Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)

Science for forests and people

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

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. CIFOR's multidisciplinary approach considers the underlying drivers of deforestation and degradation which often lie outside the forestry sector: forces such as agriculture, infrastructure development, trade and investment policies and law enforcement.

Focus on major global issues

CIFOR's research spans governance, poverty and environmental issues.

How do we manage forests in ways that enable us to mitigate and adapt to climate change?
How can the people who depend on smallholder and community forestry improve their livelihoods?
How do we manage the trade-offs between conservation and development?
How do we manage the impacts of globalised trade and investment?
How can tropical production forests be managed sustainably?

CIFOR’s general brochure is available here in English, Indonesian, French, Spanish.