In the Millennium Development Goals, forests have been recognized as a critical and crucial element for human well-being. Sound management and resource use are essential to raise the standards of living of those millions who depend on the forests.

SNV supports the shift in emphasis from forests as a protected resource to a potentially productive asset. The value chain development approach focuses on niche markets, based on certified sustainable and fair trade production. The aim is to develop more and lasting income and employment at local level. The creation and strengthening of a supportive enabling environment, including secured access and user rights, are also part of our approach.

SNV operates in three of the most important forest basins of the world – Mekong, Congo, Amazon – and in three mountain regions – the Himalayas, the Balkans and the Andes. Our main clients are intermediate organisations whose input is key for ensuring that sustainable management of forests contributes to reduction of poverty. These include local government agencies, service providing NGOs, forest owners organisations and the private sector. With 60 forestry advisors, we serve over 300 clients in 11 countries. Read more on our successful approach in Asia. 

Read more on how our corporate partnership with the World Wildlife Fund for nature (WWF) enables us to strengthen and leverage our significant experience in this sector, specifically in the field of certification of forest products. 

Through SNV’s corporate partnership with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), sustainable business opportunities are explored between local producers of forest products and entrepreneurs in national and international markets.

SNV works on forestry in Asia (Bhutan, Laos, Nepal, Vietnam), Europe (Albania, Bosnia, Macedonia, Montenegro), Africa (Cameroon, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Uganda, Zambia) and Latin America (Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru).