Introduction

During its first phase, one of the main objectives of the 'European Tropical Forest Research Network' (ETFRN) was to identify and register the European scientific capacity on tropical and subtropical forest research. This has been accomplished to a large extent. Building on this established structure of ETFRN, the second phase shall pursue the objectives of the INCO-DC programme as stipulated in its work programme and in particular those agreed on by the ETFRN General Assembly. During the second phase of ETFRN (ETFRN-II) the membership of the network will be extended. The network aims to involve a wide range of European research institutes and disciplines (i.e. forestry, wood-technology, ecology, ethnobotany, sociology, law). ETFRN members may progressively work together in order to realize the added value of European cooperation, for example through improving the efficiency of the overall European research by avoiding un-necessary duplication of efforts, through concerting their efforts at European level.

1. Objectives

Overall Goal

To contribute to the international efforts towards the conservation and wise use of tropical and subtropical forests and woodlands. This in order to support the sustainable development of the developing countries concerned as well as the maintenance and involvement of the European expertise.

Network Purpose

ETFRN provides services to its members and third parties in line with the following general and specific objectives.

1.1 General Objective

Improved information flow in the field of tropical forest research⁽¹⁾among the European scientific community, the partners in developing countries, and European policy makers in order to facilitate cooperation among institutes/scientists and concertation on policy/management decisions and donor support. ETFRN will contribute to the wider coordination approach envisaged under the European initiative on agricultural research for development.

1.2 Specific Objectives

1.2.1 Information Service

The Information Service shall be the core objective of the network. Constantly updated and enhanced information on planned, ongoing and completed research and technology development activities in the field of Tropical forest research is the basic requirement of this service. Through this service ETFRN facilitates information exchange for the European as well as developing countries-based research community.

The network aims to be instrumental in linking institutes/researchers looking for cooperation by acting as the gateway to Europe for developing countries-based researchers. ETFRN will also provide help to EU-based institutions to establish new contacts in developing countries.

1.2.2 Forum for Dialogue

ETFRN aims to provide a multidisciplinary forum for dialogue for the European and developing countries research and technology development community and the European policy-making level (European Commission and European Parliament). It will pro-actively contribute on topics that emerge in the field of Tropical forest research, and to propose research priorities that offer solutions to problems facing the developing world and being of interest to Europe and/or where Europe can contribute significantly. Due to its forum function, ETFRN will also provide a platform for informal and voluntary concertation of Research and technology development activities.

1.2.3 Identification of Priorities in Tropical Forest Research

In the process of Identification of Priorities in Tropical Forest Research, Developing countries-based institutes and scientists can indicate their research needs to ETFRN and, via the information service of the network, to potential European research partners (scientists and institutes). Based on this input and the result from its forum activities, ETFRN will provide input to priority and strategy formulation in the field of European Tropical forest research such as EU research funding schemes e.g. the INCO-DC programme or other EU-activities concerning tropical forests. Input from ETFRN may also be instrumental for formulating strategies for TF-Research and technology development at national or institutional level.