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The future of the world's forests and trees is at the centre of several major environmental and development issues-including conservation of biological diversity, climate change, food security, sustainable livelihoods and recreation for enhanced quality of life. At the same time, forests continue to provide a wide range of goods including timber, energy and non-wood forest products. Forests also represent opportunities for agricultural expansion in many parts of the world, so society has developed an awareness of resource conflicts and shortage.