Insects and diseases are integral components of forest dynamics, in which they fulfil important roles. However, occasionally the populations grow rapidly to damaging proportions. Such sporadic outbreaks can have catastrophic impacts on forests and trees, in some cases leading to the complete destruction of large areas of natural and/or planted forests, loss or reduction of vital forest ecosystem functions, and considerable economic losses. In developing countries and countries in transition, severe outbreaks may compromise national economies, threatening local economic stability and food security. Despite the significant adverse impacts and indications that outbreaks of forest insect pests and diseases are on the increase, there has been no attempt to systematically gather and analyse comprehensive information on the type, scale and impact of such outbreaks over time at the global level. Dissemination of information on successful protection and control strategies has also been limited. This paper provides a synopsis of the pest situation in some developing countries and countries in transition, describes the development of an information system on forest insects and diseases and presents a summary of the kind of information that will be made available in the form of thematic studies. It was presented at the XII World Forestry Congress, 2003, Québec City, Canada.

Type of Case
Printed publication (book, sourcebook, journal article…)

Publisher
FAO

Region
Global

Biome
All

Forest Type
All forest types (natural and planted)

Primary Designated Function
All