A second technical meeting of the Regional Focal Points will take place from 19 to 21 April 2006 at the FAO.

The purpose of this meeting will be:

1. to strengthen the RFPs’ network, exchange information and share experiences;
2. to review progress made in the implementation of 2005 activities and initiate inter-regional analysis;
3. to review and improve the methodological framework for a rapid assessment of policies for SARD in Mountain Regions;
4. to discuss on the activities to be implemented in 2006 and early 2007 in each region.

The first meeting of the Regional Focal Points held last year was considered to be essential to ensure ownership and a common understanding of the project work plan, comparable implementations of activities and replication of activities and methods. This second meeting should also help to strengthen ties and promote further involvement of the Regional Focal Points in the design and direction of future activities.