Resource information
In the Middle East and North Africa
Region, forest resources are generally limited, as is their
contribution to GDP, and it is for this reason their
importance is often overlooked. However, forestry's
contribution to natural resource and environmental
management, is significant, which should not be
underestimated. The report, implemented as an input to the
development of a Bank Forestry Strategy in guiding its work
in the sector, reviews the Bank-assisted forestry projects
in the region over the last ten years, defines the regional
forests, and describes its current status, and related
policy and economic issues, including the need of civil
society, and private sector involvement in forestry related
issues. It is highlighted that ultimately, the decisions
taken on the directions to be followed by the Bank, would be
based on sound knowledge of the overall regional aspects,
proposing Economic and Sector Work for the future. The
report outlines appropriate policy formulation and technical
solutions, but emphasizes that local communities must be
directly involved in the planning, implementation, and
monitoring of forestry development activities. This approach
implies that public administrations, responsible for
forestry development, become fully decentralized, and
capable of strengthening local capacity.
