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ITEM 4: DIRECTORY OF INITIATIVES PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT

Paper prepared for FAO by Laura Ivers

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Alphabetical Index of Initiatives

List of Acronyms and Abbreviations

INTRODUCTION

OVERVIEW OF INITIATIVES

1. Intergovernmental organizations and agencies

2. International conventions

3. Other multilateral processes 5454

4. Regional agreements, organizations and processes 5656

5. Processes on criteria and indicators (C&I) for sustainable forest management

6. Forest certification schemes and certified product promoters

7. Non-governmental organizations

8. Private sector associations

9. Research institutes

Alphabetical Index of Initiatives

African Timber Organization
Amazon Network on Forests
Amazonian Cooperation Treaty Special Commission of the Amazon Region on the Environment
American Tree Farmers System
Asia Dry Forests Process
Asia Forest Partnership
Association Technique International des Bois Tropicaux/ International Technical Tropical Timber Association
BioCarbon Fund
Canadian Standards Association
Center for International Forestry Research
Central American Forestry Strategy
CERTFOR
Certification of Origin of Forest Raw Materials
COMIFAC (Conférence des ministres en charge des forêts d'Afrique Centrale/Yaoundé Process)
Community Development Carbon Fund
Conférence sur les Ecosystèmes de Forêts Denses et Humides d'Afrique Central/Brazzaville Process
Congo Basin Forest Partnership
Convention on Biological Diversity
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
Criteria and Indicators
Dry Zone Africa Process
European Working Group on Amazonia
Food and Agriculture Organization
Forest Certification Watch
Forest Stewardship Council
Forest Trends
Global Environment Facility
Global Forest and Trade Network
ILO Convention 169 on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples
Interafrican Forest Industries Association
International Finance Corporation
International Institute for Environment and Development
International Labour Organization
International Model Forests Network
International Tropical Timber Organization
International Union of Forest Research Organizations
International Wood Products Association
ITTO C&I
Kyoto Protocol
Lembaga Ekolabel Indonesia
Lepaterique Process
Malaysia Timber Certification Council
MCPFE/Helsinki Process
Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe
Ministerial Forest Law Enforcement and Governance Process
Montreal Process
Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency
National Forest Programme Facility
Near East Process
Pan European Forest Certification
Programme on Forests
Prototype Carbon Fund
Rainforest Alliance
Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
Sustainable Forestry Initiative
Tarapoto Proposal
Tropical Forest Trust
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
United Nations Environment Programme
United Nations Forum on Forests
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
World Bank Group
World Bank/WWF Alliance
World Business Council for Sustainable Development
World Conservation Union
World Conservation Union Forest Conservation Program
World Forestry Congress
World Heritage Convention
World Trade Organization
WWF

List of Acronyms and Abbreviations

ACT Amazonian Cooperation Treaty
AFP Asia Forest Partnership
ATIBT Association Technique International des Bois Tropicaux/International Tropical Timber Association
ATO African Timber Organization
BCF BioCarbon Fund
C&I criteria and indicators
CBD Convention on Biological Diversity
CBFP Congo Basin Forest Partnership
CDCF Community Development Carbon Fund
CDM Clean Development Mechanism
CEMAA Special Commission of the Amazon Region on the Environment
CEFDHAC Conférence sur les Ecosystèmes de Forêts Denses et Humides d'Afrique Centrale/Brazzaville Process
CIFOR Center for International Forestry Research
CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
COMIFAC Conférence des ministres en charge des forêts d'Afrique Centrale/Yaoundé Process
COP Conference of the Parties
CPF Collaborative Partnership on Forests
ECOSOC United Nations Economic and Social Council
EFCA Central American Forest Strategy
ER emission reduction
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
FLEG forest law enforcement and governance
FSC Forest Stewardship Council
G-8 Group of Eight Highly Industrialized Nations
GATT General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs
GEF Global Environment Facility
GFTN Global Forest and Trade Network
GHG greenhouse gas
IBRD International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank Group)
IDA International Development Association (World Bank Group)
IFC International Finance Corporation (World Bank Group)
IFIA Interafrican Forest Industries Association
IIED International Institute for Environment and Development
ILO International Labour Organization
IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
ITTA International Tropical Timber Agreement
ITTC International Tropical Timber Council
ITTO International Tropical Timber Organization
IUCN World Conservation Union
IUFRO International Union of Forest Research Organizations
IWPA International Wood Products Association
LULUCF land use, land-use change and forestry
MCPFE Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe
MIGA Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (World Bank Group)
NFP national forest programme
NGOs Non-Governmental Organizations
NTFP non-timber forest products
PCF Prototype Carbon Fund
PECP Pan European Certification Process
PROFOR Programme on Forests
RIL reduced impact logging
SFM sustainable forest management
TAG trade advisory group (ITTO)
UNCCD United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
UNCED United Nations Conference on Environment and Development
UNCTAD United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
UNDP United Nations Development Programme
UNEP United Nations Environment Programme
UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
UNFF United Nations Forum on Forests
WBCSD World Business Council for Sustainable Development
WCMC World Conservation Monitoring Centre
WFC World Forestry Conference
WSSD World Summit on Sustainable Development
WTO World Trade Organization

