This double issue of Unasylva aims to tease out the complex interrelationship between forests, trees and disasters, and to examine the ways in which forests and trees can best be managed both to resist shocks and to protect from shocks. Forests and trees can act as natural buffers against disasters and shocks. They have a powerful role to play in protecting against disasters and in reducing their impact. Indeed, the long-term perspective implicit in sustainable forest management is also a valuable approach to planning for disaster risk reduction.

Genetic resources for food and agriculture play a crucial role in food security, nutrition and livelihoods and in the provision of environmental services. They are key components of sustainability, resilience and adaptability in production systems. They underpin the ability of crops, livestock, aquatic organisms and forest trees to withstand a range of harsh conditions. Climate change poses new challenges to the management of the world’s genetic resources for food and agriculture, but it also underlines their importance.

France has long been an active and generous resource partner, working closely with FAO in support of shared food security and agricultural development goals. French expertise and seconded personnel make a vital contribution to the achievement of the Organization’s mandate, and the country plays a major role in catalysing global and regional cooperation. French funding supports a wide range of programmes, with a recent focus on family farming, agro-ecology, climate change and resilience, and food security governance.