The Center for Tropical Forest Science (CTFS) is a global network of forest research plots and scientists dedicated to the study of tropical and temperate forest function and diversity. The multi-institutional network comprises close to 50 forest research plots across the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe, with a strong focus on tropical regions. CTFS monitors the growth and survival of approximately 4.5 million trees and 8,500 species. CTFS conducts long-term, large-scale research on forests around the world to: increase scientific understanding of forest ecosystem, guide sustainable forest management and natural-resource policy, monitor the impacts of climate change and build capacity in forest scienceÍ