INTRODUCTION

Initiatives relating to the conservation and sustainable use of forest resources are numerous and diverse, with varying perspectives, interests and objectives. The purpose of this directory is to provide the forest products sector with an up-to-date overview of the major initiatives underway, their possible implications for the sector and possible future trends. The directory also aims to inform the forest products sector about the initiatives they may find beneficial to engage in and how to do so.

Organization and content of the directory

This directory presents information on over 50 initiatives grouped according to the following categories:

For each entry in the directory, the following information is provided when available:

Origin of the initiative: when and how the initiative was launched.

Focus of the initiative: what the initiative aims to achieve.

Level: the level of operation (global, regional, sub-regional, national or local).

Participants: who is active in the initiative and at whom the initiative is targeted.

Activities: a description of ongoing activities of interest.

Achievements: key accomplishment or milestones.

Interface with the forest products sector: how the initiative comes into contact with or engages the sector

Potential impact on the forest products sector: the potential impacts on the sector.

Potential benefits of participation: a generalization of how a company or individual might benefit from participation in one of the initiatives.

How to become involved/meetings to attend: relevant meetings or clear means to become involved in an initiative.

Contact information: contact details for further information.

For the most part, information included in this directory was gathered through e-mail correspondence with individuals representing the various initiatives, and public information such as annual reports, brochures and websites. While the author has sought, in the time available, to provide accurate, current and comprehensive information, it is possible that this information was not available at the time. The author encourages submission of more up-to-date and comprehensive information if available.

Benefits of participation in key initiatives

In general, participation in many of the initiatives listed below would be beneficial in terms of improved access to information, networking opportunities and identification of potential markets or suppliers. Some may also lead to improved awareness of policy development, the opportunity to influence public opinion and decision makers, access to local knowledge and contacts on the ground. In some cases, participation could also mean having an early foothold in new markets (i.e. through certification and/or proof of chain of custody) driven by consumer demand for environmentally sustainable and socially responsible forest products.

Of course, the benefits from participating in initiatives included in this directory will depend on a company's region of operation, the type of product produced, the extent of international trade and the target markets. However, there are a few key initiatives that could significantly shape the future of the forest products sector that the sector may wish to participate in as a priority.

1. Certification

Forest certification is a means to affirm the achievement of certain pre-defined standards of forest management and a tool for market promotion. According to the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), the area of certified forests worldwide has more than doubled every other year since 1997, and it is estimated that this trend will continue for some time1. Certification embodies good business practices that could benefit the forest products sector over the long-run through, inter alia: improved consumer confidence; differentiation in the marketplace; access to new markets and/or increased market share; and enhanced profitability through the identification and elimination of wasteful practices.

At present, a few key issues relating to certification are mutual recognition among the existing certification schemes and a phased approach to certification. Mutual recognition is viewed as desirable among some certification schemes as a way to identify shared objectives of certification schemes while recognizing differences in order to accommodate national and sub-national conditions. A phased approach to certification acknowledges progress toward certification, with the benefit of initial stages assuring the legality of forest products and of spreading the cost of certification over time. Recent activity in support of the adoption of procurement policies for legally-harvested timber by major buyers of timber, such as IKEA, and by some governments and consumers could also increase demand for certified timber products.

2. International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO)

Members of the forest products sector may wish to participate in the ITTO in order to receive support for issues within sustainable forest management and to remain abreast of trends in production, trade, demand, consumer preferences and emerging issues in the international timber trade. The forest products sector can become involved in the ITTO in a number of ways. First, through the organization's project programme, financed by grants and implemented by any state, private or civil-society organization. For example, organizations in the wood products sector implement ITTO projects and the wood-processing sector in many tropical ITTO member countries benefit from technology transfer facilitated by ITTO projects. The ITTO also provides training to governmental and non-governmental employees in a wide range of activities. Second, the ITTO's trade advisory group (TAG) is open to everyone with an interest in the tropical timber trade, including representatives of tropical forest industries, timber exporters and importers, timber trade and industry consultants and trade and industry associations. The next session of the International Tropical Timber Council (34th Session) will take place from 12-17 May 2003 in Panama City, Panama.

3. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Kyoto Protocol

At the upcoming ninth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP9) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), scheduled from 1-12 December 2003 in Milan, Italy, Parties are expected to adopt definitions and modalities for including afforestation and reforestation project activities under the clean development mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol. The forest products sector may wish to participate in UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol conferences and workshops in order to be well-informed and well-positioned to understand implications of carbon accounting for the industry and to possibly benefit from carbon sequestration activities.

4. World Forestry Congress (WFC)

The XII World Forestry Congress will take place from 21-28 September 2003, in Québec City, Canada. The WFC serves as a forum to exchange views and experience, discuss forestry issues and formulate broad regional or global recommendations. The WFC provides the forestry sector with the opportunity to produce a periodical overview of the state of forests and forestry, discern trends, adapt policies and raise awareness with decision-makers, the public and all concerned parties. As the main global forum on forests and forestry, the WFC brings together the world forestry community. The WFC will provide excellent networking opportunities, information exchange and awareness building on trends in the forestry sector.

OVERVIEW OF INITIATIVES

1. Intergovernmental organizations and agencies

1.1 Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

Origin: FAO was established in 1945 as a specialized agency of the United Nations.

Focus: The FAO Forestry Department promotes national and international action for the effective conservation, sustainable management and efficient utilization of forest and related resources through:

Level: Global.

Activities/Achievements: The Forestry Department is comprised of units, divisions, services and branches with specific activities.

Forestry Information and Liaison Unit: This division is responsible for the coordination of FAO's international activities in support to the global agenda in forestry including national forest programmes and for the coordination of forestry information activities, including the FAO Forestry Internet presence.

Forestry Policy and Planning Division: This division, through its branches (Forestry Planning and Statistics Branch and Forestry Policy and Institutions Branch) undertakes activities such as the following: analyses the development of forest policies and strategies and provides advice on the same; develops methodologies for forestry policy analysis, formulation and implementation, and for the assessment of performance of forestry institutions; provides information on production, trade and consumption of tree and forest-based products; and supports forestry institutions in line with policy and development priorities.

Forest Products and Economics Division: This division provides technical, environmental, and economic advice and assistance in harvesting, transport, processing, trade and marketing of wood and non-wood forest products, including wood-based energy and the management and development of forest industries appropriate to the conditions of individual countries. The division consists of two services: the Forest Economics Service and the Forest Products Service.

Forest Resources Division: This division provides advice and technical assistance to FAO members and other interested parties on matters relating to the assessment, development, conservation, management and protection of forests, trees, wildlife and related natural resources. In addition, this division provides a neutral forum for the discussion of such topics. The division consists of two services: Forest Resources Development Service; and Forest Conservation, Research and Education Service.

Statutory Bodies: FAO Forestry Statutory Bodies include the Committee on Forestry (COFO) the Regional Forestry Commissions, the Advisory Committee on Paper and Wood Products, the Committee on Mediterranean Forestry Questions (Silva Mediterranea), the International Poplar Commission and the Panel of Experts on Forest Gene Resources.

Interface with forest products sector: The Advisory Committee on Paper and Wood Products (ACPWP) addresses all issues related to forest industries including forest and other resources, processing, training, environmental, economic, social and other aspects of private sector forest management and utilization relating to pulp and paper, panel products and sawnwood. The ACPWP consists of forest industry experts who reflect the interests of producer and consumer countries and are representative of the regions from which they are based.

Benefits of participation: Access to information and expertise on all aspects of forestry; networking opportunities; local contacts.

Contact information:

Forestry Department

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Viale delle Terme di Caracalla

00100 Rome, Italy

Web site: www.fao.org/forestry/index.jsp

1.1.1 National Forest Programme Facility (NFP Facility)

Origin: The NFP Facility was initiated in 2002 by FAO in partnership with donor agencies.

Focus: The NFP Facility is a partnership designed to support the implementation of national forest programmes in developing countries, with an emphasis on addressing poverty alleviation and governance issues through empowerment of civil society and enhanced participation of a broad range of stakeholders.

Participation: FAO, governments, international NGOs, research institutions.

Activities: The Facility assists countries in tackling constraints and challenges in the implementation of their national forest programmes by strengthening the information and knowledge base for programme implementation. It also provides an information platform for this exchange. The intended beneficiaries of the Facility are the key actors involved in national forest programme processes in developing countries.

Contact information:

National Forest Programme Facility

Forestry Department

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Viale delle Terme di Caracalla

00100 Rome, Italy

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.fao.org/forestry/foris/webview/forestry2/index.jsp?siteId=1440&langId=1

1.2 Global Environment Facility (GEF)

Origin: Initially created in 1991 as a pilot programme, the restructured GEF was established in March 1994.

