CL 124/8


Council

Hundred and Twenty-fourth Session

Rome, 23-28 June 2003

REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMITTEE ON FORESTRY
(Rome, 10-14 March 2003)

Table of Contents


MATTERS REQUIRING ATTENTION BY THE COUNCIL

APPENDIX A - AGENDA
APPENDIX B - LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
APPENDIX C - LIST OF DOCUMENTS


MATTERS REQUIRING ATTENTION BY THE COUNCIL

The attention of the Council is drawn to:

(a)     The role of the Regional Forestry Commissions in implementing IPF/IFF proposals for action

The Committee:

(b)     Forests and freshwater – issues and options

The Committee:

(c)     National forest programmes as a mechanism to implement the key outcomes of the WFS:fyl and WSSD

The Committee:

(d)    The future of forests: implications of the Forestry Outlook Study for Africa

The Committee:

(e)     Review of FAO programmes in the forestry sector, including follow-up to the requests and recommendations of the Fifteenth Session of the Committee and the Programme Implementation Report (2000-2001)

The Committee:

(f)     Defining work objectives for FAO in key cross-cutting areas defined by countries and the FAO Medium-Term Planning Process

The Committee:

a) extent of forest resources;
b) biological diversity;
c) forest health and vitality;
d) productive functions of forest resources;
e) protective functions of forest resources;
f) socio-economic functions;
g) legal, policy and institutional framework (para 67).


 

INTRODUCTION

1. The Sixteenth Session of the Committee on Forestry (COFO) was held at FAO Headquarters, Rome, Italy, from 10 to 14 March 2003.

2. The session was attended by delegates from 113 Members of the Committee, observers from five other Member Nations of FAO, observers from one United Nations Member State, the Holy See, representatives of eight United Nations Agencies and Programmes and observers from 19 intergovernmental and international non-governmental organizations. The list of participants is given in Appendix B.

3. Mr José María Solano López, outgoing First Vice-Chair, opened the session.

4. Mr David A. Harcharik, Deputy Director-General, welcomed delegates and addressed the session on behalf of the Director-General.

ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA (Item 2)

5. The Agenda (Appendix A) was adopted. The documents considered by the Committee are listed in Appendix C.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND DESIGNATION OF THE DRAFTING COMMITTEE (Item 3)

6. The Committee elected Ambassador Flávio Miragaia-Perri (Brazil) to the Chair, Mr Ján Ilavský (Slovak Republic) as First Vice-Chair, and as Vice-Chairs:

Mr Yvan Hardy (Canada) North America
Mr David Rhodes (New Zealand) Southwest Pacific
Mr Henri Djombo (Republic of Congo) Africa
Mr Mohammed Saeid Noori Naeini (Islamic Republic of Iran) Near East
Mr A.H.N. Jayasekara (Sri Lanka) Asia

7. The following member countries were elected to the Drafting Committee for the COFO report: Australia, Costa Rica, China, Côte d’Ivoire, Finland, Guatemala, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Japan, Kenya, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, and the United States of America. The representative of Japan was elected to chair the Drafting Committee and the representative from Guatemala was elected as vice-chair.

STATE OF THE WORLD’S FORESTS 2003
(SOFO) (Item 4)

8. The Assistant Director-General of the Forestry Department summarized the major findings of the fifth edition of FAO’s biennial publication, State of the World’s Forests 2003 (SOFO), copies of which were distributed at COFO in five languages. The Committee recognized the usefulness and importance of the document and noted the improved format. It welcomed coverage of several key topics of interest, including the role of forests in poverty alleviation; in the provision of freshwater; in climate change; and in conserving biological diversity; and progress on the use of criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management. It also noted the involvement of a number of external collaborators in the preparation of SOFO and encouraged the Forestry Department to continue this practice when compiling future editions. It was also suggested that the Secretariat distribute the publication in advance of the session. The Secretariat welcomed feedback on the publication and invited members of the Committee to submit suggestions for SOFO 2005.

MAJOR FORESTRY POLICY ISSUES

THE ROLE OF THE REGIONAL FORESTRY COMMISSIONS IN IMPLEMENTING THE IPF/IFF PROPOSALS FOR ACTION (ITEM 5)

9. The Committee welcomed the innovative approach to the introduction of this topic in plenary by a panel of regional representatives of the FAO Regional Forestry Commissions. However, it noted that, at future sessions, more time could be allocated for discussing common key issues and activities.

