Networking in practice:

ETFRNEuropean Tropical Forest Research

Network

Birgit Habermann

ANN-ETFRN

(Austrian National Node of the European Tropical Forest Research Network)

ODI-EUFORIC Seminar June 2nd, 2005

Introducing ETFRN

a forum for all concerned with forest research in tropical, subtropical and Mediterranean countries;

a catalyst of European expertise to contribute to conservation and wise use of forest and tree resources.

a collaborative effort

ODI-EUFORIC Seminar June 2nd, 2005

• established in 1991• focal points in 16

European countries• coordination unit (NL)• initiated and co-funded by

EC DG RES INCODEV until 2003

European Tropical Forest Research Network (ETFRN)

ODI-EUFORIC Seminar June 2nd, 2005

Our mission

To ensure that European research contributes to conservation and sustainable management of forest and tree resources in the tropics, subtropics and Mediterranean regions and to the solution of global problems, with the aim of supporting the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals.

ODI-EUFORIC Seminar June 2nd, 2005

ETFRN Network Services

• ETFRN webservice - easy access to relevant web-based information on specific key topics (average nr of visitors: 4600 per month);

• ETFRN workshops - catalysing need-based research;

• ETFRN News - newsletter with comprehensive information on current research topics (3700 + hundreds of pdf);

ODI-EUFORIC Seminar June 2nd, 2005

ETFRN Network Services

• Other services: > 3600 contacts– Research directory (nr of institutions: 526, nr of contact

persons: 840)

– Question & Answer Service– Access to thousands of catalogued articles and

to project info (through data partners) – Email alerts - to over 1000 addresses

ODI-EUFORIC Seminar June 2nd, 2005

ETFRN web-based opportunities

• Vacancies• Funding opportunities• Training• Calendar of events

A network effort: seamless web with ETFRN focal point pages

ODI-EUFORIC Seminar June 2nd, 2005

ETFRN objectives

- increased coherence and improved facilitation of European tropical forest research;

- increased collaboration with researchers in developing countries through partnerships and other forms of capacity building;

- improved dialogue between researchers; policy makers; forest managers and others who influence the forest environment and who can improve forest based livelihoods.

ODI-EUFORIC Seminar June 2nd, 2005

Why do we operate as a network

• promotion of research outputs, including broader dissemination and more training to improve the uptake and application of research outputs

• particular strengths are information collection, synthesis and distribution through electronic and paper copy

• facilitates dialogue and collaboration: transparent and light governance

• new opportunities and inputs• knowledge flow - bridge members to policy makers

ODI-EUFORIC Seminar June 2nd, 2005

How do we operate as a network:Roles and functions

• Catalyse and forge partnerships– with other networks– between research institutions (Europe-DCs)

• Facilitate North-South dialogue• Link research and development• Platform and catalyst for multiple

stakeholders• Broker role between forest research

community and policy makers

ODI-EUFORIC Seminar June 2nd, 2005

How do we operate as a network:Current structure

Coordination Unit

Executive Committee

Steering Committee

16 National Focal Points

ETFRN Members

ODI-EUFORIC Seminar June 2nd, 2005

Added value

• National + European + global• Sound scientific basis connected with wide

group of stakeholders and policy makers• Scientific advancement + policy coherence• Knowledge dissemination• Forging partnerships

ODI-EUFORIC Seminar June 2nd, 2005

Inform/influence policy by networking: examples

• ETFRN workshops, and ETFRN News issues have helped shape policy

• ETFRN News readers are people in policy positions• ETFRN News themes tend to be in line with current

policy themes as identified by the European Tropical forest Advisers group (ETFAG) and others

• ETFRN workshops provide a platform for discussion on specific policy themes

• ETFRN Steering Committee requested to provide inputs to various consecutive EC framework programmes for research.

ODI-EUFORIC Seminar June 2nd, 2005

Biodiversity workshopInternet workshop results were used as input for a policy seminar

ODI-EUFORIC Seminar June 2nd, 2005

Downloadable reports, background documents and case studies form an online library for future reference

ODI-EUFORIC Seminar June 2nd, 2005

Inform/influence policy by networking: problems/solutions

• policy influence: this is an area that requires further work

• low policy support for forestry as general constraint

• research and policy – interaction sometimes difficult !

• Initially more focus on getting researchers together, not enough time and resources for lobbying, would have been important too !

ODI-EUFORIC Seminar June 2nd, 2005

Inform/influence policy by networking: problems/solutions

• not just a funding problem – need to link research to policy and practice: we need better linkage to these fields, more representatives in network

• activities on national level differing: review on contribution of focal points to functioning of ETFRN, but maintain focal points

• better interlinkage with other networks required to spread policy inputs

ODI-EUFORIC Seminar June 2nd, 2005

ETFRN in 2005

• Reorganising governing structure• Legal entity• Rethinking membership and role of national

focal points• Services – funding opportunities: payment

for services• Thematic areas changing• Collaboration with other networks