8 February 2011: The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) has released the February edition of its News Update as part of its year-long development of a web-based communications strategy.

The update notes the launch of a new CIFOR blog, as well as multilingual Facebook and Twitter accounts. The update includes a description of progress made at the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP 16) in Cancun, Mexico, on REDD+ (reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries, and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of carbon stocks). On the 2011 International Year of Forests (IYF, or Forests 2011), it features an article highlighting the importance of local communities in forest management and an interview with CIFOR Director General Frances Seymour. The update announces an upcoming international conference that will act as the culmination of the seven year CIFOR-Poverty Environment Network project, to take place in London, UK, on 15 June 2011.

The update also includes links to recent CIFOR publications on: REDD+ in Cameroon; carbon storage in mangrove and peatland ecosystems; reducing forestry emissions in Indonesia; and bamboo production and consumption in Cameroon. It provides a link to upcoming forestry events. CIFOR is a member of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). [Publication: CIFOR February News Update] [CIFOR Blog]