10. The Committee agreed that FAO Regional Forestry Commissions are an important mechanism to support member countries in implementing sustainable forest management, including proposals for action of the Intergovernmental Panel on Forests (IPF) and the Intergovernmental Forum on Forests (IFF), by facilitating the exchange of experiences, building networks and enhancing co-operation at national, regional and international levels. The Committee recommended that FAO Regional Offices be strengthened to more effectively support the Regional Forestry Commissions.

11. The Committee recommended that Regional Forestry Commissions strengthen their links with other regional organizations and processes working in forestry, wildlife and related areas, and that the private-sector and non-governmental organizations be more involved in activities of these commissions.

12. The Committee recommended that FAO should take the lead in providing support and increasing focus on policy and technical advice to countries on implementing IPF/IFF proposals for action and that it continue its efforts to build capacity in member countries in this area. The Committee requested FAO to be more proactive in identifying funding for these activities.

13. The Committee recommended that FAO enhance its efforts to help mobilize resources for countries to implement the IPF/IFF proposals for action. In this respect, the Committee recommended that Regional Forestry Commissions facilitate the assessment and implementation of IPF/IFF proposals for action and other internationally agreed actions in countries. The Committee recommended establishing a small roster of persons in each region who are familiar with the IPF/IFF proposals for action, to assist countries in assessing and prioritizing them, and that FAO provide information on sources of funding. It encouraged FAO and other members of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF) to help fund such an approach.

14. The Committee recommended that Regional Forestry Commissions be used to facilitate the flow of information between the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) and countries. It also recommended that FAO, through its Regional Forestry Commissions, help increase awareness of the importance of sustainable forest management in countries and the importance of implementing the IPF/IFF proposals for action.

15. The Committee welcomed the report of the Panel composed of a representative of each Regional Forestry Commission, who provided a summary of Commissions’ recommendations. The Committee encouraged FAO to take action on these recommendations.

FORESTS AND FRESHWATER – ISSUES AND OPTIONS (ITEM 6)

16. The Committee noted the outcomes of the COFO side meeting on forests and water. It recognized that the relationship of forests to water is a critical issue that must be accorded high priority. It further recognized that sustainable forest management is crucial for watershed management and that increasing attention needs to be paid to mountains, lowlands, riparian areas and water-limited areas.

17. The Committee recognized the significant influence of forests on the availability and quality of clean water in many regions of the world and recommended that FAO facilitate better national and international coordination to help ensure that forests contribute to and benefit from developments related to fresh water management. As a result, the Committee supported the inclusion of a new entity on water and forests in the FAO Medium Term Plan 2004-09 that would involve, for example, raising awareness on forest hydrology; identifying factors which constitute effective watershed management; disseminating related knowledge and research findings; and assisting countries build capacity to implement and enforce policies and action programmes.

18. The Committee noted the important role FAO could play in collecting and disseminating information and successful experiences of member countries, in providing technical support to countries, in enhancing knowledge and partnerships at the national, subregional, regional and international levels, and in increasing understanding of the hydrological and environmental services of forests.

19. The Committee encouraged FAO to support processes that maximize the contributions of stakeholders in the development and implementation of policies, programmes and strategies which integrate land use and water management with sustainable forest management, and address conflict issues.

20. The Committee urged FAO to establish partnerships with other organizations working on issues related to forests and water.

21. The Committee noted the need for FAO to give special attention to economic, social and environmental dimensions of issues related to water and forests. It encouraged FAO to foster intersectoral dialogue and intersectoral cooperation, given that these elements are necessary to achieve sustainable management of water resources.

22. The Committee recognized that, in many countries, water issues are managed by institutions other than those responsible for forests. It recommended that countries further enhance synergies to deal with issues of mutual concern at the national level.

23. The Committee noted that FAO can play an important role in the interface between forest management and watershed management and it urged FAO to help countries integrate various national programmes that are derived from such instruments as the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and the national forest programmes. The Committee recommended that FAO actively participate in the 3rd World Water Forum in Japan in 2003.

24. The Committee noted the importance of sustainable forest management in contributing to achieving the targets on water supply, sanitation and integrated water resource management included in the Plan of Implementation of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) and encouraged FAO to support related initiatives launched at WSSD.

25. The Committee recommended that FAO explore ways to report on the linkages between forests and water in the FAO Global Forest Resources Assessment (FRA) and recognized that resources would be needed to collect, compile and analyse such information and data.

