Global Forest Expert Panels

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GFEP links

 

The Global Forest Expert Panels (GFEP) initiative was established within the framework of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF), and is led and coordinated by the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO). It builds on the political recognition provided by the United Nations Forum on Forests (ECOSOC Resolution 2006/49) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD Decision IX/16).

GFEP provides a mechanism for effectively linking the information requirements of intergovernmental processes related to forests and trees with the best existing scientific expertise. Rather than conducting new research, GFEP consolidates existing available information and expertise in relevant fields.

GFEP produces objective and independent scientific assessments on key issues of high concern and provides its state-of-the-art reports to international forums and policy processes to support more informed decision-making at the global level. The reports are prepared by thematic Expert Panels involving internationally recognized leading scientific experts in their field. All reports undergo rigorous peer review.

 

The frequency of reports is determined by the information needs and requests from intergovernmental processes. All GFEP reports are accompanied by related policy briefs that give an overview of the key messages for policy- and decision-makers.

All GFEP reports received considerable international media attention, had significant impact on international policies and have served as background information for discussions, briefing documents for negotiators, guidance for strategic policy development as well as teaching materials.

The latest GFEP assessment report and associated policy brief on illegal logging and related timber trade were launched during the High-Level Segment of the CBD COP-13 in December 2016 in Cancun, Mexico.

The next GFEP assessment on Forests and Water started off in January 2017 with the ultimate goal to produce an up-to-date scientific synthesis report by mid-2018. The new assessment aims to contribute to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by connecting SDG 6 on water and SDG 15 on forests. The study will provide input to the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF 2018) and is of particular relevance for the UNFF 13.