Year of publication 2011

This guide provides the forest sector with clear and concise guidance on forest health practices, including plain language descriptions of the ISPMs and suggestions for their improved national implementation. The guide has been prepared through a consultative process involving an international group of scientists, phytosanitary authorities and forest sector representatives and is supported by the IPPCSecretariat at FAO and aims to assist policy-makers, planners and managers to improve communication between agencies at a national level and apply these standards in the forest sector. Many people associated with the forest sector can play a key role in preventing the spread of pests, including those involved in growing, planting, managing, harvesting, manufacturing, storing, trading and transporting forest products. This guide is intended to help reduce human-facilitated pest spread and its impacts. It provides easy-to-understand information on ISPMs and the role of forest management practices in implementing phytosanitary standards and facilitating safe trade. Each chapter has been prepared as a stand alone document allowing the reader to concentrate on the specific topics that are of interest. A glossary is also provided to further clarify the terminology used. This guide will be of vital interest to all sectors in forestry and will also benefit forestry policy-makers, planners, managers and educators, particularly in developing countries.