The theme of this issue of ETFRN News is Sustainable Development of Mountain Forests. The introduction gives an outline on the: - International Year on Mountains 2002 - conventions and partnerships for sustainable mountain forest development - current policy trends and key issues The different contributions provide an overview of the present status of upland forest and the ecological, socio- economic and technological implications of sustainable development of mountain forests, particularly in developing countries. Contributions include: - structure, dynamics and management mountain of forests - non-timber forest products in mountain forests - policy and politics for conservation and development in mountain areas - partnership for sustainable mountain forest development European Tropical Forest Research Network No. 38 Spring/Summer 2003 http://www.etfrn.org/etfrn/newsletter/pdf/etfrnnews38.pdf