Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN Forum)

Re: Online consultation on the development of a Global Core Set (GCS) of forest-related indicators

Dear all,

A lively discussion continues, with many points of view and nearly all parts of the world participating. I have counted 18 contributors, some representing groups and some contributing more than once. I hope this continues.

Some of the debate has been quite detailed, but I would pick out the following, in addition to what I reported in my first overview.

  • For any indicator set, it is crucial to clearly articulate the objectives. For the Global Core Set, these are to be derived from the high level policy commitments, notably the SDGs, the Aichi targets and the newly approved Global Forest Goals and Targets. The forest community has an obligation to put itself in a position to supply information on progress towards the goals identified by policy makers, and the Global Core Set should streamline this process.
  • Should we have an indicator on wood energy? (It is not actually mentioned in the high level commitments.  SDG 7.2.1 refers to renewable energy as whole.)
  • For policy instruments, it is not enough just to look at the existence of an instrument, but also its effectiveness.  But how to do this in a context of international indicators?
  • There seems to be consensus on dropping the indicators on recovery rates for wood and paper and on payment for ecosystem services
  • On the other hand, some support maintenance of the indicator on carbon stocks and flows – or at least net GHG sink/source. Otherwise it might appear that forests are not contributing to climate change mitigation.  Indicator 3 on above ground biomass does not cover the whole topic, it seems.
  • The situation and viewpoints of Low Forest Cover Countries must also be reflected
  • The indicator on livelihoods (16) might be adapted to reflect the commitment to eradicate extreme poverty for all forest dependent people (Global Forest Target 2.1).
  • Indicator 7 (ODA) could be merged with indicator 11 (finance from all sources for SFM)
  • Doubts are expressed about how to formulate indicator 14 on forest health and vitality, but most seem to favour its maintenance whatever the problems.

Finally, the consultation must end on 21 May (this Sunday), as I should transmit the results to an Expert Consultation starting on 12 June.

Thank you all

Kit Prins

Facilitator