Focus: GEF provides grant and concessional funding to developing countries to meet the incremental costs of achieving global environmental benefits in the following areas: climate change, biological diversity, international waters, ozone layer depletion, land degradation and persistent organic pollutants. While GEF does not address forests directly, projects on biodiversity, climate change, water or land degradation may have forest-related components.

Level: Global.

Participants: The GEF has 174 member states. NGOs and the private sector participate as appropriate.

Activities: GEF projects are conducted via the GEF's three implementing agencies, UNDP, UNEP and the World Bank.

Achievements: The GEF has allocated US$4 billion in grants and leveraged an additional $12 billion in co-financing from other sources to support more than 1 000 projects in over 140 developing nations and countries with economies in transition. In August 2002, 32 donor nations pledged nearly $3 billion to fund the work of the GEF for the next four years. Between 1991 and 1999, GEF allocated $991 million in grants and mobilized an additional $1.5 billion in co-financing for biological diversity projects, the majority of which are located in forests.

Interface with forest products sector: Largely through the World Bank, GEF looks for opportunities to collaboratively engage the private sector in project development and co-financing. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) particularly focuses on mobilizing private sector resources for GEF co-financed projects through its Environment Project Unit. GEF has provided $4.3 million to the IFC to stimulate greater involvement of private small and medium scale (SME) enterprises in addressing GEF's biodiversity and greenhouse gas mitigation objectives.

Expected advantages from participating: Co-financing for projects and a source of funding to cover the incremental costs of environmentally sound sector development. The new focal area for land degradation focuses primarily on desertification and deforestation and would provide additional opportunities for GEF financing for sustainable forest management.

Contact information:

GEF Secretariat

1818 H Street, NW, MSN G 6-602

Washington, DC 20433 USA

Telephone: +1 (202) 473 0508

Fax: +1 (202) 522 3240/3245

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.gefweb.org

1.3 International Labour Organization (ILO)

Origin: The International Labour Organization was founded in 1919 as a result of growing concern for social reform after World War I. In 1946, the ILO became the first specialized agency associated with the United Nations.

Focus: ILO addresses the forest sector through its Sectoral Activities Department (SECTOR). ILO's sector work began in the 1940s. ILO's aim is to improve working conditions as well as health and safety in the forest sector. ILO's forest sector work focuses on: contract labourers not covered by labour legislation; addressing working conditions to reducing accident risks; forest worker training; change in wood industries as a result of globalization; and rapid technological and structural change experienced in the pulp and paper industries and related employment security, ways of dealing with redundancies, flexible forms of work organization and human resource development.

Level: Global.

Participation: The ILO has a tripartite structure among employers, workers and government.

Activities: The ILO forestry sector promotes the concept of national codes of forest practices. A Forestry Workforce Network (FORWORKNET) was established in 1993 to foster exchange of information and cooperation among those interested in forestry workforce issues, and is now an international network of more than 300 individuals and institutions in some 70 countries interested in forestry workforce issues. FORWORKNET endeavours to keep members abreast of new developments, new publications, data and research results, forthcoming events, new technologies affecting forest workers and other relevant news. The ILO's FORWORKNET (see below) is open to interested individuals and organizations world-wide, with members from government forest services and labour administrations; employers' and workers' organizations; forest enterprises; forest contractors; forest owners; vocational schools and colleges, universities, research institutes; international organizations; technical assistance agencies and consultants.

Achievements: In 1991, ILO developed guidelines on training in forestry and in 1992 drew conclusions on a broad range of social and labour issues in the pulp and paper industry. In 1997 ILO developed a code of practice on safety and health in forestry work. Other work has concentrated on small enterprises and the informal sector. The ILO has introduced the concept of skills testing and certification in several countries.

Reasons for participation: Experience has shown that improvements in working conditions can be profitable investments benefiting workers and employers and the ILO helps to facilitate this. Participation in FORWORKNET would provide access to valuable information and knowledge, and a network of experts.

Contact information:

Peter Blombäck

Sectoral Activities Department

International Labour Office

4, route des Morillons

CH-1211 Geneva 22, Switzerland

Telephone +41 (22) 799 7778

Fax +41 (22) 799 7967

E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]

Web site: www.ilo.org/public/english/dialogue/sector/sectors/forest.htm

1.4 International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO)

Origin: ITTO was established in 1983 by the International Tropical Timber Agreement (ITTA), which was negotiated under the auspices of United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The ITTA came into force in 1985 and ITTO became operational in 1987. In 1994, a successor agreement to the ITTA was negotiated, coming into force on 1 January 1997. In May 2003, a new round of negotiation on the successor agreement starts and the new agreement should be concluded no later than early 2005, prior to expiration of the present ITTA.

