The main objectives of the workshop were to:
• revise the draft country reports and the work done so far by the country correspondents in compiling the national reporting tables for FRA 2005 in order to identify the main issues, problems and difficulties for the elaboration of the country reports;
• assure a proper understanding on how to compile the 15 reporting tables, including the process of identification, selection and documentation of national data and data sources, by
- discussing the problems that each of the countries have encountered, and to share these country experiences on the reporting process;
- ensuring the correct application of processes of data transformation, estimating and forecasting to generate information for FRA categories and reference years;
- improving consistency among different tables;
- identifying problems and data gaps, if any, in each of the 15 tables of each participating country and suggesting ways to address them;
- seeking clarifications and additional information from countries on their draft reports
• introduce the voluntary reporting tables and the thematic studies for FRA 2005;
• describe how FAO can provide support to linked activities such as National Forest Assessments;
• establish the time schedule and define deadlines for the country reporting to FRA 2005 and
• provide technical assistance and further guidance in order to ensure consistent high-quality reporting that meets the specifications established for FRA 2005.
The two complete days of the workshop were dedicated to revision of, and discussion on, the 15 national reporting tables. Each table was discussed in plenary, where the participating countries presented the main problems and issues encountered. Many of the issues identified by the countries were clarified during the meeting, and the remaining issues were forwarded to the FRA secretariat to be clarified and included in the Frequently Asked Questions on the FRA website.
The participating National Correspondents and Focal Points presented their review of format, definitions, process and consistency, including steps used for processing national datain each of the 15 tables for processing national data. The secretariat attempted to assist and guide the NCs in this respect, where it was found necessary. The participants acknowledged that the discussions significantly improved their understanding of the national reporting process and will facilitate the preparation of the final draft reports according to the established specifications.
The voluntary reporting tables and the thematic studies that form part of the FRA 2005 were also presented and discussed during the third day of the workshop. The NCs were informed about the thematic studies and the role that they might have in these studies, such as liaising with national experts and validation of country information.
The regional reporting on Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management to the Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe (the latest was done in the year 2003, at the 4th Conference held in Vienna) made the voluntary reporting in the country reports not actual. A few countries showed interest in participating in some of the thematic studies, especially on Forests and water. These countries were advised to take direct contact with the persons at the FAO HQs directly responsible for each of the concerned thematic studies.
The support to National Forest Assessments (NFAs) that FAO can provide to countries in transition was presented during the last day of the workshop. Following the presentation the participants presented the current situation and status of NFAs in their respective country, and several of the countries, particularly those from Central Asia and Caucasus region expressed their interest to get FAO support for NFAs.
This was followed by a session where the FRA secretariat presented the different forms for obtaining support when the NCs encounter problems with the reporting process or for addressing special needs. The FRA website was presented, particularly the Discussion Forum and the Frequently Asked Questions, but it was also demonstrated how to find complementary information, such as the IUCN list of endangered species by country.
The workshop was concluded by establishing a work plan for delivering the final draft reports, and by a general plenary discussion on the FRA 2005.
