178. TAC noted the progress made on the following items: (a) implementation of the external reviews of CIFOR and ICRAF; (b) further planning of the external reviews of ICLARM, ILRI, ICARDA, WARDA and IIMI; (c) implementation of the external review of the Systemwide Genetic Resources Programme; and (d) further planning of the external review of the CGIAR Systemwide ecoregional activities.
Centre external reviews: CIFOR and ICRAF
179. The first external review of CIFOR was being chaired by Jeffrey Burley (UK), Director of the Oxford Forestry Institute. In addition to the Chair, the Panel was composed of Christine Padoch (USA), Manuel Rodriguez (Colombia), Hans Gregersen (USA), Prasa Ramakrishnan (India) and John Griffith (Australia). The initial phase was conducted at CIFOR headquarters from 2 to 11 December 1997. Panel members undertook field visits in February 1998 to assess CIFOR's work in Southern Africa, India and Peru. The main phase was conducted from 2 to 17 March 1998. The Panel Chair was expected to present the major findings and recommendations to the CIFOR Board in April 1998.
180. The second external review of ICRAF was being chaired by Jochen Heuveldop (Germany) Director of the Institute of World Forestry, University of Hamburg. In addition to the Chair, the Panel was composed of Peter Dart (Australia), Herath Gunasena (Sri Lanka), Hans Gregersen (USA), Joseph Mukiibi (Uganda) and Joan Joshi (USA). The initial phase was scheduled at ICRAF headquarters from 16 to 26 April 1998, and the main phase from 24 June to 10 July 1998. Panel members will undertake field visits to assess ICRAF's work in Southern Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia.
Further planning of centre external reviews: ICLARM, ILRI, ICARDA, WARDA, IIMI
181. The Committee was informed that the planning of the second external review of ICLARM and the first external review of ILRI, the fourth external review of ICARDA, the fourth external review of WARDA and the second external review of IIMI was progressing in consultation with the respective Centres. The proposed tentative dates for the initial phase of the ICLARM review were from 28 September to 7 October 1998, and the main phase during the first two weeks of February 1999. The proposed tentative dates for the initial phase of the ILRI review were in early September 1998 and the main phase during the first two weeks of March 1999. The proposed tentative dates for the initial phase of the ICARDA review are in April 1999 and the main phase during August 1999. The tentative dates for the initial and main phases of the WARDA and IIMI reviews were still under discussion. TAC considered a short list of panel chairs for the reviews of ICLARM, ILRI and ICARDA.
External Review of the Systemwide Genetic Resources Programme (SGRP)
182. The first external review of SGRP was being chaired by Jaap Hardon (Netherlands), Centre for Genetic Resources, Wageningen. In addition to the Chair, the Panel was composed of Shimwaayi Muntemba (Zambia), Jean-Yves Maillat (France), Linsay Innes (UK) and V. L. Chopra (India). Two Panel members attended the annual meeting of the Inter-Centre Working Group on Genetic Resources, which serves as the Steering Committee for the programme.
