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BOGOR, Indonesia (11 August 2011) – Dr Robert Nasi, Director for the Forests and Environment Programme at the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), has been selected to be head of a new CGIAR consortium research programme, Forests, Trees and Agroforestry: Livelihoods, Landscapes and Governance.
The programme, foreseen to be carried out over the next decade, is designed to meet the challenge for strategic, targeted and more collaborative research to support better management and governance of the world’s dwindling forests and trees in agricultural landscapes.
Nasi has over 25 years of research experience in more than 50 countries in tropical resource management. His appointment has been endorsed by all CGIAR centres involved in the programme, namely CIFOR, World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) and Bioversity International. His tenure, which commenced on 1 August 2011, marks another step in the CGIAR transformation toward the creation of a consortium of new strategic, results-based research programmes.
"We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Robert Nasi as Director of the new consortium research programme," said Frances Seymour, Director General, CIFOR. "I have had the pleasure of working with Robert for the past five years and have the utmost respect for him as a scientist, manager and colleague. I am confident that he will lead an innovative and cutting-edge research programme that will demonstrate real impact in the way that forests, trees, and agroforestry systems are managed."
The new research programme brings together four leading research centres and multiple partner institutions to use data, resources and experience toward a clear objective: enhancing the management and use of forests, agroforestry and tree genetic resources across the landscape from forests to farms. The programme hopes to demonstrate policy impact in five key areas which include the management and conservation of forests, climate change mitigation and adaption, and the impact of trade and development on forests.
The effort is one of 15 programmes to be announced and funded by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). Supporting the work of 15 international agricultural research centres, the CGIAR aims to produce high-quality international agricultural research that meets the global challenges for food security and poverty alleviation.
"Robert is known to many of us from his previous work at CIRAD and CIFOR, and has been in the action since the start of this new research collaboration," said Tony Simons, Director General Designate, World Agroforestry Centre. "We have a strong belief that with Nasi’s experience, he can make this a vibrant and model research programme which will generate real impact."
Nasi has had extensive experience with the CGIAR since he joined CIFOR in 1999. As director for the Forests and Environment Programme, he oversaw a project portfolio of more than US$20 million with a team of 35 professionals working in many countries across the world. He has made an extensive contribution to science, having published more than 70 journal articles and contributed to 30 books on sustainable use and management of forest resources.
"Being a close scientific partner and a friend; I welcome with enthusiasm Robert’s nomination as director," said Alain Billand, Head of the Tropical Forests Goods and Ecosystem Services Research Unit, Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement (CIRAD). "From the many projects, publications and team management activities we have shared, his excellent intellectual and management leadership were always appreciated. I am confident that Robert will successfully accomplish the immense and promising task of leading this new research programme."
Born in Nice, France, Nasi graduated as a forest engineer from the French National Forestry School and received his doctorate in the field of ecology from the University of Paris Sud – Orsay. He has been undertaking research activities in the fields of ecology and management of tropical forests since 1982 and spent several years living and travelling extensively in Africa, Asia and the Pacific.
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The Consortium Research Program, ‘Forests, Trees and agroforestry: livelihoods, landscapes and governance’ is a Research Program of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research. The Program aims to enhance management and use of forests, agroforestry and tree genetic resources across the landscape from forests to farms. The collaborative Program is led by the Center for International Forestry Research in partnership with World Agroforestry Centre, Bioversity, and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture. |
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The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) advances human wellbeing, environmental conservation and equity by conducting research to inform policies and practices that affect forests in developing counties. CIFOR helps ensure that decision-making that affects forests is based on solid science and principles of good governance, and reflects the perspectives of developing countries and forest-dependent people. CIFOR is one of 15 centres within the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research. |
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The International Council for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF), the World Agroforestry Centre is recognised as an international leader in agroforestry research and development. The research of the World Agroforestry Centre works towards more productive, diversified, integrated and intensified trees and agroforestry systems that provide livelihood and environmental benefits. The Centre focuses its research on six core regions in Africa, Asia and Latin America, driven by the specific needs and opportunities in each region. The aim is to improve the livelihoods of poor smallholders while improving the sustainability and productivity of the agricultural landscape. |
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Bioversity International uses agricultural biodiversity to improve people’s lives. Originally established in 1974, Bioversity carries out global research to seek solutions for three key challenges: sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and conservation. Bioversity aims to enhance the sustainable use and conservation of agricultural biodiversity to the world’s most vulnerable communities through?better nutrition, sustainable farming practices, and conservation and use. Bioversity works closely with UN Agencies and with partners in over 100 countries worldwide. |
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The International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) is an agricultural research institution focused on scientific solutions to hunger in the tropics. CIAT believes developing sustainable methods of food production is the best way to eradicate hunger and improve livelihoods in the region, and has been helping smallholders grow more food and earn more money for 40 years. Established in 1970, CIAT now works with likeminded organisations in more than 50 countries worldwide. |
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