This series consists of the alphabetical subject files of the forestry program. The records include memoranda, correspondence, reports, policy papers, and drafts of papers and book chapters. The principal focus of the files is the development of the World Bank's forest policy paper of 1991, including a series of background reports commissioned from world forestry experts during 1990.

The records also contain files on the Tropical Forest Action Plan, a program sponsored jointly by the Bank and the Food and Agriculture Organization, the United Nations Development Program, and the World Resources Institute, including records that reflect the establishment of the Bank's policy on the Plan. Files on forestry projects throughout the world between 1991 and 1993 include correspondence, mission reports, sometimes project supervision and completion reports, and publications. A few files on the International Board for Plant Genetic Resources, although labeled Weekly staff bulletin, actually contain useful reports,background papers, and handbooks on the operation of the Board.

The records are unusually complete, and it is possible to trace the development of the 1991 forest policy paper in its entirety. The paper itself is published, but these files provide important background content and context for research on forestry policy.