NATIONAL FOREST PROGRAMMES AS A MECHANISM TO IMPLEMENT THE KEY OUTCOMES OF THE WFS:FYL AND WSSD (ITEM 7)

26. The Committee commended FAO for its support to national forest programmes and for hosting and supporting the National Forest Programme Facility. It recommended that FAO continue to support national forest programme processes.

27. The Committee noted the multi-sectoral and participatory nature of national forest programmes. It also recognized the contributions that national forest programmes can make to sustainable development in general and to food security and poverty alleviation strategies in particular. In this regard, the Committee agreed that national forest programmes are important tools to implement commitments related to the World Food Summit: five years later (WFS:fyl), the World Summit on Sustainable Development and outcomes of other international discussions. The Committee noted the need for national forest programmes to contribute to the fulfilment of these commitments.

28. The Committee recognized the momentum behind internationally agreed development goals, including those contained in the Millennium Declaration. The Committee urged FAO to address these goals in its work related to national forest programmes.

29. The Committee emphasized the value and potential of national forest programmes in implementing IPF/IFF proposals for action, and monitoring progress made towards sustainable forest management, making use of, inter alia, criteria and indicators. It also noted the role of national forest programme processes in building national consensus, establishing partnerships and addressing forest-related issues in concert with the frameworks of other international instruments and processes, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

30. The Committee recommended that national forest programmes cover all types of forests and trees outside forests that would contribute to socio-economic and environmental goals. It also suggested that periodic reviews of these programmes be conducted in a participatory manner.

31. The Committee noted that capacity building and knowledge sharing are essential elements for an effective implementation of national forest programmes.

32. The Committee also noted other key outcomes of WSSD addressing increased access to world markets, the valuation of goods and services produced in a sustainable manner, and the provision of new and additional resources and modern technology are important to having sustainable forest management as a viable economic option.

33. The Committee urged additional donors to support the National Forest Programme Facility.

34. The Committee stressed the need for mechanisms for updating and reporting country efforts on national forest programmes and relevant actions agreed at WFS:fyl and WSSD. The Committee also recognized the need for verifiable goals and milestones for reviewing progress and for assessing the contributions of national forest programmes to sustainable forest management. It requested FAO to assist member countries in this regard.

35. The Committee recommended that countries seek to have their national forest programmes and their national development programmes and plans related to the management of other natural resources be mutually supportive.

MATTERS REFERRED TO THE ATTENTION OF THE COMMITTEE

DECISIONS OF FAO GOVERNING BODIES OF INTEREST TO THE COMMITTEE (ITEM 8)

36. The Committee noted the decisions of the 120th and 121st Sessions of FAO Council as well as the views and recommendations of FAO Regional Conferences. It welcomed the Council’s statements on the inter-sectoral dimensions of forestry, including in the context of climate change, desertification, food security, poverty alleviation and environmental protection. It also welcomed the view that FAO should continue to support the United Nations Forum on Forests and the Collaborative Partnership on Forests.

37. The Committee welcomed the report by Canada on preparations for the XII World Forestry Congress to be held in Quebec City in September 2003, and encouraged broad participation by government and non-government experts.

FAO PROGRAMMES IN FORESTRY

THE FUTURE OF FORESTS: IMPLICATIONS OF THE FORESTRY OUTLOOK STUDY FOR AFRICA (FOSA) (ITEM 9)

38. The Committee welcomed FOSA and applauded FAO for the high quality of the study. It noted its importance in contributing to long-term planning purposes and as a good basis for raising awareness of current and emerging issues in Africa’s forest sector. The Committee particularly recognized the usefulness of the report in terms of providing a realistic analysis of the situation and of signalling the need to address problems on an urgent basis.

39. Despite indications of a pessimistic outlook, the Committee noted positive trends in policy development and implementation in Africa’s forest sector, and expressed optimism for a brighter future.

40. The Committee recommended that FAO continue to support further research in institutions and agreed that follow-up activities should include regular updates of country data and information to ensure their relevance for the development and implementation of strategies. The Committee particularly noted the need to provide additional information on the informal sector where most activity in Africa’s forest sector was taking place.

41. The Committee recognized that many of the problems identified in FOSA lie outside the forest sector thus confirming the need for countries to adopt multi-sectoral approaches in the development and implementation of national plans and programmes.

42. The Committee recommended that FAO and partners, including countries, promote the participation of stakeholders in national processes; continue to provide information on factors that affect poverty; and further assist countries build capacity for long-term strategic planning and sustained action to reverse negative trends.

