Background

Strategic planning in forestry is becoming more complex in the context of globalization and the increasing interconnectedness of different economies. Necessarily this requires that strategic planning pursues a broader approach, capturing the larger picture of change at the regional and global levels and adopting a more analytical evidence-based approach. The establishment of a regional platform was recommended in order to strengthen strategic planning, share information, discuss new developments that could impact forests and forestry, learn from each other’s experience and strengthen institutional capacity for strategic planning. This regional platform is the Forestry Planning Network (FPN). 
 

  Vision

The vision of the FPN is to strengthen economy-level forestry planning processes in Asia-Pacific economies by building a vibrant network of strategic planners and policymakers who share experience and knowledge, assess emerging opportunities and challenges that impact forests and forestry, and provide mutual support in strengthening institutional and individual capacity in forestry strategic planning.  
 

  Objectives

· To enhance networking, knowledge exchange and communications among planners and policymakers in the Asia-Pacific region, with a focus on strengthening forestry strategic planning capabilities, improving planning processes and increasing the effectiveness of strategic plans in the forestry sector;
· To improve the availability and accessibility of information for strategic planners and policymakers, to improve forestry plans and planning processes and effectively respond to emerging opportunities and challenges in the forestry sector; and
· To strengthen the knowledge, capacity and ability of forestry planning institutions and individuals at the economy level, to improve forestry plans and planning processes in the forestry sector.
 

  Target groups

Forest-sector planners and policymakers in the Asia-Pacific region.