In opening the inaugural session, Dr. Ram Prasad, Director of IIFM, expressed his gratitude for the efforts and support of the organizers. He introduced the concepts and values of criteria and indicators for monitoring progress toward sustainable forest management. He also provided a brief description of IIFM and its activities related to sustainable forest management, including support for the Bhopal-India Process initiated in early 1999. He concluded by quoting a verse from Rig Veda, which translates to English as, "Let us move together; let us interact together; let us know each other's mind," suggesting the passage as a useful guide for the success of the workshop.
Patrick Durst, FAO Senior Forestry Officer for Asia and the Pacific, spoke on behalf of FAO, summarizing the objectives of the workshop, and the roles of FAO in supporting sustainable forest management. He noted that criteria and indicators were simply one additional tool to be used in working toward sustainable forest management, which must be supported by strong political will and commitment. Froylan Castaneda, Forestry Officer, FAO/Rome, provided additional words to the inaugural session, in which he lauded the efforts of IIFM and the role that it was playing with regard to sustainable forest management.
Dr. Efransjah, ITTO Programme Officer for Asia and the Pacific, briefly described ITTO and its roles and activities, with particular emphasis on ITTO's pioneering role in developing and supporting the implementation of criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management. He applauded the collaboration of the organizers of the workshop and assured the participants of ITTO support for implementing the recommendations of the workshop.
The Guest of Honor, Ratnesh Solomon, Minister of Forests, Government of Madhya Pradesh, highlighted the importance of the workshop for advancing sustainable management of dry forests in India and other countries in the region. He noted the critical importance of dry forests in the lives of local people, and for conservation of rich biodiversity. He expressed hope that the workshop would develop sound strategies for supporting the management and conservation of these important forests. He acknowledged the positive role played by IIFM in forest management and allied activities, and the initiatives taken to strengthen local-level institutions engaged in conservation and sustainable development of forests.
