The International Family Forestry Alliance (IFFA) is the global voice of family forestry, representing more than 25 million forest owners worldwide. National forest owners’ organisations are united under the IFFA banner to promote sustainable forestry and to raise awareness about family forestry.

Family forestry- facts and figures  25 % of the world’s population depends on forests  Family forestry plays a significant role - but public ownership dominates  No reliable global statistics of the number of family forest owners: 25 million in Europe and North America

Family forestry means well-being and sustainability for local communities small-scale management variety of ownership goals multiple-use forest management strong attachment to their forest through several generations long-term perspective families deriving income from their forests sustainable forest management accumulated forest- related know-how multiple forest products and benefits to society

Family forest owners’ values  Diversity through individuality  Generation bridging ownership and long-term stewardship  Securing a dynamic approach to implementing  Economic  Ecologic  Social  Cultural values

Contribution to sustainable development SFM by family forestry provides:  Natural and renewable resources and forest products  Sustainably produced CO2 neutral raw material for forest based industries  Contribution to pure water, clean air and productive soil (maintenance of environmental services)  Wildlife, landscapes, recreation opportunities and cultural values  A wide range of non-wood products  Economic and social welfare of local communities

IFFA provides ■ a network between family forest owners’ organizations ■ a communication tool for common values of family forest owners ■ a stakeholder to be consulted by policy-making bodies ■ a partner for promotion and implementation of sustainable forest management ■ a forum for exchange of experiences, ideas and information ■ a voice for protection of forest owners’ legal ownership rights IFFA works in close co-operation with the Global Alliance of Community Forestry to help local people and communities to benefit from their local resources, while protecting their environment.

IFFA – the voice of family forestry worldwide  Founded in 2002, incorporated in 2006  Network of national forest owners’ organisations supporting the IFFA mission  Activities guided by the annual meeting of members  Managed by a board of five members elected at the annual meeting  Special task forces, e.g. forest policy task force  Slim, effective and flexible

Cornerstones for implementing SFM SFM through  Long-term political commitment from governments and global and regional forest policy processes  Respect for property rights and long-term stewardship  Economic viability  Investments at local and regional level  Rural development  Cross-sectoral partnerships  Livelihood for local peoples  Research

IFFA UNFF7 Positions  Millennium Development Goals Goal 1: Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger  Community and family forestry tend to use small-scale labor intensive methods.  Products include timber, food, medicine which provide income and add to the value chain

IFFA UNFF7 Positions  Millennium Development Goals Goal 3: Promote Gender Equality & Empower Women  The role of women needs to be recognized and supported.  Studies show that in many cases, women are the primary users of forests

IFFA UNFF7 Positions  Millennium Development Goals Goal 7: Ensure Environmental Sustainability  Shared goals and the integration of family and community forestry organizations in policy development will foster effective implementation of agreed environmental sustainability objectives.

IFFA UNFF7 Positions  Multi Year Program of Work Priority areas for action should include: 1.Secure long-term land tenure and property rights 2.Poverty alleviation 3.Climate Change

IFFA UNFF7 Positions  Support For NLBI Core Elements should include: 1.Emphasis on the four global objectives agreed at UNFF 6 2.Develop mechanisms that recognized public-private partnership initiatives and projects 3.Strengthen the link between UNFF and regional forest related processes 4.Secure property and clearly defined tenure and land use rights are prerequisite for the implementation of SFM