Synthesis report Area B: Forests for the planet

摘要

This area of discussion provided the opportunity to take stock of the situation of forests today and the outlook for tomorrow, given the influences at play. Participants looked at the capacity of forests to supply a wide range of goods and services and fulfill their essential functions. Methods and applied techniques for the management, conservation, and development of forests, areas with low forest cover, and trees in general were presented. An understanding of the current status and trends (B1) offorests and trees is essential to planning, implementing and monitoring initiatives affecting the forest ecosystem. It is thus important to share a common understanding of terminology, that relate to forests and forestry and take stock of methods, means,and results of information systems used at the local, national, and global levels. Discussion of the forces behind current changes and the future resource needs of forests was also on the agenda.