Deforestation and Floods:

Deforestation has been blamed for scores of deaths following floods and landslides in Indonesia. But the links between deforestation and floods remains uncertain. An FAO-CIFOR report says forests can reduce water runoff in localized floods but unusually heavy, wide-spread rainfall can waterlog and escape the forest, causing floods downstream. Blaming deforestation can lead to anti-logging laws that exacerbate rural poverty.

Climate change and forest livelihoods:

In West Africa, CIFOR is working with governments, international and regional organizations, and other stakeholders to prepare for the impact of climate change on poor rural communities who rely on forests fruits, medicines, fuelwood, building and other life essentials. Transboundary initiatives to adapt to the impact of climate change on river basins, national parks and biodiversity conservation were also at the CIFOR organized meeting.

USA-Indonesia logging pact:

The US and Indonesia are to negotiate a trade agreement to combat illegal logging in Indonesia. Environmentalists say consumers in the US, Japan and Europe are unaware the timber used in China-made furniture comes from countries where illegal logging is rampant. Europe and US wood product imports from China have increased almost 900% since 1998, according to a report from Forest Trends and CIFOR.

Pulp mill expansion threatens forests:

A UK funded CIFOR report finds a lack of financial due diligence may lead to a new wave of ill-advised mill projects that place rural communities, forests and investors at risk. Lack of information about sustainable raw material supplies in investment proposals has major environmental and social implications in Asia, Latin America and beyond.

Boost local forest rights and incomes:

A global coalition, the Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI), has been launched to reduce poverty in forest dwelling communities by increasing their stake in lumber and other resources taken from their lands. RRI says most tropical forests are government controlled despite local claims to ownership. Commercial use is often restricted to privileged players, with little return to local communities. RRI was founded by a number of organizations, including CIFOR (full details: www.rightsandresources.org).