Focus: ITTO brings together a wide range of countries and organizations interested in the trade of tropical timber and the management and conservation of tropical forests. Its 56 member governments (and the European Community) collectively represent 90 percent of the world tropical timber trade and 80 percent of the world's tropical forests.

Activities: The organization has developed a series of internationally agreed upon policies for sustainable tropical forest management and conservation and provided more than US$240 million in grants for projects to implement these policies.

Achievements: ITTO has prepared a series of policy documents, including:

ITTO has financed more than 500 projects, pre-projects and activities in its three main fields of endeavour, which are: reforestation and forest management; economic information and market intelligence; and forest industry development. At any one time, the project program, which is executed by local governmental and non-governmental agencies, employs about 500 field staff in the tropics, helping to build the capacity of member countries to improve their forest sectors.

Interface with forest products sector: Interface between ITTO and the forest products sector takes several forms. The organization's project programme, which is financed by grants, can be implemented by any state, private or civil-society organization. Currently, several organizations in the wood products sector are implementing ITTO projects. For example, reduced impact logging schools are being developed in several member countries with input from the private sector. In addition, the wood-processing sectors in many tropical member countries are benefiting from technology transfer facilitated by ITTO projects. The ITTO also provides training to governmental and non-governmental employees in a wide range of activities. For example, a series of national-level training workshops on the implementation of the ITTO Criteria and Indicators (C&I) is being conducted in tropical member countries with a high rate of participation from forest concession holders. In addition, under a recently launched initiative, ITTO is providing seed money to help foster partnerships between civil-society organizations and tropical timber producers with a view to promoting sustainable forest management and certification.

Interface between ITTO and the private sector has strengthened considerably in recent years with the formal recognition by the ITTO's governing body, the International Tropical Timber Council (ITTC), of a trade advisory group (TAG). The TAG is open to everyone with an interest in the tropical timber trade, including representatives of tropical forest industries, timber exporters and importers, timber trade and industry consultants, and trade and industry associations. It encourages the participation of all stakeholders in its networking prior to sessions of the ITTC. It also organizes an Annual Market Discussion, the purpose of which is to feed trade and industry views and concerns directly to the ITTC.

Impact on private industry sector: ITTO has a strong portfolio of trade- and industry-related projects which include a wide range of market studies and technology transfer activities of direct benefit to the private sector in further developing markets for both primary and secondary tropical timber products. Two core activities implemented by the ITTO Secretariat provide a cornerstone to trade and industry development. ITTO publishes the Annual Review and Assessment of the World Timber Situation, a source of invaluable data for the timber trade and policy-makers. In addition, it operates a market information service, the primary output of which is a twice-monthly bulletin on tropical timber markets. ITTO has already assisted dozens of companies in improving their forest management to the point at which they are able to seek certification; it now seeks other companies interested in building partnerships with the civil-society sector. Moreover, ITTO is gathering private-sector `success stories' to help build momentum for sustainable forest management and to improve the image of the sector in some key markets. ITTO is also investigating the development of phased approaches to certification and mutual recognition of certification processes, which could benefit the private sector. ITTO is also actively engaged in addressing illegal logging, with possible ramifications for the private sector.

Benefits of participation: Receive support for sustainable forest management and certification and remain abreast of trends in production, trade, demand, consumer preferences, and emerging issues in the international timber trade.

Upcoming meeting: 34th Session of the International Tropical Timber Council to be held 12-17 May 2003 in Panama City, Panama.

Contact information:

ITTO Secretariat

International Organizations Center, 5th Floor

Pacifico-Yokohama, 1-1-1

Minato-Mirai, Nishi-ku
Yokohama, 220-0012, Japan

Telephone: +81 (45) 223 1110

Fax: + 81 (45) 223 1111

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.itto.or.jp

1.5 United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Timber Committee

Origin: 1947.

Focus: The UNECE Timber Committee constitutes a forum for cooperation and consultation between member countries on forestry, forest industry and forest product matters.

Level: Regional - Europe.

Participation: All member states of the ECE region (55), covering Europe, North America, the countries of the former Soviet Union and Israel.

Activities: The ECE Timber Committee provides member countries with the information and services needed for policy- and decision-making regarding their forest and forest industry sector, including the trade and use of forest products and recommendations to member governments and interested organizations. The ECE undertakes short-, medium- and long-term analyses of developments in and/or impacting the sector, including those offering possibilities for the facilitation of international trade and for enhancing the protection of the environment. It also, inter alia: collects and disseminates statistics relating to the sector; organizes seminars and workshops; facilitates activities to support developing countries and countries with economies in transition.

Achievements: Analysis of markets and policy issues.

Interface with forest products sector: Annual study (Forest Products Annual Market Review), workshops, study tours, database, and information exchange.

