is currently focused on seven eco-regions: the tropical moist forests in central-west Africa and the Congo; the drier forests of eastern-southern Africa; the rainforest-dry forest continuum in southern India; the tropical moist forests in insular Southeast Asia; the uplands of mainland Southeast Asia; the tropical moist forests of the western Amazon; and the mixed forest systems of Central America.

So far, CIFOR’s research has contributed significantly to influencing policy dialogues regarding issues in global forestry; informing the broader international forestry community; collaborating in research with the government and academe; building research capacity in developing countries; encouraging forest policy reform; protecting existing forests and improving poor peoples’ livelihoods; and developing criteria and indicators for sustainable management of forests.

CIFOR has regional offices in Brazil, Cameroon, and Zimbabwe. It works in over 30 countries worldwide, and has links with more than 300 researchers in 50 international, regional, and national organizations.

http://www.cifor.cgiar.org

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