43. The Committee requested FAO to continue assisting countries in their efforts to promote efficiency in the public sector, improve the functioning of markets, and achieve greater access to markets.

44. The Committee recognized that many activities being undertaken in Africa’s forest sector can positively influence future outcomes. In this regard, it recommended that FAO continue to disseminate information and reports on progress as a potential tool for others to replicate successful approaches and experiences.

REVIEW OF FAO PROGRAMMES IN THE FORESTRY SECTOR, INCLUDING FOLLOW-UP TO THE REQUESTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMITTEE AS WELL AS THE PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION REPORT 2000-2001 (ITEM 10)

45. The Committee recognized that FAO had followed-up on priority issues contained in the recommendations of the 15th session. It expressed appreciation that several of these issues were the subject of side meetings during the 16th session, providing delegates with an opportunity to be informed of progress in detail.

46. The Committee recommended that FAO focus on its mandated role as a source of global forestry information and that FAO continue to give high priority to forest resources assessments, emphasizing the importance of strengthening national capacities to collect and analyze information about forests, and of improving compatibility between national, regional and international assessments. It recognized that this work needed to reflect the range of national circumstances in forest cover, use and management. The Committee endorsed the major recommendations of an international expert consultation on forest resources assessments (Kotka IV), including the establishment of an advisory group on global forest resources assessments; the importance of linking these assessments with criteria for sustainable forest management; and the need for an updated global FRA report in 2005.

47. The Committee stressed the importance of timely, accurate and comprehensive information about forests. It encouraged FAO to continue collaborating with other organizations to streamline reporting, to build synergies and to strengthen national capacities in this regard. The Forest Resources Assessment, the State of the World’s Forests report and the FAO forestry web site are to be commended.

48. The Committee recommended that FAO continue to give high priority to supporting forestry education, extension and research. It noted that FAO has a comparative advantage in these areas and encouraged FAO to work with academic institutions to update forestry curricula related to cross-sectoral issues, including the social, economic and environmental dimensions of forests, especially in developing countries and in countries with economies in transition.

49. The Committee commended FAO for its active role in harmonizing forest-related definitions, in collaboration with other organizations and recommended that the process be continued in order to address critical issues that are not yet resolved.

50. The Committee endorsed the importance of regional approaches in addressing forest issues and commended FAO for facilitating the work of Regional Forestry Commissions. It endorsed the need to strengthen these commissions.

51. The Committee recommended that FAO continue its work on criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management; model and demonstration forests; participatory forestry; forest fire control; wildlife management; forest biological diversity; forests and climate change; support to national forest programmes; the links between forests, forestry and poverty alleviation; trade and sustainable forest management and assistance to countries to prevent and control forest pests and diseases. The Committee welcomed the main conclusions and recommendations of the International Conference on the Contribution of Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Forest management: the Way Forward (CICI 2003).

52. The Committee commended FAO for its work in the field of forestry and climate change and recommended that it strengthen its technical work in close collaboration and coordination with the UNFCCC and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

53. The Committee commended FAO for its support to the United Nations Forum on Forests and its leadership in the Collaborative Partnership on Forests. It recommended that these roles be continued and strengthened.

54. The Committee noted that the World Congress of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) to be held in Australia in August 2005 will be an important showcase for forest research and scientific underpinning of sustainable forest management. It also noted the offers of Australia and the Republic of Korea to host the World Forestry Congress in 2009.

55. The Committee recommended that FAO increase its efforts to raise the awareness of its achievements in the different field programmes.

56. The Committee recommended that FAO work on simplifying the procedures and reducing the time frame required for obtaining its support.

DEFINING WORK OBJECTIVES FOR FAO IN KEY CROSS-CUTTING AREAS IDENTIFIED BY COUNTRIES AND THE FAO MEDIUM-TERM PLANNING PROCESS (ITEM 11)

57. The Committee welcomed the proposed programme of work and associated structural changes within the FAO Forestry Department and noted the important contributions of the Forestry Department to a range of 16 priority areas for interdisciplinary action within FAO. The Committee broadly agreed with the programme of work as outlined in the Medium-Term Plan 2004-2009 and in document COFO-2003/8. The Committee supported the proposed increased share of the total FAO budget allocated to Forestry in the Medium-Term Plan 2004-2009 and Summary Programme of Work and Budget 2004-2005 (SPWB), and recommended that this proportional share be protected within the budget for 2004-2005. It emphasized the importance of the SPWB in providing greater transparency and assisting members evaluate and determine the overall programme of work and supported continued provision.

