Canada has 10% of the world's forests. They cover more than 40% this country's land area, are biologically diverse and provide a habitat for two-thirds of all terrestrial species in Canada. More than 350 communities depend directly on forests for economic, social, cultural, spiritual and material well-being. The sector is a major contributor to Canada's standard of living, adding over $30 billion annually to the country's net balance of trade and providing direct and indirect employment to 864,000 Canadians.

The Sustainable Forest Management Network (SFM) is an interdisciplinary, university-based research partnership. Network researchers are undertaking programs that focus on helping their industry and its government partners develop strategies and tools to sustain Canada's forests. The Network is also helping to find ways to incorporate Aboriginal values, rights and knowledge into sustainable forest management.

The SFM Network is launching two new projects. The State-of-Knowledge project will provide the latest information on such topics as the successful harmonization of Aboriginal and forest industry interests and challenges for governments charged with regulating resource development activities. Reports will highlight points of consensus and debate and critical knowledge gaps and make recommendations for future research, management and policy.

The SoK projects will serve as a foundation for the second initiative, the Forest Futures project. The Network will focus its expertise on plausible future scenarios for Canada's forests and the implications for Canadian society, its economy and the environment to 2050. It will use a scenario-planning approach to help its partners position themselves in the context of complex and uncertain future conditions. A similar approach was recently applied to the global environment in the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment and is being incorporated in the strategic planning activities of Alberta's Sustainable Resource Development Department and the Canadian Stroke Network, among others.

The Network will host workshops to solicit international, national and regional input on plausible scenarios. The workshops will help participants to better understand the scope of alternative development and to consider appropriate, plausible responses to future change and uncertainty. Ultimately, the Network's objective is to give the Canadian forest industry the best possible economic and environmental advantages in the global marketplace. No other organization in Canada is taking up the challenge of producing such analysis.

Research information serves no-one unless it is delivered to those who need it in a format they can understand and use. This year, the Network produced a highly sought-after summary for foresters on public participation in sustainable forest management. The Network also produced a comprehensive report on fire cycles and forest management providing an alternative approach for management of the Canadian boreal forest. The Network produced seven smaller research notes for forest technologists on a range of topics.

The SFM Network uses knowledge to generate a greater understanding of how ecological, economic and social sustainability can become a reality for Canadians. It is helping ensure that Canada's forest products have a continued access to world markets; gives governments a stronger foundation for policy decisions and regulations; and helps Aboriginal peoples to address their forest management research needs while contributing to their culture and community sustainability.

Sustainable Forest Management Network - SFM (1995-2010)
Focus:	To enable industry and government partners to develop strategies and tools to sustain Canada's forests.
Funding:	$49.04 million for entire funding period
Strength:	227 researchers and 247 Highly Qualified Personnel
Partnership Power:	130 industry, public service and academic partners
Scientific Director:	Dr. James Fyles
Web site:	www.sfmnetwork.ca