CPF continues its efforts to make reporting easier for countries. In 2002, UNFF member states mandated a CPF Task Force for streamlining forest-related reporting. The objective of the CPF Task Force is to propose ways to reduce the forest-related reporting burden, for example, through reducing and streamlining reporting requests, synchronizing reporting cycles, harmonizing data collection methods and increasing data comparability and compatibility, and facilitating the accessibility and flows of existing information.
The purpose of this work is also to guide ongoing international processes by sharing experiences and lessons learned on different reporting frameworks and by seeking possibilities for common approaches for data and information collection, storage and reporting by international organizations. In the longer term, the work aims to contribute to better information management system(s), whereby data and information will be more easily accessible and widely available, and in which the information could eventually be inserted and updated by countries themselves.
The CBD Secretariat was requested by COP 10 in decision X/36 to continue its collaboration with UNFF, FAO, and other CPF members on streamlining forest-related reporting. This included organizing, in collaboration with FAO, a meeting of the CPF Task Force on Streamlining Forest-Related Reporting, prior to the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties, to investigate whether there are inadequacies in forest biodiversity reporting and monitoring. Decision IX/5, paragraph 3 (g) also had an objective of further improving the biodiversity component of the Global Forest Resources Assessment and other relevant processes and initiatives; and report on progress to the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice at a meeting prior to the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties.’
