The BirdLife Global Forest Policy Project (GFPP)

Mati Kose / Estonian Ornithol. Soc. Forests are the most important habitat type for birds worldwide. Zoom In

It is well known that forests are the most important habitat type for birds worldwide. And it was against this background, that discussions arose on how best to develop BirdLife's ability to influence forest policy. In 2001, it was decided that the limited funds available for forest policy work were best used for developing BirdLife Partners' capacity to undertake national forest policy work, and the GFPP was created with funding from the RSPB.

The project gives grants to BirdLife Partners, Partners Designate and Affiliates in tropical countries, a limitation that is necessary to focus the funds on those regions of the Earth that hold by far the most of the threatened forest birds. Each national project needs to contribute to relevant changes of governmental forest-related policies and to build the BirdLife Partner's capacity in national policy work. Grants give up to £10,000 per year for a maximum of two years.

In 2002, national forest policy projects by Nature Kenya, the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Palau Conservation Society and the Conservation Society of Sierra Leone were funded. These projects all lasted for one year. In 2003, new funds have been granted to BirdLife Indonesia, Nature Kenya and the Conservation Society of Sierra Leone, the latter two as follow-up projects to the earlier ones.

The GFPP is overseen by a Steering Committee, comprising RSPB and BirdLife Secretariat staff.