Manuel Paveri, Chief FONP, welcomed the participants in particular Franz Schmithüsen and Marc de Montalembert. He briefly recalled the objectives of the effort and the establishment in early April 2001 of an (informal) interdepartmental task force on cross-sectoral linkages in forestry, by the Forestry Policy and Institutions Branch (FONP).
- Franz Schmithüsen expressed his appreciation for the very stimulating comments received on the background paper. He also recognized that quantitative aspects were not sufficiently covered.
- With regard to influences of external policies, three distinct levels were mentioned: macroeconomic/national accounting, constitutional basis and socioeconomic concerns.
- It was stressed that multi-functions of forests call for a multidisciplinary approach to the analysis of these influences.
- In order to secure the validity and comparability of results, the quality control of case studies preparation was stressed as of the outmost importance.
- Part I of the paper could be clearer and better focus on key issues. Currently, the emphasis is put on wood industry and deforestation. The synthesis of literature review is mainly for Europe and Africa.
- Economic perspective is missing. For example, description of market or non-market conveyed-situations. Integrated economic & environmental accounting is important to understand policy impacts.
- Objective of paper is not clear: to address coordination problem? Cost of coordination?
- A range of case studies was suggested to illustrate different situations and approaches. It was proposed to start with FAO institutional framework.
- It was suggested that one objective of this effort should be to provide foresters with a tool to respond. The need for country specific issues case study, developing scenario in a broad range of ecosystems and socioeconomic conditions, was also stressed.
- Some issues need to be better put into perspective or weighed. It is important to consider both positive and negative influences.
- There is need to focus more on the effectiveness and impact of policy instruments and to consider the influence of actors. Consequently, it was suggested to add two typological elements: instruments (fiscal policies, pricing, etc.), category of actors.
- References to IFPRI’s papers on the subject are incomplete.
- It was proposed for the case studies to identify characteristic situations and show how to measure impacts, as well as to try to use existing knowledge within FAO.
- There is a need for a better understanding or awareness of cross-sectoral linkages in forestry (e.g. ecosystem approach). Potential solutions or answers will not come from foresters alone.
- To prepare the future is more important than looking at the past.
- The Working Session constituted a brainstorming on the overall objective of the effort and country case studies.
- Objectives of case studies were found not clear at all.
- Examples of sectoral integration at local level were presented as well as of aggregation between local, regional and national levels (Madagascar, Morocco, Senegal). Information exchange networks or thematic approaches were suggested as other potential integration vehicles.
- The following objectives were proposed for the overall effort:
a) show implications of cross-sectoral linkages to foresters and others;
b) identify and analyze key issues and their impacts;
c) give examples of main issues - impacts at country level.
Manuel Paveri thanked participants for attending the meeting and/or the working session.
He mentioned that FONP will use their valuable inputs to continue its effort on cross-sectoral linkages in forestry, in close collaboration with all interested groups. In particular, FONP will concentrate its activities in the coming months on the following tasks:
a) the preparation of a conceptual paper on main issues and impacts;
b) the preparation of a catalogue of examples of main issues/impacts mainly drawing from existing knowledge within FAO.
