FORESTRY

(Article XIV of the Constitution)

Established in 1947 during the "Semaine internationale du Peuplier" organized by the French Government. The Conference, at its Tenth Session (1959), approved a convention placing the Commission within the framework of FAO. The Convention came into force on 26 September 1961. The Convention was amended at the Second Special Session of the Commission (1967) with the subsequent approval of the Conference at its Fourteenth Session (1967). At its Third Special Session (1977), the Commission adopted additional amendments with the subsequent approval of the Conference at its Nineteenth Session (1977).

To study the scientific, technical, social and economic aspects of poplar and willow cultivation; to promote the exchange of ideas and material between research workers, producers and users; to arrange joint research programmes; to stimulate the organization of congresses combined with study tours; to report and make recommendations to the FAO Conference through the Director-General, and to make recommendations to National Poplar Commissions through the Director-General and the Governments concerned. (Article III of the Convention).

The "Semaine internationale du Peuplier" held in Paris in April 1947, is considered the First Session of the Commission.

Member Nations or Associate Members of the Organization as accept the Convention in accordance with Article XIII thereof. The Commission may, by a two-thirds majority of its Membership, admit to Membership such other Nations that are Members of the United Nations, any of its Specialized Agencies or the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The present membership is:

The sessions of the Commission are also open to observers from Member Nations of FAO that, without being Members of the Commission, may indicate their wish to attend the session on account of their interest in poplar and willow culture.

English, French, Spanish.

General Rules of the Organization.

1965, 1968, 1971, 1975, 1980, 1984, 1988, 1992, 1994, 1996.

Working Party on Logging and Utilization of Poplar Wood (FO-704) (English, French, Spanish, as required) (1)

• Open to all Member Nations of the Commission.

Working Party on Poplar Diseases (FO-705) (English, French, Spanish, as required) (1)

• Open to all Member Nations of the Commission.

Working Party on Poplar Insect Pests (FO-706) (English, French, Spanish, as required) (1)

• Open to all Member Nations of the Commission.

Working Party on Breeding and Selection of Poplars and Willows (FO-724) (English, French, Spanish, as required) (3)

• Open to all Member Nations of the Commission.

Working Party on Biomass Production Systems for the Salicaceae (FO-725) (English, French, Spanish, as required) (3)

- Open to all Member Nations of the Commission.

The Twentieth Session of the International Poplar Commission (IPC) and the Thirty-eighth Session of its Executive Committee were held in Budapest, Hungary from 1-4 October 1996. The report on these meetings is available in hard copy from the Secretary of the IPC, and electronically on http://www.fao.org/waicent/faoinfo/forestry/IPC/IPChom-e.htm.

Meetings of the Working Parties on Poplar Diseases, Poplar Insect Pests, Breeding & Selection of Poplars and Willows, and Biomass Production Systems were held simultaneously with the two Sessions. Lists of papers presented to these meetings are available on the same Website.

(Article VI-1 of the Constitution)

Established by the Conference at its Tenth Session (1959, Resolution 26/59).

To advise on the formulation of forest and wildlife management policy and to review and coordinate its implementation at the regional level; to exchange information and, generally through special Subsidiary Bodies, advise on suitable practices and action in regard to technical problems; and to make appropriate recommendations in relation to the foregoing.

November 1960.

Open to all Member Nations and Associate Members of FAO, whose territories are situated wholly or partly in the Africa Region as defined by the Organization, or who are responsible for the international relations of any non-self-governing territories in that Region. Membership comprises such eligible Nations as have notified the Director-General of their desire to be considered as Members.

The present membership is:

Somalia, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States of America attend sessions as observers.

English, French.

Adopted at the First Session and confirmed by the Conference at its Eleventh Session (1961); amended at the Fifth Session of the Commission (1978).

1960, 1969, 1972, 1976, 1978, 1983, 1986, 1989, 1992, 1995. 1998 (April).

Working Party on Wildlife Management and National Parks (FO-709) (English, French) (1)

• Open to all Member Nations of the Commission.

As per Conference Resolution 13/97, consultations will be held on the future of this Body.

The Commission did not meet during the biennium.

