CIFOR initiated a number of important transitions in 2007. As the world's attention refocused on tropical forests, largely as a result of their newly appreciated linkage to climate change, we expanded our research and outreach efforts on the role of forests in both adaptation and mitigation. Our Climate Change and Forests Initiative, launched in September, provides an umbrella for a number of new partnerships that will be developed further in 2008.

Indonesia's hosting of the United Nations climate change conference in Bali in December (UNFCCC COP13) offered CIFOR a number of new opportunities. Our scientists participated in studies coordinated by the Government of Indonesia's Forest Climate Alliance to prepare analyses to support the negotiations. Along with co-sponsors from the Collaborative Partnership on Forests, CIFOR hosted a successful 'Forest Day' to provide a platform for exchange on forest and climate issues at COP13.

During 2007, CIFOR staff also invested in an intensive effort to devise a new strategy for the organisation, the first in more than a decade. Approved by the Board of Trustees in December, the strategy was strengthened by inputs from numerous external stakeholders consulted through a web-based survey and in-depth interviews. The strategy is designed to build on CIFOR's considerable strengths, and includes significant continuity with research themes and outreach strategies that are the basis of CIFOR's good reputation. At the same time, the strategy imposes new discipline by focusing CIFOR's interdisciplinary research on a limited number of areas. For each area, we are developing impact pathways with the goal of having an influence on key policy arenas and practitioner communities.

2007 was also a year of bittersweet farewells as a number of valued members of CIFOR's staff and Board completed their terms of service. The departures of pillars of the CIFOR community provided occasions to reflect on where we have been, and where we will be going in the future. New recruitments to fill their positions provide an opportunity to bring in fresh perspectives. We anticipate that new colleagues will challenge us to ensure that our research agendas and support functions remain at the cutting edge of new ideas and best practice.

We are most grateful to our donors, whose support for our work remains strong and whose comments and suggestions are always welcome. We look forward to working with our many partners and other stakeholders around the world in 2008 to deliver the high-quality research results that you have come to expect from CIFOR.

Andrew J. Bennett
Chair, Board of Trustees

Frances Seymour
Director General