Title Pakistan Forest Digest Issue 01- A4 - Pakistan Research Group

SDPISustainable Development Policy InstituteAbout SDPIBrief HistoryThe Sustainable Development Policy Institute(SDPI) was founded in August 1992 on therecommendation of the Pakistan NationalConservation Strategy (NCS), also calledPakistan’s Agenda 21. SDPI is a policyorientedresearch institute established toproduce quality policy research and advocatedemocratic governance and pro-peopleinitiatives. It is registered under the SocietiesRegistration Act, XXI of 1860.MandateGoals• To conduct policy advice, policyoriented research and advocacy from abroad multi-disciplinary perspective.• To promote the implementation ofpolicies, programs, laws andregulations based on sustainabledevelopment.• To strengthen civil society andfacilitate civil society-governmentinteraction through collaboration withother organizations and activistnetworks.• To disseminate research findings andpublic education through the media,conferences, seminars, lectures,publications and curriculadevelopment, including the CitizensReport and State of the EnvironmentReport.• To contribute to building up nationalresearch capacity and infrastructure.• To catalyze the transition towardssustainable and just development inPakistan.• To serve as a source of expertise andadvisory servicesfor the government, private sector,and non-governmental initiativessupporting the implementation ofPakistan's environment anddevelopment agenda.• To conduct policy-oriented researchon sustainable development from abroad multi-disciplinary perspective.• To provide policy advice on mattersrelating to the mission of the Institute.• To contribute to strengthening thesocial and physical infrastructure forresearch in Pakistan including theconstruction and dissemination ofdatabases and research indices and theimprovement of library systems.• To initiate, establish and participate incollaborative advocacy and otheractivities with like-mindedorganisations in and outside thecountry.SDPI defines sustainable development as theenhancement of peace, social justice andwell-being within and across generations.SDPI produces knowledge–knowledge thatcan enhance the capacity of government tomake informed policy decisions and toengage civil society on issues of publicinterest.The Institute acts as both a generator oforiginal research on sustainable developmentissues and as an information resource forconcerned individuals and institutions.SDPI’s function is thus two-fold: an advisoryrole fulfilled through research, policy adviceand advocacy; and an enabling role realisedthrough providing other individuals andorganisations with resource materials(training) to undertake NCS related activities.Pakistan Forest Digest vi Vol. 1, No. 1, April – June 2010