About

FACT is a University of British Columbia Faculty of Forestry initiative dedicated to research, dialogue and knowledge exchange. We aim to foster a global network of researchers and communities working in partnership with governments, non-government organizations, academia, industry and others to contribute to the development of more resilient and liveable forest-dependent communities. At the foundation of our initiative is the recognition that the natural environment is not boundless, and that it plays an integral role in the economic and social fabric of communities and the health of community members. Thus, the wellbeing of forest-dependent communities begins with the responsible and sustainable management of forest resources.

Acknowledging that there is no single panacea for the challenges currently confronting forest-dependent communities and embracing the subjective nature of these issues, we believe that an enhanced global dialogue regarding the sustainable management of forest resources will form the basis of meaningful community-based solutions that are practicable and lasting. This can only be achieved through improved research practices, collaboration, respect and an increased mutual capacity to work together. We promote the collaborative study of the interface between society and forest ecosystems and the exchange of relevant, actionable and scientifically rigorous findings. We advocate for the inclusion of these findings in the development of natural resource management policy.

Organizational Structure

FACT’s organizational structure consists of the Operational Hub including: FACT Director Rob Kozak, responsible for setting the overall strategic direction and overseeing activities; FACT Managing Director Erin McGuigan, responsible for operational activities, including planning, budget management, coordination and procurement of funds; AFRICAD Managing Director Joleen Timko, responsible for AFRICAD-specific research and operational activities (described below).

The FACT Network Advisory Committee consists of the Operational Hub of FACT and leading representatives from academia, communities, government and non-government organizations. The Committee provides input on the research areas, facilitates the exchange of information and provides guidance regarding our overall strategic aims.

FACT engages an unlimited number of Partners from around the world. Partners come from academia, communities, government, non-government organizations and civil society and they take an active role in the dialogue addressing the interface between forests and communities.

The Africa Forests Research Initiative on Conservation and Development (AFRICAD) is a conservation-oriented research initiative located within the Faculty of Forestry at the University of British Columbia and is uniquely linked to FACT. While AFRICAD’s strategic direction and administration are autonomous from FACT, AFRICAD plays an active role in setting priorities for FACT and realizing our objectives in Africa. FACT recognizes sub-Saharan Africa as a region of significance where forest-dependent communities in transition are concerned. Africa has the highest percentage of people anywhere in the world living on less than one dollar per day and it has been estimated that over two-thirds of Africa’s 60 million people rely on forest products for subsistence and to supplement their cash incomes. AFRICAD concentrates its research efforts on poverty alleviation, sustainable livelihoods, social equity, conflict and conservation in the forested regions of Africa. AFRICAD aims to be a leader in the generation of knowledge through scientific inquiry, communication, teaching and capacity building on poverty and livelihoods.

FACT Organizational Framework

Priorities and Functions

FACT is action- and solutions-oriented. We believe that rural development and forest resource management – both internationally and in British Columbia – will be strengthened through sharing international research findings and lessons. To be effective, we must engage in a two-way dialogue that occurs at multiple scales (local, national and international) and through multiple platforms. Partnerships between researchers and communities are also becoming increasingly prevalent as funders and research organizations recognize the value and importance of meaningfully partnering with communities and co-developing research questions. Research done in collaboration with communities can produce more relevant, robust and valid results, better inform policy-making processes and ultimately produce direct community benefits. While the advantages to both communities and researchers are clear, there is a need to develop capacity on both sides to ensure that research is conducted in an ethical, timely and rigorous manner.

To these ends, FACT performs the following functions:

1. Conducting, catalyzing and facilitating research that is relevant to the wellbeing of
   forest-dependent communities
2. Fostering productive research relationships amongst a host of stakeholders including
   communities, researchers, practitioners, non-government organizations, government and industry
3. Building community and institutional capacity to collaborate on research projects and
   co-develop research questions
4. Supporting a global dialogue and exchange of knowledge between forest-dependent
   communities, civil society, government, industry, media and researchers
5. Advocating for the inclusion of scientifically rigorous findings in forest management decisions and policy impacting communities
6. Showcasing relevant University of British Columbia research and projects from partner organizations around the world