(Article VI-1 of the Constitution)

Established by the Conference at its Fifth Session (1949) in pursuance of a resolution of the Forestry and Timber Utilization Conference for Asia and the Pacific (Mysore, March/April 1949).

To advise on the formulation of forest policy and to review and coordinate its implementation on the regional plan; to exchange information and, generally through special Subsidiary Bodies, advise on suitable practices and action in regard to technical problems, and to make appropriate recommendations in relation to the foregoing.

October 1950.

Open to all Member Nations and Associate Members of FAO, whose territories are situated wholly or partly in the Asia-Pacific Region as defined by the Organization, or who are responsible for the international relations of any non-self-governing territory in that Region. Membership comprises such eligible Nations as have notified the Director-General of their desire to be considered as Members.

The present membership is:

The United Kingdom attends sessions as an observer.

English: also French if a French-speaking Member Nation advises of its intention to participate.

Adopted at the Fifth Session (1960) and amended at the Sixth (1962) and Tenth (1977) Sessions.

1950, 1952, 1955, 1957, 1960, 1962, 1964, 1969, 1973, 1977, 1981, 1984, 1986, 1990, 1993, 1996, 1998.

The Sixteenth session met from 15 to 20 January 1996 in Yangon, Myanmar. The Seventeenth session of the AFPC was held in Yogyakarta from 23 to 27 February 1998. The Commission discussed the final report of the Asia-Pacific Forestry Sector Outlook Study. It recommended that Member Nations which do not already have codes of practice for forest harvesting or equivalent instruments should develop and implement national codes of practice consistent with the Code of Practice for Forest Harvesting in Asia-Pacific. It also recommended that FAO establish a new APFC Ad Hoc Working Group on Forestry Statistics and Information to assist Member Nations and other partners in improving data in the following areas: wood residues, trees outside forests, fuelwood, and non-wood forest products with development potential.

In reviewing the FAO Regular and Field Programmes in the region, the Commission recommended that FAO continue to give strong emphasis to non-wood forest products development, participatory management, wood energy, policy development and implementation, outlook studies, forest resources assessment, and support for national forest programmes. It also requested FAO to give increased attention to fire control and management, issues related to decentralization and devolution of forest management, reforestation technologies, and effective implementation of the Code of Practice for Forest Harvesting in Asia-Pacific.

The Commission encouraged FAO to finalize the Strategic Plan for Forestry in line with the global FAO Strategic Framework and requested that it be presented to the next session of the Committee on Forestry (COFO). It identified several issues as potentially requiring additional emphasis in the final strategy document, including: the need to increase awareness of
decision-makers regarding the value of forests; plantation development and tree-breeding technologies; land-use planning and land tenure issues; and the role of forests in climate change mitigation.

With regard to follow-up implementation of the Code of Practice for Forest Harvesting in
Asia-Pacific, the Commission recommended that FAO, working through the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific and the APFC ad hoc Working Group on Sustainable Forest Management, help facilitate implementation of Codes of Practice in the Region, and that national and local Government agencies, donor organizations, relevant international organizations, NGOs, the private sector, and other interested parties work in partnership with FAO to support the implementation of Codes of Practice.

(Article VI-1 of the Constitution)

Established by the Conference at its Fourth Session (1948) in pursuance of a recommendation of the FAO Teresopolis (Brazil) Forestry Conference in 1948.

To advise on the formulation of forest policy and to review and coordinate its implementation at the regional level; to exchange information and, generally through special Subsidiary Bodies, advise on suitable practices and action regarding technical and economic problems; and to make appropriate recommendations in relation to the foregoing.

May 1949.

Open to all Member Nations and Associate Members of FAO, whose territories are situated wholly or partly in Latin America or who are responsible for the international relations of any non-self-governing territory in that Region. Membership comprises such eligible Nations as have notified the Director-General of the Organization of their desire to be considered as Members.

The present membership is:

Canada attends sessions as an observer.

English, French, Spanish.

Adopted at the Sixth Session (1958), amended at the Seventh (1960) and Fourteenth (1982) Sessions.

