5 May 2014: The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) released its 2013 Annual Report, which celebrates its 20th anniversary and highlights a shift in focus towards a landscape approach.

In the Annual Report, CIFOR notes a rapid expansion in 2013, including five new projects: greater transparency and impact through the publication of a summary of research projects and priorities; the launch of evidence-based forestry to foster broader research; stronger emphasis on achieving and measuring policy change through research; a greater focus on the gender dimensions of research in tropical forests; and stronger links with other agencies within the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).

Successes highlighted in the report include the ongoing comparative study on the role of forests in climate change mitigation and adaptation, the convening of the first Global Landscapes Forum at the margins of the 19th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the release of the data sets gathered through the Poverty and Environment Network, which covered almost 8000 households across 24 developing countries.

In reviewing the policy impacts of CIFOR research, the report mentions the passage of a local law based on a CIFOR-supported action plan for the wood furniture industry in Jepara, Indonesia; improved recognition of the forest tenure and use rights of women in Uganda; and the development of data on which forest and wildlife law was built in Peru.

Finally, the Annual Report includes information on outreach and extension activities, partnerships and collaboration and financial reporting. CIFOR is a member of CGIAR. [Publication: 2013 Annual Report – Forestry in the Global Landscape]