Co-Chairs’ Summary : First International Dialogue on Forests and Biodiversity Conservation

Convened by The Forests Dialogue, thirty participants met in Brazil to discuss issues related to forestry and biodiversity conversation. The participants represented environmental groups and the forest products industry, as well as representatives from landowner groups and academia.

The purpose of the meeting was to provide a forum for the exchange of information and ideas on the key factors needed to achieve successful biodiversity conservation and business outcomes in forest regions worldwide.

The dialogue began with a field tour illustrating the integration of forest conservation projects and intensive plantation forestry in the Atlantic rainforest region of Brazil. The group later reviewed selected case studies of successful forest and biodiversity conservation projects from around the world. The group then examined the obstacles that prevent wider acceptance and implementation of forest management and land use choices that benefit business and biodiversity. The dialogue concluded with several recommended actions for follow-up activities, with the goal of replicating successful models in future projects.