1949 (twice), 1950, 1952, 1955, 1958, 1960, 1962, 1964, 1967, 1970, 1976, 1980, 1982, 1986, 1988, 1991, 1993, 1996, 1998 (September).

Committee on Forestry Research (FO-717) (English, French, Spanish) (1)

• Open to all Member Nations of the Commission.

As per Conference Resolution 13/97, consultations will be held on the future of this Body.

The Twentieth Session is scheduled for 10-14 September 1998 in Havana, Cuba.

(Article VI-1 of the Constitution)

Established by the Conference at its Seventh Session (1953) in pursuance of a resolution of the FAO Amman (Jordan) Forestry Conference in 1952.

To advise on the formulation of forest policy and to review and coordinate its implementation at the regional level; to exchange information and, generally through special Subsidiary Bodies, advise on suitable practices and action in regard to technical and economic problems; and to make appropriate recommendations in relation to the foregoing.

September 1955.

Open to all Member Nations and Associate Members whose territories are situated wholly or in part in the Near East Region, or who are responsible for the international relations of any non-self-governing territories in the Region. Membership comprises such eligible Nations as have notified the Director-General of their desire to be considered as Members.

The membership is:

France, Malta, United Kingdom and United States of America attend sessions as observers.

Arabic, English.

Adopted at the Second Session (1958), amended at the Third (1962) and Ninth (1983) Sessions.

1955, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1967, 1970, 1974, 1978, 1983, 1987, 1990, 1996, 1998 (December).

The Twelfth Session met in Cairo, Egypt in October 1996. The Thirteenth Session is scheduled for December 1998 in Damascus, Syria.

(Article VI-1 of the Constitution)

Established by the Conference at its Tenth Session (1959, Resolution 27/59).

To advise on the formulation of forest policy and to review and coordinate its implementation at the regional level; to exchange information and, generally through special Subsidiary Bodies, advise on suitable practices and action with regard to technical problems, and to make appropriate recommendations in relation to the foregoing.

July 1961.

The present membership is:

English and Spanish.

Adopted at the First Session (1961) and amended at the Ninth and Eighteenth Sessions (1996).

1961, 1963, 1965, 1967, 1969, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1978, 1980, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998 (November).

Most of the Commission's activities during these two years were conducted through its seven study groups: Forest Genetic Resources, Fire Management, Forest Insects and Diseases, Silviculture, Atmopheric Change and Forests, Neotropical Migratory Birds and Forest Products.

At the Commission's Eighteenth Session (Asheville, North Carolina, USA, November 1996), the importance of science and policy and social issues within the forestry sector was recognized and it was agreed to explore options for strengthening their understanding, including the feasibility of establishing a new study group before the next session of the Commission. The Commission approved the document entitled A Strategic Look Ahead and the request to continue to work on the development of a Website for the NAFC.

A World Directory of Forest Geneticists and Tree Breeders was established on the World Wide Web. The book Forest Insects of Mexico was completed and distributed. A report on the health of North American forests was published in 1996. A trilateral committee for the conservation and management of wildlife and econsystems was established under the umbrella of a Memorandum of Understanding by Member Nations. The Commission recognized the need to improve current information on criteria and indicators of the Montreal process, and recommended that study groups assist by reporting on any related research findings and data collection activities.

(Article VI-1 of the Constitution)

Established by the Conference at its Third Session (1947) on the recommendation of the FAO Marinask�-L�zne (Czechoslovakia) Forestry Conference in 1947.

To advise on the formulation of forest policy and to review and coordinate its implementation at the regional level; to exchange information and, generally through special Subsidiary Bodies, advise on suitable practices and action with regard to technical and economic problems, and to make appropriate recommendations in relation to the foregoing.

July 1948.

Open to all Member Nations and Associate Members whose territories are situated wholly or in part in the European Region or who are responsible for the international relations of any non-self-governing territory in that region. Membership comprises such eligible Nations as have notified the Director-General of their desire to be considered as Members.

The present membership is:

English, French, Spanish.

Revised version adopted at the Eleventh Session (1961) and confirmed by the Conference at its Eleventh Session (1961). Amended at the Eighteenth Session (1977) of the Commission.

