In Eastern Africa, over 90% of domestic fuel needs are met through use of wood products. Trees provide a wide range of products for the people of the region including food and fruit, fodder for livestock, medicines for both people and livestock. Forests supply goods of commercial, cultural and sacred value and they comprise a vital safety net in times of need. Yet the trees and forests of Eastern Africa are under tremendous pressure due to land use competition, forest degradation and conversion, and increased population. IUCN EARO recognises the critical role that forests and woodlands play both in terms of conservation and in terms of securing the livelihoods of the region's people. Working with partners at the project level it helps empower local people and communities to improve the management of forest resources and make it more sustainable. At a national level EARO informs and influences government partners on contemporary forest conservation thinking and encourages the countries of the region to engage in global dialogue regarding forest conservation issues. Regional experience is used to bolster the programme and strategies of IUCN's Global Forest Conservation Programme.

EARO Forest Projects
EARO Forest Programme Website

Contact information:
Mr. Edmund Barrow Coordinator, Forest Conservation & Social Policy IUCN Regional Office for Eastern Africa PO Box 68200, Nairobi Kenya Tel: ++254 (20) 890-605 Fax: ++254 (20) 890-615 Email: Website: http://www.iucn.org/places/earo/

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