Expected advantages of industry participation in initiative: Information and transparency (work with CEPI, CEI-Bois), opportunity for dialogue with policy makers.

Meetings important for industry to attend/participate: The Timber Committee holds annual meetings, the next of which will take place in October 2003.

Contact information:

Kit Prins

UNECE Timber Section

Palais de nations

CH-1211 Geneva 22, Switzerland

Telephone: +41 (22) 917 2874

Fax: +41 (22) 917 0041

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.unece.org/trade/timber

1.6 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

Origin: UNESCO was established in 1946.

Focus: The main objective of UNESCO is to contribute to peace and security in the world by promoting collaboration among nations through education, science, culture and communication in order to further universal respect for justice, for the rule of law and for the human rights and fundamental freedoms which are affirmed for the peoples of the world by the Charter of the United Nations, without distinction of race, sex, language or religion.

Participants: 188 Member States.

Level: Global.

Activities: UNESCO's Programme on Man and the Biosphere (MAB) develops the basis, within the natural and the social sciences, for the sustainable use and conservation of biological diversity, and for the improvement of the relationship between people and their environment globally. The MAB Programme encourages interdisciplinary research, demonstration and training in natural resource management. Over the next decades, MAB is focusing on new approaches for facilitating sustainable development, through promoting conservation and wise use of biodiversity. By taking advantage of the transdisciplinary and cross-cultural opportunities of UNESCO's mandate in the fields of education, science, culture and communication, MAB promotes both scientific research and information gathering and links them with traditional knowledge about resource use.

Interface with the forest products sector: The MAB has explored the value of non-timber forest products (NTFP) in a number of countries.

Benefits of participation: Case studies and information on experiences with NTFP and community natural resource management.

Contact information:

Peter Bridgewater

Secretary of the MAB Programme

Director

Division of Ecological Sciences

1, rue Miollis

Paris 75732 Cedex 15, France

Telephone: +33 (1) 4568 4067

Fax: +33 (1) 4568 5804

E-mail: [email protected]

1.7 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Origin: UNEP was created in 1972 to catalyze the environmental efforts of the UN.

Focus: UNEP addresses forestry issues primarily in the context of forests' role in combating desertification, biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. It also helps address the issue of forest fires.

Activities: In partnership with the World Conservation Monitoring Centre, UNEP provides information on the conservation of the world's forests and their biodiversity, including datasets, maps and indicators of forest status and trends to facilitate policy and decision-making relating to the conservation and wise management of the world's forests and their biodiversity.

Contact information:

UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre

Forest Programme

219 Huntingdon Road

Cambridge CB3 0DL, United Kingdom

Information Enquiries

Tel: +44 (0) 1223 277 722

Main Switchboard

Telephone: +44 (0) 1223 277 314

Fax: +44 (0) 1223 277 136

E-mail: [email protected]   

Web site: www.unep-wcmc.org/forest/homepage.htm

1.8 United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF)

Origin: In October 2000, the UN Economic and Social Committee (ECOSOC) established the UNFF as a subsidiary body of ECOSOC and the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF). The UNFF is the successor to the ad hoc open-ended Intergovernmental Forum on Forest (IFF, 1998-2000) and Intergovernmental Panel on Forests (IPF, 1995-1997).

Focus: The UNFF's main objective is to promote the management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests and to strengthen long-term political commitment to this end.

Level: Global.

Participation: The UNFF is open to participation by all member States of the UN and observers. The Major Groups, as identified in Agenda 21, are welcome to participate if they are accredited by ECOSOC.

Activities: The UNFF is mandated to: promote the implementation of internationally agreed upon actions on forests at the national, regional and global levels; provide a coherent, transparent and participatory global framework for policy implementation, coordination and development; and carry out principal functions, based on the Rio Declaration, the Forest Principles, Chapter 11 of Agenda 21, and the outcomes of the IPF and the IFF, in a manner consistent with and complementary to existing international legally-binding instruments relevant to forests.

Time horizon: At its fifth session in 2005, the UNFF will decide whether it will continue to meet or if some other course of action, including negotiation of a forests convention, will take place.

Interface with forest products sector: Private sector participation in the UNFF is possible through the multi-stakeholder dialogue which takes place at each meeting. Furthermore, many UNFF member countries include representatives from the forest products industry/private sector in the delegations that attend UNFF sessions.

Potential impact on private industry sector: The extent to which the UNFF impacts the private sector is difficult to assess without more analysis. The UNFF is keen to explore work with the private sector in identifying common areas of interest and how to work together in a practical, strategic way in order to produce tangible results useful to both groups.