1948, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1957, 1959, 1961, 1963, 1967, 1968, 1970, 1972, 1975, 1977, 1979, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998 (October).

Working Party on the Management of Mountain Watersheds (FO-728) (English, French, Spanish) (1)

• All Members of the Commission.

As per Conference Resolution 13/97, consultations will be held on the future of this Body.

Joint FAO/ECE/ILO Committee on Forest Technology, Management and Training (FO-729) (English, French, Russian) (1)

• ECE Member Nations and any additional Member Nations of the European Forestry Commission.

FAO/ECE Working Party on Forest Economics and Statistics (FO-730) (English, French, Russian) (1)

• ECE Member Nations and any additional Member Nations of the European Forestry Commission.

The Commission met in Joint Session, together with the ECE Timber Committee, in September 1996 and discussed the role of regional forestry commissions, the status of women in forestry, main findings and implications of the study "European Timber Trends and Prospects: into the 21st Century" (ETTS V), the contribution to the pan-European process on the protection of forests and the preparations for the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2000.

With regard to the role of Regional Forestry Commissions, the Commission stressed the importance of identifying regional specificities and carrying out activities in identified areas. A major role for Regional Forestry Commissions was to articulate the regional viewpoint and present it to Global Bodies, such as COFO.

With regard to follow-up to the ETTS V study, the Joint Session suggested that FAO arrange an Expert Meeting on global and regional outlook studies. The Joint Session strongly supported the suggestion made at the expert-level follow-up meeting of the Helsinki Conference (Geneva, May 1996) that ECE and FAO, in cooperation with other international organisations (e.g. ICP Forest, institutions of the EU) collect and make available to the pan-European process data on as many indicators of sustainable forest management as possible. In particular, this aspect should be taken into account in the design of the Forest Resources Assessment 2000. The importance of the Forest Resources Assessment as the primary source of internationally-comparable data on forests was also stressed. In order that all the data should be of the highest quality, it was essential that Nations devote sufficient resources to providing the data requested and that adequate resources be made available to the Secretariat for proper validation and analysis of the data and presentation of the results. The Joint Session welcomed the continuing close cooperation between international organisations in this field, to avoid duplication and find synergies.

(Article VI-1 of the Constitution)

Established by the European Forestry Commission in 1948 as a Subsidiary Body in succession to the pre-war international body Silva Mediterranea. Transformed by the Seventh (1953, Resolution 25) and Eleventh (1961) Sessions of the Conference into a Joint Sub-Commission on Mediteranean Forestry Problems. In 1970 the above title was granted.

a)    To periodically review the trends in the use of forest land in the Mediterranean area and to assess the impact of changes implemented in the agricultural, industrial, and urban sectors, and to advise Member Governments accordingly on reorientation or improvements necessary to meet changed situations or newly-emerging needs; conversely, to periodically examine progress in forestry technology within regional and ecological contexts in order to better assess present forest land utilization methods;

b)    to identify forestry research priorities in the Mediterranean area, determine forestry research projects of common interest to Member Governments in the region and recommend to the Director-General of FAO and Member Governments the adoption of measures necessary to coordinate the concerted execution of these projects by the forestry research institutes in the Region;

c)    to determine and carry out, in collaboration with Member Nations and with the support of the appropriate national forestry agencies, the technical studies and surveys which are deemed necessary to assist governments of the Region formulate national forest policies or facilitate their implementation.

December 1948.

Open to all Members of the African, European, and Near East Forestry Commissions of FAO whose territories are situated wholly or in part in the Mediterranean basin proper or whose forest, agricultural, or grazing economies are intimately associated with those of the Mediterranean Region. Membership comprises such eligible nations as have notified the Director-General of their desire to be considered as Members.

The present membership is:

Arabic, English, French, Spanish.

Adopted at the Seventh Session (1960). Amended at Eighth Session (1962).

1948, 1950, 1952, 1954, 1956, 1958, 1960, 1962, 1965, 1968, 1970, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1992, 1994, 1997.

