22. The Commission discussed Secretariat Note FO:AFWC/2004/4 which introduced the potential and prerequisites for an enhanced regional and sub-regional cooperation in forestry. In discussing the topic, delegates considered the need to enhance intra-regional cooperation on a number of aspects of forestry. They perceived and stressed the potential of a greater role, as yet inadequately tapped, of the regional and sub-regional organizations in advancing the regional forestry agenda. They also considered the role the Commission should play in the future.
23. Delegates expressed the view that, in a number of areas, substantive regional cooperation could be developed, building synergies and minimizing overlapping. The idea of identifying institutions, which are advanced on specific areas, and recognizing them as centres of excellence was discussed and considered worth promoting further.
24. Countries of the region need to better cooperate and come up with common understanding and a common position in forest-related conferences or negotiations. This would call for consultations and preliminary discussions often constrained by the lack of resources to support such a process. The role of the Commission in fostering African participation in and contribution to the international forest processes was highlighted, as well as the need to strengthen the Commission as a unique regional forest policy forum for countries and sub-regional organizations. The Commission recommended that inter-sessional activities on both forestry and wildlife issues be formally planned and held to deliver on recommendations and advance the overall work of the Commission. It further recommended that FAO, through the Commission and other partners, provide more support for the participation and a preparation of articulate positions of African delegations to major forest-related meetings.
25. Intra-regional trade volume in forest products in Africa is limited. The Commission recognized efforts and progress already achieved by some sub-regional organizations. There was, however, a gap between political commitment and concrete action to boost forest products exchange. It recommended that regional and sub-regional organizations, especially the economic communities, be sensitized and supported in their efforts to strengthen collaboration among them and with international partners such as FAO in identifying options and products for inter-African exchange.
26. Participants noted the recurrent discussions on a number of issues giving the impression of little progress, albeit interesting developments. It recommended that a further identification of progress (e. g. the search of excellence exercise in sustainable forest management), and that monitoring of follow-up and implementation are done on major issues, including i. a. on criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management, certification processes in Africa, and reduced impact logging.
27. The issue of resources to fund appropriate regional and sub-regional cooperation was discussed and the need to find new original modes of financing stressed. The Commission recommended that FAO update, expand and share the compendium of organizations that fund forestry development which was prepared for its Tenth session.