Forests Strategy and Operational Policy

The Bank’s Forests Strategy and operational policy, approved by the Executive Board of Directors in October 2002, are based on three equally important pillars of economic development, poverty reduction, and protection of global forest values. Please see the operational policy and strategy sections for more details and the full documents.

What is the difference between the Forests Operational Policy and Strategy?

The Bank makes a clear distinction between the purposes of a Sector Strategy and an Operational Policy. The Sector Strategy outlines intent, discusses options and presents arguments for adopting particular approaches. It provides nuanced guidance on the different actions that should be considered in different circumstances. An Operational Policy is intended as a more concise statement of the Bank's obligations to all Bank operational activities covered by the policy. It provides formal and accountable safeguard policies that are approved by the Board. The Operational Policy is accompanied by a Definitions Annex, and a Bank Procedures document, which elaborate upon some of the implementation requirements raised by the policy.

A Consultative Process for Developing the Strategy…

An extensive two-year consultative process informed the development of the policy and strategy. Development partners and stakeholders around the world, including governments, civil society in developing and developed countries, industry, forest-dependent communities, partner donor agencies and UN bodies, were asked to provide their input to the process. The consultations were supported by extensive analytical, technical and economic studies, some commissioned by the World Bank and others done by independent institutions on NGOs on a wide range of subjects.