10th World Forestry Congress

As in the past, the Unasylva issue immediately preceding the World Forestry Congress examines a number of the broad challenges facing forestry. In an interview, FAO Director General Edouard Saouma considers the world forestry situation and highlights the Organization's priorities for work in forestry over the coming decade. The cutting edge of FAO's forestry activities is exemplified in the assistance provided to member countries; M.K. Muthoo, Director of the FAO Forestry Operations Service, describes the recent evolution of the department's field programme. M.R. de Montalembert, Chief of the FAO Forestry Planning and Institutions Service, analyses some of the major issues underlying the need for forest policy reforms in the 1990s. J. Sayer of the World Conservation Union (IUCN) offers an NGO perspective on the conservation and protection of the tropical rain forests. The increased attention dedicated to forestry in the media, although well-meaning, has brought with it a number of basic misconceptions. L.S. Hamilton of the East-West Center sets the record straight on eight forestry issues that are currently making headlines. J. Gadant, Secretary-General of the Organizing Committee of the Tenth World Forestry Congress paints a portrait of the French forestry situation, which will serve as a backdrop to the Congress. Finally, a special separate of forestry statistics is included with this issue.