The main objectives of the workshop were to:
• Revise the draft country reports and the work done so far by the country correspondents in compiling the national reporting tables for FRA 2005 in order to identify and address the main problems and difficulties encountered;
• assure a proper understanding of how to compile the 15 reporting tables, by discussing the problems that the NCs have encountered and to share experiences on the reporting process;
• introduce the voluntary reporting tables and the thematic studies for FRA 2005;
• describe how FAO can provide support to linked activities such as National Forest Assessments;
• establish the time schedule and define deadlines for the country reporting to FRA 2005 and
• provide technical assistance and further guidance in order to ensure consistent high-quality reporting that meets the specifications established for FRA 2005.
The first two days of the workshop were dedicated to revision of and discussion on the 15 national reporting tables. Each table was discussed in plenary, where the participating countries presented the main problems and issues encountered. Many of the issues identified by the countries were clarified during the meeting, and the remaining issues were forwarded to the FRA secretariat to be clarified and included in the Frequently Asked Questions on the FRA website.
During the first day, the workshop was visited by the Director General of the FAO He briefly welcomed the participants and he received a short information about the ongoing work on FRA 2005.
The voluntary reporting tables and the thematic studies that form part of the FRA 2005 were presented and discussed during the second day of the workshop. The NCs were informed about the thematic studies and the role that they might have in these studies, such as liaising with national experts and validation of country information. Several of the participating countries envisaged that they would include some voluntary reporting tables in the country report. A few countries also showed interest in participating in some of the thematic studies. These countries were advised to contact the persons directly responsible for each of the concerned thematic studies.
The third day began with a presentation on the support to National Forest Assessments (NFAs) that FAO can provide to developing countries and countries in transition. Following the presentation the participants presented the current situation and status of NFAs in their respective countries, and several of the countries, particularly the former Yugoslavian countries, expressed an interest in obtaining FAO support for NFAs.
This was followed by a session where the FRA secretariat presented the different forms for obtaining support when the NCs encounter problems with the reporting process or for addressing special needs. The FRA website was presented, particularly the Discussion Forum and the Frequently Asked Questions, but it was also demonstrated how to find complementary information, such as the IUCN list of endangered species by country.
The workshop was concluded by establishing a work plan for delivering the final draft reports, and by a general plenary discussion on the FRA 2005.
