Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)

Mandate

The ECE was established in 1947 in order to strengthen economic relations between European countries and the world.
ECE is a forum for dialogue aimed at bringing about better understanding and agreement on common guidelines and policies, and where agreements are negotiated and assistance activities prepared. Its main purpose is to harmonize the policies and practices of its member countries.
Forest-related issues are addressed through a number of ECE subsidiary bodies
Involved in the environmental performance review programme to assist voluntary country efforts to review, among others, biodiversity issues in environmental management, and various Conventions on transboundary pollution, environmental impact assessment, and public participation and justice in environmental management. [ref.3]
UN/ECE Timber Section: In close partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Timber Committee provides a forum for cooperation and consultation on forestry, forest industry and forest products.
Involved in monitoring and assessing the utility of forestry assistance from all bilateral and multilaterial sources in three major areas: institution and capacity-building, forest policy and law for sustainable development; and development of ecologically sound forest product markets.

regional cooperation, regional development, capacity building, sustainable development, timber, forests, timber markets, data, information, analyis