The forest research strategy document was formulated to address issues associated with sustainable forest management (SFM), chiefly the key drivers of deforestation and forest degradation, and core SFM issues such as natural and artificial regeneration (tree planting) of commercially exploited species. Linked to these is also the issue of value-addition to forest products, which is currently performing below its potential. In fact, more forest products could be brought to the market and contribute directly to rural development. Furthermore, Namibia has made strides in community-based forest reserves, the management of which requires improved technical skills and appropriate organisational development at both national and community levels. In all these, it is recognised that the protection, management and use of forest ecosystems to provide commercial products and also vital ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, require a comprehensive monitoring, reporting and verification system of the forest resources.