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What role does the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization play in international forestry cooperation?

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Logging in Borneo — forestry Trucks on a road transporting recently harvested logs near Sabah's border with Kalimantan in Borneo.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) serves as a central hub for international cooperation in forestry through its dedicated Forestry Department. Its role in global resource management includes several key functions:1

Coordination and Governance: The FAO coordinates the efforts of various governments and technical agencies to develop integrated policies and governance models. These frameworks are designed to foster economic, social, and environmental sustainability across forestry, fisheries, and agricultural sectors.2
Technical Assistance and Research: The organization provides technical assistance for projects within individual countries and conducts extensive research to support sustainable practices.2
Information and Statistics: It maintains vital support services, including the collection and dissemination of global statistics regarding the production, trade, and consumption of forest commodities.2
Education and Outreach: The FAO facilitates knowledge sharing by operating educational programs through training centers and seminars, and it publishes research bulletins and yearbooks to inform global forest management strategies.2

By aligning these activities with the United Nations’ broader sustainable development goals, the FAO promotes the management of forests as enduring assets.21