What we do

We are reminded on a daily basis that the natural environment in which we live is vitally important for our well-being, whether it is in the form of climate change, global warming, declining fertility or dwindling natural resources.

Sustainable forest management plays a central role in our future, which in turn requires the training and development of forestry professionals.  That's where the CFA comes in. We work in all corners of the Commonwealth and beyond to promote the wise management of trees and forests, and we do this in five main ways.

First, we publish world-class science in our peer-reviewed forestry journal, the International Forestry Review, and the latest global forestry news and views in the CFA Newsletter.

Second, we facilitate networking of professional members and organisations and exchange of knowledge via our quarterly newsletter, website, Facebook page and Twitter feed.

Third, we encourage professional excellence and promote career development using a range of awards, such as the Queen’s Award for Forestry, the Young Forester Award and the Young Scientist Research Award.

Fourth, we carry out a range of specific projects in the field that have been identified by our membership.

And fifth, we promote capacity building by helping to organise training courses, workshops, and conferences.

We are also the home to the secretariat for the Standing Committee on Commonwealth Forests, which is comprised of representatives of all of the forest departments from throughout the Commonwealth.  The committee provides a unified voice on forestry matters to governments and international meetings and organises the Commonwealth Forestry Conference, an event which takes place every four years.