Deutsche Forstservice GmbH (DFS)

Founded in 1979, DFS Deutsche Forstservice GmbH is a German consulting company specialized in all phases of project cycle management related to forest sector development co-operation, ranging from identification, design, appraisal, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation to backstopping of forestry projects world-wide, with considerable experience in forest resources assessment, monitoring, management for multiple purposes, and applied research.  DFS Deutsche Forstservice GmbH relies upon a team of permanent and/or closely affiliated professional staff members specialized in natural resources conservation and development at large, and maintains intimate links with internationally leading academic and research institutes for specialized inputs.  Clients regularly worked for comprise national institutions as well as bilateral and multilateral co-operation agencies, namely: -African Development Bank (AfDB) -Asian Development Bank (ADB) -Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) -Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) -European Commission (EC) -International Timber Trade Organisation (ITTO) -Japan Overseas Forestry Consultants Association (JOFCA) -Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) -Organisation of Petrol Exporting Countries (OPEC) -World Bank (WB)   The extended experience of DFS Deutsche Forstservice GmbH in the field of forestry studies and projects, together with its highly qualified permanent technical staff at the company's headquarters near Munich, its national and international linkages, its profound technical training competence, its comprehensive documentation center, its modern communication facilities, its rigorous selection of experts for short- and long-term missions and its close and continuous back-stopping of the fielded experts guarantee the provision of services at the high quality standard that has made the company's reputation.      FIELDS OF EXPERTISE AND SERVICES OFFERED  Forest inventory and forestry planning Reliable information is a prerequisite to sound forestry planning. National and regional forest inventories Satellite navigation systems (NAVSTAR GPS, GLONASS) Reconnaissance surveys, multi-resources inventories Data processing, analysis, management information systems (MIS) Biodiversity assessments, qualitative observations and statistical sampling Land use mapping and planning   Forest resources monitoring Forest resources management planning Remote sensing, geographic and environmental information systems (GIS/EIS) Forest evaluation, health and damage assessment    Natural forest management Sustainable forest management practices contribute to the conservation of natural forests. Definition of management goals and objectives Forest rehabilitation and tending Prioritisation and mapping of forest functions Reduced impact utilisation of forest products Conception and validation of management alternatives Human resources development and training Elaboration and implementation of integrated forest management plans Capacity-building and institutional strengthening Silvicultural treatments and guidelines Forest policy advise and forest legislation   Protection of forests and environment The understanding of the mechanisms of forest destruction constitutes the basis for the orientation of protection measures. Participatory appraisal of the specific situation Forest fire prevention and control Soil and water resources conservation, erosion control Forest resources protection and conservation Adapted land use systems Protected areas and buffer zone management Watershed protection and management Improvement of socio-economic framework conditions   Reforestation and plantation management Natural forests and plantations are complementary in the fulfilment of the demand for multiple forestry goods and services. Planning and appraisal of afforestation and reforestation projects Site preparation and plantation establishment Site mapping and selection Maintenance and protection of established plantations Tree species and seed selection, genetic improvement Management models, silvicultural treatments and guidelines Tree nursery practices and management Sustainable utilisation and regeneration   Community and social forestry Given a fair share of rights, responsibilities and revenues as well as an adequate relationship among all stakeholders, local communities actively engage in forest resources protection and conservation. Design, planning and promotion of participatory forestry projects (Re)negotiation and operationalisation of the stakeholders' roles Identification of stakeholders and analysis of their respective roles Capacity and training need assessment Sensitisation and motivation of local communities Elaboration of appropriate didactic materials Assistance in community organisation Collaborative research and capacity development Promotion of framework conditions conducive to participatory approaches Promotion of the exchange of know-how and experiences   Forest utilisation and forest products The valorisation of the wide range of forestry goods and services is the key to the preservation and durable development of forests. Comprehensive accounting of forestry goods and services Fuelwood and charcoal production Design and promotion of appropriate forest products utilisation methods Local transformation of forest products into higher value-added commodities Reduced impact logging through sound planning and the use of appropriate techniques Promotion of artisanal processing of forestry product Planning, establishment and operation of small and medium sawmills (incl. mobile sawmills)     Forestry studies The appropriate allocation of the limited funds for technical and financial cooperation in the forestry sector requires sound and efficient prior investigations. Forestry sector studies Detailed project planning (goal oriented project planning, logical framework, etc.) Identification and conception of forestry and natural resources management and conservation projects Elaboration of terms of reference and of job descriptions, scheduling of project activities Pre-feasibility and feasibility studies Evaluation of forestry projects Project appraisals       Forestry component within integrated projects Agro-silvo-pastoral resources and their management play a major role in integrated rural development projects. Short-term consultancies and backstopping Preparation of sector plans Forestry, non-timber forest products, ecology, wildlife, biodiversity, agroforestry and range management experts Information campaigns and education towards sustainable forest resources management and conservation Technical inputs, on-the-job training, coaching, seminars, workshops