58. The Committee strongly supported the additions to the work programme on forests and water; forests and climate change; and forests, poverty alleviation and food security.

59. The Committee stressed the need for an integrated approach to work programme entities and recommended that steps be taken to continue to improve linkages between the programme of work and outcomes. It emphasized that better-defined outputs, performance indicators and milestones were needed to improve future reporting on achievements and to assess programme outcomes and impacts. It recommended that FAO forestry programme outputs for 2004-2005 and beyond clearly show linkages to the IPF/IFF proposals for action and the expanded Programme of Work on Forest Biological Diversity.

60. The Committee recommended that FAO continue to focus on its core mandates in all entities of the proposed work programme. Forest information was highlighted as a priority, including work in forest resource assessments and in harmonizing forest-related definitions.

61. The Committee took note of the needs and requirements of low forest cover countries (LFCCs) and the role that the Secretariat of the Tehran Process could play in addressing related issues. It recommended that FAO, and encouraged the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), UNCCD and other partners, provide technical support to LFCCs for the sustainable management of forests and trees outside forests, including the rehabilitation of degraded lands, desertification control and strengthening national planning and institutional frameworks.

62. The Committee recommended that FAO continue to support forestry education, extension and research, wildlife management and valuation of non-wood forest products and services, and continue to serve as a neutral forum for discussing issues related to forest certification schemes. It also recommended that FAO support countries’ efforts in forest law enforcement.

63. The Committee recommended that FAO’s programme of work related to forests and climate change be expanded to continue addressing issues identified under the UNFCCC.

64. The Committee also encouraged FAO to continue its programme to strengthen national institutional capacities with its planned outputs in the areas of knowledge management and governance, models of participation and partnerships, and strengthening of institutional arrangements.

65. The Committee also recommended that FAO provide increased emphasis on socially and ecologically based fire management and foster information exchange, including at a regional level.

66. The Committee recommended that FAO continue its support to the United Nations Forum on Forests and its leadership in the Collaborative Partnership on Forests and that these roles be continued and strengthened. It further recommended that FAO continue to work closely with the other members of the CPF.

67. The Committee took note of the report of the International Conference on the Contribution of Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management: the Way Forward (CICI 2003) that was held in Guatemala City, Guatemala, in February 2003. It recommended that FAO continue to give high priority to criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management, including technical assistance and capacity building. It also recommended strengthening FAO’s role in facilitating collaboration among criteria and indicators processes, noting that CICI conclusions in this area identified the following common thematic areas of sustainable forest management based on existing sets of criteria elaborated by regional and international criteria and indicators processes:

a) extent of forest resources;
b) biological diversity;
c) forest health and vitality;
d) productive functions of forest resources;
e) protective functions of forest resources;
f) socio-economic functions;
g) legal, policy and institutional framework.

68. In light of the conclusions and recommendations of the CICI 2003, the Committee recommended that FAO, in collaboration with the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), convene an international expert consultation to consider, inter alia, developing communication networks; improving common understanding of concepts and definitions; identifying approaches and methods for collecting, storing and sharing data; and strengthening cooperation. It urged organizers to hold this consultation in time to provide a report to UNFF4.

OTHER MATTERS

DATE AND PLACE OF NEXT SESSION

69. The Committee agreed to hold its next session in Rome from 14 to 18 March 2005.

 

APPENDIX A

AGENDA

1.

Opening of the Session

2.

Adoption of the Agenda

3.

Election of officers and designation of the Drafting Committee

4.

State of the World’s Forests (SOFO 2003 report)

MAJOR FORESTRY POLICY ISSUES

5.

The role of the Regional Forestry Commissions in implementing the IPF/IFF proposals for action

6.

Forests and freshwater – issues and options

7.

National forest programmes as a mechanism to implement the key outcomes of the WFS:fyl and WSSD

MATTERS REFERRED TO THE ATTENTION OF THE COMMITTEE

8.

Decisions of FAO Governing Bodies of interest to the Committee

FAO PROGRAMMES IN FORESTRY

9.

The future of forests: implications of the Forestry Outlook Study for Africa (FOSA)

10.

