## Breadcrumb

-  Home 
-  About the Agency 
-  International Programs 
-                       Why We Work Internationally                  

##               International Programs            

                  -  About Us 
                  -  Why We Work Internationally 
                  -  Where We Work 
                  -  Program Topics 
                  -  Training & Seminars 
                  -  Contact Us 

##               About the Agency            

                  -  Contact Us 
                  -  Agency Leadership 
                  -  Budget and Performance 
                  -  Equity Action Plan 
                  -  Faces of the Forest Service 
                  -  National Programs and Offices 
                  -  Newsroom 
                  -  Publications 
                  -  Regulations and Policies 
                  -  This is Who We Are 

#   Why We Work Internationally

----

****

The Forest Service offers over 100 years of experience in natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, and disaster preparedness and response. Through international engagement, agency experts can promote sustainable management practices globally while being exposed to new ideas that further the health of forests and grasslands here at home. The agency partners with the U.S. Department of State, USAID, host country governments, NGOs, and the private sector to benefit people and the environment.

----

 

## Combat Illegal Logging

****
Global trade of forest products is estimated to exceed $1 trillion per year, approximately 15% of which originates from illegally harvested wood. Illegally harvested timber undermines legitimate producers, disrupts world markets, and damages forest ecosystems.

Ultimately, the illegal harvest of forest products harms the U.S. economy by making American forest products less competitive, and negatively impacts U.S. jobs. Forest Service International Programs works with partners to combat illegal logging, leveling the playing field in international trade for legitimate timber producers. 

## Conserve Threatened Migratory Species

****
Many species undertake perilous seasonal journeys, migrating across country borders to spend the winter in warmer climates. The current situation for many North American migratory species is dire, with over 60% declining. Forest Service International Programs works extensively throughout the Americas to develop capacity to better manage the winter homes for these birds, bats, and butterflies—a small investment with a huge impact. The agency works to protect and restore habitat, develop conservation education programs, and improve protected area management.

## Protect Forests from Invasive Species

****
Invasive species damage forests and grasslands, inflicting multibillion-dollar losses to the global economy. The outlook is alarming: there are at least 20 destructive forest pests expected to enter the U.S. in the coming decade, introduced accidentally through trade. Forest Service International Programs brings together agency scientists and land managers with their counterparts in the countries from which the invasive species originate. Through international collaboration, pests already in the U.S. can be better controlled and new introductions can be prevented.

## Represent U.S. Interests Abroad

****
Social, environmental, and economic problems cannot be solved in isolation or by one nation. We work with counterparts overseas and with multilateral institutions to ensure that the U.S. forestry community’s interests are reflected in policy decisions. Our team provides technical and policy input to the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and the U.S. Department of Commerce. These include domestic and international conservation, climate change adaptation, forest landscape restoration, forest product trade, and forest health.

## Respond to Disasters & Assist in Disaster Preparedness

****
The Forest Service offers valuable expertise to the U.S. government’s response to natural disasters around the world. The Forest Service applies knowledge in incident management, wildfire response, and other technical areas to alleviate human suffering during disasters. Forest Service International Programs proactively assists countries in developing their own their own internal disaster management capabilities before a crisis strikes.

## Adapt to Climate Change

****
Destruction of forests produces up to a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions and harms forest-dependent communities, ecosystems, and economies. An estimated 1.6 billion people depend on forests for a host of services that help societies thrive in the face of climate change. Well-managed forests are essential for curbing emissions; Forest Service International Programs is promoting community co-management of forests to improve local economic opportunities, food security, water conservation and carbon sequestration.