Workshop objectives:
• Selected forest-related definitions are harmonized25;
• Options
for use of definitions suggested;
• Commonly agreed future agenda
established.
Working Groups Tasks:
1. discuss and revise the draft analytical framework with respect to the terms assigned to the group;
2. consider options proposed and recommend to what extent of harmonizing26 the definitions of key terms would be desirable, and suggest ways and means to implement it;
3. identify the applicability and possible implications of the proposed harmonization (and the underlying definitional framework) in international processes, negotiations and reporting;
4. recommend follow-up action for the harmonization process within and between international processes.
Suggested working group topics:
1. Forest and change processes
1.1. Forest in relation to other land classes
Forest, Forest Land, Non-forest Land, Trees Outside Forests, Other Wooded Land.
1.2. Change processes between forest and non-forest classes
Afforestation, Reforestation, Deforestation, Natural Expansion, Forest Fragmentation,
Revegetation, Devegetation.
2. Classification of forests
Forest Type, Forest Ecosystem, Biome, Ecological Zone, Domain, Low Forest Cover.
3. Forest management and forest condition
3.1. Management of forests
Managed Forest, Unmanaged Forest
3.2. Forest condition with respect to productivity and environmental functions
Natural Forest, Undisturbed Forest, Primary Forest, Old Growth Forest, Secondary Forest
Semi-natural Forest, Degraded Forest, Forest Plantation.
4. Change processes within forest
Forest-Improvement, Restoration, Rehabilitation, Reforestation27, Natural Regeneration Forest Degradation, Forest Fragmentation
25 Harmonization can include adjustment for improved compatibility, synchronization, establishing comparability and linkages, listing in order, documentation of differences
26 e. g. adjustments across definitions, where easy to agree upon (like synonymy of 'forested land', 'forest land' and 'forest');
27 Reforestation and Forest Fragmentation fall under two groups and reflect the close interrelationship of all terms- which calls for an interchange between groups.