G.A.O.F.


What is the GAOF?

The GAOF (Global Association of Online Foresters) was founded in 1997

The GAOF is an independent, non-profit making organisation dedicated to developing an on-line presence for foresters and anyone interested in forestry and the environment.


Vision

The Global Association of Online Foresters will be internationally recognised as an innovative organisation which is making a useful contribution to forestry. See the Future


Mission Statement

The aim of the Global Association of Online Foresters is:

" To aid the international promotion and improved understanding of all aspects of forestry".


Objectives

  1. Develop a friendly and dynamic forestry community
  2. Provide advice on a range of forestry matters
  3. Encourage the formulation and execution of good forest policy world-wide
  4. Promote 'best practice' in forestry
  5. Help with career development.
  6. Secure the long term viability of the organisation

Strategies

1 Develop a friendly and dynamic forestry community
By encouraging a wide range of membership
By making it easier for members to make contacts around the world
By encouraging exchange visits
By liaison between different sections of the forest and related industries through the development of a network of affiliated organisations
By organising various activities under the direction of the Council.

2 Provide advice on a range of forestry matters
By providing a helpline for anyone with an enquiry
By maintaining a regularly updated source of forestry information such as a web site.
By having links to members, various mailing lists and other sources of information
By responding to all relevant enquiries and replying to most of the messages within 24 hours

3 Encouraging the formulation and execution of good forest policy world-wide
By developing an international forestry forum. This will include welcoming and providing support for any new discussion group where the objectives are clearly different from existing forums.
By updating communications in terms of ease, speed and efficiency
By developing and encouraging on-line discussions and interchange of information and ideas.
By raising issues and developing the influence of the organisation
By acting as a mediator on forestry issues
By maintaining our own identity so that we are trusted as a genuine forum for debates on forestry

4 Promoting 'best practice' in forestry
By encouraging the research and development of best practice in forestry and forest management. .
By promoting the proper planning and coordinated development of a renewable global forest resource.
By encouraging continuous professional development and training
By fostering pride in the forestry profession through the provision of a valuable service to society
By informing the public of all ages about the overall aims, objectives and benefits of forestry
By providing unbiased information to the 'media'

5 Help with career development.
By promoting and reviewing education, training and careers in forestry.
By assisting those who seek to employ or be employed within the forest industry.

6 Secure the long term viability of the organisation
By promotion of the organisation at every opportunity
By constantly recruiting new members
By developing the organisation according to the wishes of the members
By electing a proactive Council to guide the development of the organisation
By developing a sound financial basis
By operating on the basis of sound organisational ethics
By any other means that the Council may deem necessary.

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Material Copyright © 1998/99 Nick Ananin, GAOF