IUFRO's support to forest science in economically disadvantaged countries is implemented via the Special Programme for Development of Capacities (in short IUFRO-SPDC). Its mission is "to expand and foster forest research capacity in economically disadvantaged countries".

IUFRO-SPDC addresses topics bridging science, policy and practice in workshops and thematic networking activities. Enhancing forest-related science-policy interactions and interdisciplinary methods for improving land use, IUFRO-SPDC contributes to broader economic, environmental and social development objectives such as poverty alleviation, improvement of livelihood of rural people and their access to resources, environmental protection and the sustainable utilisation of forests.