Forests and forest-oriented initiatives play a central role for both climate and poverty alleviation. This is true when it comes to mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions as well as adaptation to the consequences of global warming.
The purpose of this initiative is to develop a Swedish knowledge-based network to contribute to the provision of relevant knowledge to Sida and other Swedish authorities for the effective use of forest operations to achieve climate-poverty targets. Focali also aims to increase the flow of relevant information between scientists, industry, government and civil society.
Focali is a Swedish research network where several Swedish universities and institutions are represented (see futher
Who are we?).
Focali is a part of the
Forest Initiative which is a strategic partnership between
Sida,
the Swedish Forest Agency and
the Swedish Forestry Association. Sida provides
funding for Focali. The overall objective of the Initiative is
poverty reduction through promotion of sustainable management and
administration of forest resources within Swedish development cooperation. Sida
is the main donor of the Forest Initiative, which is based on the belief that
forests play an important role for poor people and can contribute to economic
and social development as well as a better environment.
Focali has a secretariate placed at the The Centre for Environment and Sustainability, GMV, in Gothenburg.
Background
Global deforestation, which occurs mainly in the tropics, contributes 12 per cent of the world’s emissions of greenhouse gases. After 2012, more forest-related activities are to be included in the international financing mechanisms than in the current regulatory framwork (the Kyoto Protocol). There is a legitimate concern that improperly designed regulations may cause serious contradictions between climate policy and efforts to eradicate poverty.This calls for a concerted effort to take advantage of all available knowledge in the area and also to develop new knowledge that can ensure interventions that meet both poverty and climate objectives.
Purpose
Development goal
Contribute to create a basis to support developing countries to develop, adopt and manage forest and bioenergy strategies in their climate and developing policies.
Project goal
Support Sida and other Swedish authorities, industries and NGOs in attaining relevant knowledge to efficiently use forest initiatives to achieve climate and development goals.
Sub target
A. Develop new knowledge and/or synthesise existing research.
B. Act as an intermediary and increase possibilities for exchange between Swedish authorities, industries, NGOs and academics, and contribute to a better use of the Swedish Forest-Climate knowledge base.
At present, Focali has identified
three areas of analysis for the duration of 2009-2011.
Download an information folder about Focali
here.