Expected advantages of participation in the UNFF: Benefits would include good public relations and being well-informed of developments and trends on global forest policy that may eventually impact operations through national level policy or through processes such as national forest programmes. For the UNFF, private sector participation could contribute a richer variety of practical on the ground perspectives. While the UNFF does not make legally binding policy at this point, it represents consensus at the international level and is thus important. Also, given the future possibility of a convention on forests, involvement is recommended.

Meetings important for participation: The next and third session of the UNFF will focus on economic aspects of forest discussions. The meeting will take place in Geneva from 26 May - 6 June 2003.

Contact information:

Department of Economic and Social Affairs

Secretariat of the United Nations Forum on Forests

DC2-2286, 2 UN Plaza, New York, NY 10019 USA

Telephone: +1 (212) 963 3160/3401

Fax: +1 (917) 367 3186

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.un.org/esa/forests/

1.9 World Trade Organization (WTO)

Origin: The WTO is the successor to the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs (GATT), emerging from the Uruguay Round negotiations (1986-1994) and was established in 1995.

Focus/objective: The WTO is the international organization dealing with the global rules of trade between nations and as such is the legal and institutional foundation of the multilateral trading system. Its main objective is to ensure trade flows as smoothly, predictably and freely as possible.

Participation: As of April 2003, the WTO has 146 member states and over 30 applicant states in the process of negotiating membership (they are WTO `observers'). A number of international organizations, such as the UN, FAO, World Bank, WIPO, and OECD are observers to the WTO's General Council.

Activities: The WTO provides the platform on which trade relations among countries evolve through collective debate, negotiation and adjudication. The current round of WTO trade negotiations was launched in November 2001 at the Fourth Ministerial Conference in Doha, Qatar. In Doha, ministers agreed to start negotiations on specific issues relating to the trade and environment linkage. These negotiations will be conducted in Special Sessions of the Committee on Trade and Environment.

Other relevant work at the WTO includes ongoing discussions on technical barriers to trade, including topics such as labelling, and activities related to sanitary and phytosanitary concerns. The WTO Committee on Trade and Environment explores the link between trade and environmental policies (i.e. compatibility between environmental protection measures and WTO rights and obligations). Although the committee does not directly deal with forestry issues, eco-labelling, multilateral environmental agreements, certification, life-cycle analysis, taxes and charges, environmental effects of subsidies and various tariffs have been discussed. The Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement (TBT), which distinguishes between process and product, could also be of interest to the forest products sector and could have implications for trends such as certification.

Potential impact on private industry sector: Insofar as the WTO determines tariffs on forest products, it has the ability to impact market access, competitiveness and the price of forest products.

Interface with the forest products sector/expected advantages of participation: While the private sector cannot participate at the WTO, the forest products sector is represented through national positions. Participating in domestic trade policy development could influence outcomes at the WTO.

Contact information:

World Trade Organization

rue de Lausanne 154

CH-1211 Geneva 21, Switzerland

Telephone: +41 (22) 739 5111

Fax: +41 (22) 731 4206

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.wto.org

1.10 World Bank Group

Origin: Founded in 1944, The World Bank Group is comprised of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the International Development Association (IDA), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) and the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).

Focus: The World Bank provides development assistance to more than 100 developing countries and in 2002 provided US$19.5 billion in loans with the aim of improve living standards and eliminating poverty.

Level: Global focus, with more than 100 client countries.

Participants: The World Bank is owned by 184 member countries. The World Bank works with government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector to formulate assistance strategies.

Activities/Achievements: The World Bank Group is involved in a number of forest-related initiatives and through partnerships and the IFC encourages private sector involvement in sustainable forest management (SFM) and development of sustainable forest sector industries.

World Bank: In October 2002 the World Bank adopted a revised Forest Strategy that is built on three pillars: harnessing the potential of forests to reduce poverty; integrating forests in sustainable economic development; and protecting global forest value. The new strategy stresses partnership with the private sector, civil society, and governments for its implementation and to facilitate responsible investment in forest-based activities outside critical forest conservation areas. The Bank is well positioned to create an enabling-environment for private sector investment through its: access to government economic decision makers; _access to the guarantee instrument; means to incorporate specific policy reforms and undertakings needed to attract responsible private investors to the forest sector; and in-country presence and connections.

The World Bank Group's Forest Governance Program, launched in 2000, gives strong emphasis to working in partnership with governments, civil society, the private sector and donor organizations. This emphasis has lead to a partnership with the G-8 that has culminated in two regional ministerial-level conferences on the process, the first in Asia in 2001 and the second in Africa to take place in 2003 (See section 3.2). The World Bank Group is an implementing agency of the GEF (See section 1.2). The GEF provides an opportunity for private sector involvement in projects through the IFC.

