With increasing forest cover in South China, the focus of forestry sector development is shifting from afforestation to the management of existing forests. This development has given rise to a strong demand on all levels in China for the transfer of knowledge and investments in the field of Sustainable Forest Management (SFM). This project is the first "third generation project" focusing on SFM (financed by the KfW) and requires significant innovative elements. UNIQUE developed operational SFM approaches for Anhui Province with a focus on increasing stand value, income generation for the rural forest users and maintaining ecosystem functions.

• Monitoring system covering all aspects related to technical SFM implementation and loan finances.
• Development of guidelines for SFM monitoring in Southern China.
• Training of forest administration staff, collective land use right holders and SFM managers.
• Exploration of carbon finance opportunities related to improved forest management and REDD.