Review of FAO programmes in the forestry sector, including follow-up to the requests and recommendations of the Fifteenth Session of the Committee, as well as the Programme Implementation Report

(a)

Developments in Forest Resources Assessment

(b)

Harmonizing forest-related definitions: key to successful monitoring and reporting on forests

11.

Defining work objectives for FAO in key cross-cutting areas identified by countries and the FAO medium-term planning process

OTHER MATTERS

12.

Date and place of next session

13.

Adoption of the report

14.

Closing of the session

 

APPENDIX B

COUNTRIES AND ORGANIZATIONS REPRESENTED AT THE SESSION

MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE

Albania
Algeria
Angola
Argentina
Armenia
Australia
Austria
Bangladesh
Belgium
Bhutan
Bolivia
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Cambodia
Cameroon
Canada
Cape Verde
Chile
China
Colombia
Congo (Rep. of)
Costa Rica
Cote d’Ivoire
Cuba
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Democratic People’s
   Republic of Korea
Democratic Republic
   of the Congo
Denmark
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Eritrea
Estonia
Ethiopia
European Community
   – Member Organization
Fiji
Finland
France
Gabon
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Guatemala
Haiti
Honduras
Hungary
India
Indonesia
Iran, Islamic Republic of
Iraq
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Jordan
Kenya
Korea, Republic of
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Lesotho
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
Lithuania
Madagascar
Malaysia
Mali
Malta
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mexico
Mongolia
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar, Union of
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Rwanda
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
Spain
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Sweden
Switzerland
Syrian Arab Republic
Thailand
The Former Yugoslav
   Republic of Macedonia
Tunisia
Turkey
Uganda
United Kingdom
United Republic of Tanzania
United States of America
Venezuela

OBSERVERS FROM FAO MEMBER NATIONS

Bosnia and Herzegovina
San Marino
Serbia and Montenegro
United Arab Emirates
Zimbabwe

OBSERVERS FROM UNITED NATIONS MEMBER STATES

Russian Federation

PERMANENT OBSERVER TO FAO

Holy See

REPRESENTATIVES OF UNITED NATIONS AND SPECIALIZED AGENCIES

United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
United Nations Development Programme
Economic Commission for Europe
United Nations Environment Programme
United Nations Forum on Forests
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
United Nations Industrial Development Organization
World Bank

OBSERVERS FROM INTERGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

Arab Organization for Agricultural Development
International Plant Genetic Resources Institute
International Tropical Timber Organization
League of Arab States
Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe

INTERNATIONAL NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

African Forest Action Network
Associated Country Women of the World
Center for International Forestry Research
Confederation of European Forest Owners
European Forest Institute
European Observatory of Mountain Forest
International Institute for Sustainable Development
International Union of Forest Research Organizations
Pan European Forest Certification Council
Union des Sylviculteurs du Sud de l’Europe
World Business Council on Sustainable Development
World Conservation Union (IUCN)
World Federation of Trade Unions
World Wildlife Fund

 

APPENDIX C

LIST OF DOCUMENTS

Agenda
Item

Code

Title

2

COFO-2003/1.Rev.1

Provisional Agenda

5

COFO-2003/2

The role of Regional Forestry Commissions in implementing the IPF/IFF proposals for action and recommendations of the Regional Forestry Commissions

6

COFO-2003/3

Forests and freshwater – issues and options

7

COFO-2003/4

National forest programmes as a mechanism to implement the key outcomes of the WFS:fyl and WSSD

8

COFO-2003/5

Decisions of FAO Governing Bodies of interest to the Committee

9

COFO-2003/6

The future of forests: implications of the Forestry Outlook Study for Africa (FOSA)

10

COFO-2003/7

Review of FAO programmes in the forestry sector, including follow-up to the requests and recommendations of the Fifteenth Session of the Committee as well as the Programme Implementation Report (2000-01)

(a) Developments in Forest Resources Assessment
(b) Harmonizing forest-related definitions: key to successful monitoring and reporting on forests

11

COFO-2003/8
 

COFO-2003/8 ADD.1

Preliminary information on programme and work proposals for 2004-05 regarding major programme 2.4: Forestry

Medium-Term Plan 2004-09

 

INF series

COFO-2003/INF.1

Timetable

COFO-2003/INF.2

List of documents

COFO-2003/INF.3

List of participants

COFO-2003/INF.4

Statement of competence and voting rights submitted by the European Community (EC) and its member countries

COFO-2003/INF.5

Report of the Third Meeting of the High-Level Panel of External Experts on Forestry to the Director-General of FAO