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 figures25 % 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’ valuesDiversity 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 SFMSFM 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 NLBICore 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