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We are an internationally recognised, independent organisation whose
unique expertise delivers sustainable natural resource management,
from policy, investment and procurement, to production on the ground.

Policy, science and research

We support policy development and carry out applied research and analysis. See below for an overview of our experience.
  • Oxford Centre for Tropical Forests

    With Oxford University and various other organisations | 2008 ongoing

    The University of Oxford and the surrounding area are home to people and organisations that offer a vast resource of intellectual capital and practical experience related to tropical forests. Bringing them all together into a single network aims to strengthen both forestry research and practice. Read more

  • Timber Legality Verification Schemes

    with CAF, Defra and DIFD | cn | 2009 ongoing

    A research programme of the Chinese Academy of Forestry (CAF) in collaboration with Proforest Read more

  • Promoting FLEGT-REDD+ synergies

    With European Commission and European Forest Institute | 2009 ongoing

    In recent years there has been a proliferation of policies at national, European and international levels to tackle deforestation. While often supporting the same overall aims, it is important for policy makers to understand the differences and overlaps between the policies, what they can achieve, and how they can be mutually reinforcing. Read more

  • EU FLEGT initiative support

    With EC, EFI and Partner Countries | 2005 ongoing

    The EU Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) action plan aims to combat the trade in illegal timber through bilateral Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs) with tropical timber producing countries. These agreements include a Legality Assurance Scheme (LAS), which permits the verification of legality of all timber exported to the EU. This can be a challenging requirement. Read more

  • Mapping and Understanding the UK palm oil supply chain

    For Defra | 2010 to 2011

    This research project set out to investigate UK palm oil supply chains and potential approaches to encourage improvements in the sustainability of UK palm oil consumption. Read more

  • Study on agricultural production models and methods for UK biofuels

    For Renewable Fuels Agency | 2010

    Production of a report on the environmental and social impacts of agricultural crops used for UK biofuels. Read more

  • REDD+ co-benefits and the HCV concept

    Supported by WWF and Norad | 2010

    An assessment of co-benefits of REDD+ and opportunities for including carbon needs into the HCV concept. Read more

  • RTRS EU RED Requirements

    For RTRS | 2010

    Drafting and submission to EU of additional Renewable Energy Directive requirements for the RTRS. Read more

  • Review of terrestial carbon in tropical Africa

    For FPAN | 2009 to 2010

    A report commissioned by the Forests Philanthropy Action Network (FPAN) that assesses the scientific data on carbon stocks, emissions, and sequestration potential in tropical Africa and evaluates the effectiveness of various carbon projects. Read more

  • Developing briefing material on REDD+ safeguards

    For UN-REDD programme | 2010

    REDD+, as an instrument to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, has the potential to alleviate poverty, protect human rights, improve governance, and conserve biodiversity. However, the required policies and legal reforms and the potential channelling of funds to support REDD+ implementation also bear the risk of creating negative consequences for the poor and marginalised if the appropriate safeguards are not taken into account. Read more

  • Sustainably produced biomass for energy applications

    CEN (European Committee for Standardization)/BSI (British Standards) | 2008 to 2009

    Participation in the development of the CEN standard for sustainable biomass. Read more

  • FLEGT scoping mission in Vietnam

    For European Forest Institute | 2009

    Scoping study into options for a VPA agreement between the EU and Vietnam. Read more

  • Briefing note on Brazilian sugarcane

    For UK Renewable Fuels Agency | 2009

    Preparing briefing note on the social and environmental aspects of Brazilian sugarcane. Read more

  • Assessment of LAS Cameroon

    For EFI | 2009

    Independent review of a proposed Legality Assurance Scheme (LAS) for Cameroon. Read more

  • Legality Verification System for Guyana

    For Guyana Forest Commission, FPMC, FTCI | 2007

    Development of a Legality Verification Ssystem for timber. Read more

  • WWF-UK 95+ Group

    For WWF-UK | Europe | 2004 to 2006

    Read more

  • EU-FLEGT Legality Assurance System

    DFID | 2005 to 2006

    Read more

  • Assessment of the social HCVs in Romania

    With Darwin Initiative Collaboration (Buckhinghamshire Chilterns University College) | Europe | 2006

    Read more

  • International Rubber Study Group: Rubber Eco-Project Study

    LMC | 2004 to 2005

    Read more

  • Traceability systems for agricultural commodities, and their application in the coffee sector

    For LMC | 2005

    Read more

  • EU-FLEGT Briefing Notes version 1

    For FRP | 2004

    Development of the EU-FLEGT briefing notes, providing an overview of the history and implementation of the Forest Law Enforcement Government and Trade (FLEGT). Read more

  • DEFRA study of schemes contributing to sustainability in UK retail

    for DEFRA | Europe | 2003

    Read more

  • ISIS Asset Management publication on oil palm

    ISIS Asset Management | 2003

    Background research and data analysis for a survey on the use of palm oil. Read more

  • DEFRA briefing paper on sustainability in the UK retail sector

    for DEFRA | Europe | 2002

    Read more