OBJECTIVES AND EXPECTED OUTPUTS OF THE WORKSHOP

The objectives of the workshop were to:

· review existing national-level criteria and indicators for sustainable management of dry forests already developed in the region or elsewhere, with a view toward adapting them for possible implementation in Asian countries in a manner compatible with other international initiatives;

· exchange information and experiences related to the development and implementation of criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management;

· stimulate and clarify linkages and inter-relationships between sustainable forest management and marketing and certification of forest products; and

· identify and recommend appropriate actions required to develop and implement criteria and indicators in countries concerned, with due consideration to local ecological, socio-economic, and cultural conditions.

· increased understanding of status and management of dry forests in Asia;

· a set of criteria and indicators for monitoring progress toward sustainable management of the dry forests of the region;

· a timeframe for follow-up actions;

· identification of potential sources of technical and financial collaboration for supporting follow-up activities;

· and a mechanism for monitoring the implementation of criteria and indicators for sustainable management of dry forests in the region.