30. The FOWECA planning workshop was held on 23 May 2004 in Beirut, in conjunction with the 16th Session of the Commission (document FO:NEFC/2004/INF.7). Twenty-five participants, including 13 FOWECA focal points, took part in the workshop (Annex E). The main objectives were to introduce to the focal points the process and activities of the FOWECA study, to discuss the structure and preparation of the country outlook paper, and to identify the thematic outlook study topics and issues. Three presentations were made on: an introduction to the study process; forces having an impact on the forestry sector in the region; and trends and scenarios of the forestry sector to the 2020 horizon. The structure of the country outlook paper was discussed and agreed upon, and topics were identified for thematic outlook studies.
31. The Forestry Outlook Study for West and Central Asia (FOWECA) is part of the series of outlook studies being implemented by FAO. Following a recommendation by the Near East Forestry Commission at its 15th Session, FAO, in collaboration with the member countries, conducted a forestry outlook study for the countries of West and Central Asia. At the invitation of the FAO Director-General, the Ministers responsible for forestry of the 23 countries of the region had nominated a focal point for the outlook study.
32. The participants requested FAO to increase technical support for the preparation of the country outlook papers. Focal points would establish an in-country working group and a work plan that would be communicated to FAO as soon as possible. Nominal financial support would be available to support national efforts.
