CIFOR: Beyond the Canopy

The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) is a nonprofit, global facility dedicated to advancing human wellbeing, environmental conservation and equity. We conduct research that enables more informed and equitable decision making about the use and management of forests in less-developed countries

CIFOR is one of 15 centres within the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). Our headquarters are in Bogor, Indonesia, and we have offices in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

CIFOR's research and expert analysis help policy makers and practitioners shape effective policy, improve the management of tropical forests and address the needs and perspectives of people who depend on forests for their livelihoods. Our research touches on a wide range of governance, poverty and environmental issues related to forests. Through our work, we aim to enhance the capacity of governments, private companies, local communities and nongovernmental organisations to:

• enhance the role of forests in mitigating and adapting to climate change
• improve livelihoods through smallholder and community forestry
• manage trade-offs between conservation and development at the landscape level
• manage the impacts of globalised trade and investment on forests and forest impacts
• sustainably manage tropical production forests.

In all our research, we aim to think outside the box—beyond the canopy—to provide new perspectives and insights. Our research must not only enlighten and increase our knowledge, but must also inform policy makers and practitioners. CIFOR aspires to be a reliable, informed and impartial resource, providing information and advice to anyone who seeks to gain a better understanding of the issues with which we work, from forest researchers to policy makers, private sector companies to nongovernmental organisations. A number of CIFOR scientists are working directly on REDD-related research. You can view their profiles by following the links at left.