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The initial Asia-Pacific Forestry Sector Outlook Study (APFSOS) drew together the myriad forestry dimensions to provide a coherent description and analysis of the situation and prospects for forestry in the region. The study resulted in 50 working papers on a variety of forestry themes. The formal aspects of the study culminated in a comprehensive main report, published in November 1998. APFSOS provided an important roadmap for forestry sector development in the Asia-Pacific region to 2010, which is still being used to guide policy makers in the region today. Much of the first APFSOS is now becoming outdated and, since 1998, several changes have taken place within and outside the forestry sector. FAO is now committed to conducting a second APFSOS: “Asia-Pacific Forestry Towards 2020”. The work will focus on existing and emerging issues of importance to forestry in the region. Paths of future developments will also be constructed on the basis of a range of scenarios. This paper provides a retrospective of changes since 1998 in comparison with forecasts made in 1998 and also summarises major developments that were not envisaged at the time. On this basis, areas to be included under the second APFSOS are suggested and lessons are drawn to guide the outlook process.
