المنتدى العالمي المعني بالأمن الغذائي والتغذية

The draft is well written, comprehensive with a wider range of contributions of specific functions of forests to FSN at the household, national and global levels.

In addition to the comments provided in the draft report (see attachment) we would like however to recommend some changes and additions:

1. Chapter 2 Context and conceptual framework: This chapter is rather lengthy and “forestry centric”. While useful for readers looking for details on the status of forestry sector, it might distract the reader who is looking at evidences about the contributions of forests to FSN. Further in this chapter there are a few references to FSN although FSN is looked at in Chapter 3, this causes duplications and might confuse the reader. We would recommend, to restructure the document to bring forward chapter 3 instead of chapter 2, this will permit to enter in the subject right away. Current Chapter 3 doesn’t need a detailed explanation of the forestry context to understand the contribution of forests to FSN and thus could be move forward without problem. Then current chapter 2 “Context” could be following “Roles and contributions of forests to FSN” or even be integrated in current chapter 4 in a much shortened version, providing only the most important facts and the details could be provided in an annex for those interested in these details.

1. The structure of Chapter 3 “Roles and contributions of forests” could be improved by following the 4 dimensions of FSN which are universally recognized and referred to in the report: 1) Availability; 2) Access; 3) Utilization; and 4) Stability. This will involves moving some paragraphs and modifying some of the headings. This will add clarity in demonstrating the roles and contributions of forests along the 4 dimensions of FSN.

1. We suggest the report to dedicate a section to summarize the changing role of forestry during the structural transformation of economies. Particularly, in the section 4.2 (Pg. 28-29) where the report captures the importance of both agricultural and economy-wide development to improve national FSN, it would be worthwhile to delve into how forests play a different role in developing and developed economy-context in relation to food security. As an example, i) in developing countries where the primary industry is a large sector, the role of wood energy in cooking and water sterilization is more relevant to direct food utilization benefits mainly when the alternative energy means are not available;   ii) in a changing economy where the secondary or the tertiary industries are being developed or having been remained as main industry, the contribution of forestry sector in terms of national income can become less relevant (with an exception of a major secondary industry being developed based on forest products); the contribution of forests to the long-term stability or health aspect of food security is more pertinent to this context.

1. The report would benefit from establishing a clear definition of non-wood forest products and its consistent use throughout the report. As well, the term (and the acronyms) for non-wood forest products (NWFPs) or non-timber forest products (NTFPs) should be used consistently. (e.g. pg. 44: “…However, in Canada, for example, non-wood forest products (NTFPs) 17 have a current yearly value of CAD241 million and contribute…”)

1. The report does not mention the value of edible insects, which goes beyond their nutritional value as, for instance, it is much more environmentally friendly and easy to produce yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) protein than to produce beef[1]. Farming edible insects for food and feed puts much less pressure on already limited resources such as land, soils, water and energy.

1. Population growth and dietary transitions are mentioned as two main points when addressing global trends and impacts on sustainable forestry for FSN (pg. 17) at the beginning of the report. The “climate change” should be mentioned as one of the relevant and important points in this section.

1. Repeating paragraphs (e.g. i) examples used in pg. 26 (Indonesia, Africa) of Box 7 are repeated in pg. 30 of Box 9; ii) second paragraph of pg. 42 is a repeat of the first paragraph on pg. 39)

1. In general the importance of woodfuel to FSN is not well reflected compared to the availability and access dimensions of FSN, although woodfuel is used by 1/3 of the world population for cooking. As such woodfuel is probably one of the main contributions of forests to FSN. While Pg. 51-54, the “complex impacts of fuelwood on health” are analyzed in detail, issues related to sustainable production and utilization of woodfuel are not mentioned in the report (see comments in the report).

1. Pg. 79. Table 11. “Potential stakeholders in the forestry sector”: why are “downstream communities” only considered at the “local level”? “Upstream communities” are missing.

1. Pg. 101. In the “conclusion” section, it is suggested that “forest policies must address the role of forests in improved livelihoods including FSN”. In order to ensure the sound implementation of the relevant policies, the development of “operational guidelines” could be recommended in parallel, taking into consideration of diverse complex forest rural landscapes. (see other recommendations in the draft report)

N.B. small typo: Pg. 101 under “Main messages”-second bullet: “landscape-focused”

1. Pg. 102. The second “Recommendations for Action: Address forest/agricultural land use trade-offs through valorization and market instruments” suggests, “Integrate FSN concerns in forest certification schemes.” The recommendation should also be made for the “sustainable forestry” concerns to be better integrated into food security policy agendas and programmes. (see other recommendations in the draft report)

1. In general in the recommendations, recommendations should be both ways: forestry to integrate agriculture and FSN; and Agriculture and FSN to integrate forestry.

1. It would greatly help if each chapter is preceded by one page with a list of bullets with the key findings/messages of this chapter

1. Finally and very important, FAO will launch on July 20th the State of World’s Forests 2016 (SOFO 2016) “Forest and Agriculture: land-use challenges and opportunities”. This publication will bring a range a very useful findings and case studies that could be integrated in the HLPE report, especially for chapter 4, 5, the conclusion and the draft areas of recommendations for action.