The Seventeenth Session was held in October 1997 in Antalya (Turkey) as a satellite meeting to the XI^th World Forestry Congress. The Committee was operative in its guidance and coordinating roles for the Mediterranean Forest Action Programme (MED-FAP). The activities of several national and regional projects in this framework were reviewed.

Regarding research networks activities, the re-activation of the research network on "Selection of multi-purpose tree species for arid and semi-arid zones" was highlighted in the scope of the implementation on the Convention to Combat Desertification in the Region. Responding to the request from Governing Bodies of FAO, the Committee took the opportunity of its Fiftieth Anniversary to launch a review of its activities and cost-effectiveness.

(Article VI-2 of the Constitution)

Established by the Director-General in 1960 following the decision of the Conference at its Tenth Session (1959, Resolution 30/59) and broadened in accordance with the terms of Resolution 2/111 of the Hundred and Eleventh Session of the Council.

To advise the Director-General on the evolution and implementation of the FAO programmes in the field of pulp and paper, panel products and sawnwood and on the ways this programme should be developed.

October 1960.

No less than 15 and not more than 25 leading experts, familiar with the problems of forest industries, designated by the Director-General in their personal capacity and attending sessions at their own expense. Sessions may also be attended by advisers invited by the Members of the Committee and its Chairmen, but they shall not act as Members or their alternates.

English, French, Spanish.

General Rules of the Organization.

Annual.

Initiated the "The Global Outlook Study on Fibre Supply to 2050". Draft Report has been finalized, and will be presented for discussion at the Thirty-ninth Session of the Committee.

(Article VI-2 of the Constitution)

Origin

Established by the Council at its Fifty-first Session (1968, Resolution 2/51).

Purpose

To advise on the planning and execution of programmes of agricultural education, science, training and rural employment, on the basis of the agreed complementary roles of the respective organizations.

First Session

December 1969.

Membership

Experts appointed in a personal capacity by the Directors-General of FAO, ILO and Unesco.

Rules of Procedure

Adopted by the Committee, and submitted to the Directors-General of the three organizations for approval.

Pattern of Sessions

1969, 1971, 1973, 1977.

Current Status

As per Conference Resolution 13/97, consultations will be held on the future of this Body.

(Cat. 1)

FAO/ECE (UN) Working Party on Economics of the Agri-Food Sector and
Farm Management (REUR-703)

(Article VI-1 of the Constitution)

Origin

Established in 1976 as the result of a merger of the ECE Group of Experts on Farm Rationalization with the ECA Working Party on Agrarian Structure (ECE - UN Economic Commission for Europe; ECA - European Commission on Agriculture, FAO). The merger was originated by FAO Council at its Sixty-seventh Session (1975, Resolution 1/67) and was later approved by ECE. Statutes approved by FAO and ECE in 1979. Working Party's name was changed from "Joint FAO/ECE Working Party on Agrarian Structure and Farm Rationalization" to present title by the Eleventh Session of the ECE Committee on Agriculture in March 1991. The new titles and new terms of reference were endorsed by the Hundred and Second Session of the FAO Council in November 1992.

Purpose

The WP is to provide a regional forum for exchanging information and experience, as well as undertaking analysis of and providing guidance on problems related to: structural policies and changes in the agri-food sector as a whole, including social and economic implications and policies; integrated rural development with particular reference to less-favoured areas, part-time farming and to pluri-activities with due attention to environmental needs; planning and management methods at farming enterprise level; efficiency of investment, optimisation of production factors; agricultural institutions, employment and marketing. While carrying out analysis in the above areas, particular attention is to be given to the problems of the economies in transition of central and eastern Europe and cooperation is to be maintained with other international bodies active in the above field.

October 1976.

Open to all FAO Member Nations belonging to the European Region and to all Nations that are members of the UN Economic Commission for Europe which have notified the Director-General of their desire to be considered as Members.

Working Languages

English, French, Russian.

Rules of Procedure

Use of procedural requirements applicable in FAO and ECE.

Pattern of Sessions

1976, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1994. Sessions customarily convened by the FAO/ECE Agriculture and Timber Division, Geneva.

As per Conference Resolution 13/97, consultations will be held on the future of this Body.

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