IFC Environmental Projects Unit: IFC promotes private sector investment, both foreign and domestic, in developing countries. The IFC's Environmental Projects Unit (EPU) promotes technologies, products and operating practices that benefit the environment through innovative, private-sector projects with environmental benefits. In supporting projects with environmental benefits, the EPU draws on IFC's own investment resources and concessional funding from sources such as the GEF. The EPU welcomes private-sector projects with specific environmental benefits. The IFC's investments in private sector, sustainably managed forestry and forest industry projects have demonstrated the financial viability of independently certified sustainable private sector forestry operations.

MIGA: MIGA's mission is to facilitate the flow of foreign direct investment to emerging economies in order to reduce poverty. MIGA provides political risk insurance to protect investors, provides capacity building and advisory services, and disseminates information on investment opportunities and market analysis. MIGA could possibly provide investment guarantees to the forest products sector. For example in 1999, MIGA provided a guarantee to the International Paper Company (US) for its equity investment in a pulp and paper mill.

Interface with forest products sector: The Bank Group collaborates with the private sector to support responsible forest investments, including those geared at carbon sequestration.

Potential impact on the private industry sector: Through these activities, the Bank Group could facilitate private sector investments, creating opportunities for the private sector to conduct sustainable forest operations in developing countries and countries with economies in transition.

Expected advantages of industry participation in initiative: The Bank Group would be interested in working with the private sector to leverage greater investment into sustainable forest activities, or related investments such as processing.

Initiatives potentially important for industry to participate in: The World Bank and IFC in partnership with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) will hold a consultation in October 2003 on the theme: "Harnessing the potential of forests for poverty reduction, sustainable development and environmental protection. How can the Bank Group work with the private sector?"

Contact Information:

World Bank

Forest Team ESSD

1818 H Street

Washington DC, USA

Fax: +1 (202) 522 1142

Web site: www.worldbank.org/forestry

International Finance Corporation

Environmental Projects Unit

2121 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, DC, 20433, USA

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.ifc.org/enviro/EPU/

1.10.1 Prototype Carbon Fund (PCF), Community Development Carbon Fund (CDCF) and the BioCarbon Fund (BCF)

Origin: The Prototype Carbon Fund was launched in July 1999. The Community Development Carbon Fund (CDCF) was launched at the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in August 2002. The BioCarbon Fund (BCF) was publicly launched in November 2002 at the Katoomba Group Forestry Meeting in Tokyo, Japan. The BCF is expected to be operational by August 2003.

Participation: Private sector companies and governments.

PCF: The PCF is a public-private partnership aimed at catalysing the market for project-based greenhouse gas emissions reductions (ERs). Founded by six governments and seventeen private sector companies, the PCF has a total capitalization of US$180 million to purchase ERs from 36 approved projects that operate under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Joint Implementation (JI) mechanisms of the Kyoto Protocol. The projects are in transition economies and developing countries.

CDCF: The CDCF will link small-scale projects seeking carbon finance with companies, governments, foundations, and NGOs seeking to improve the livelihoods of local communities and obtain verified emission reductions (ERs).

BCF: Similar to the PCF, the BCF is a multi-investor public-private trust fund initiative administered by the World Bank. The BCF will finance projects that sequester or remove greenhouse gases in forest and agro-ecosystems with the aim of identifying cost-effective emission reductions that promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. The target size of the Fund is between US$40-100 million. The BCF will have two windows: one for land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) activities potentially eligible for credit under the Kyoto Protocol; the other for diverse carbon sequestration and conservation projects that produce verified ERs, potentially eligible under emerging carbon management programs.

Benefits of participation: The BioCarbon Fund represents an opportunity for private capital to invest in projects that will yield ERs. Contract prices for ERs are expected to be in the range of $3-$6 per tonne of carbon dioxide. Participants will also gain practical experience of a range of tools to credibly and cost-effectively manage greenhouse gas emissions.

How to become involved: The minimum contribution for the BCF is provisionally set at US$2.5 million with an annual draw-down schedule.

Contact information:

Prototype Carbon Fund or New Carbon Funds Team (for BCF or CDCF)

1818 H Street NW, MC4-414

Washington DC 20433, USA

Telephone: +1 (202) 473 9189

Fax: +1 (202) 522 7342

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site PCF: www.prototypecarbonfund.org

Web site BCF: www.biocarbonfund.org

1.10.2 Programme on Forests (PROFOR)

Origin: PROFOR was first established 1997 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). In January 2002 PROFOR relocated to the World Bank and entered into a second phase of operation.

Focus: PROFOR is a multi-donor partnership formed to pursue a shared goal of enhancing forests' contribution to poverty alleviation and sustainable development through improved awareness and knowledge of how best to attain sustainable forest management (SFM).

Activities: PROFOR supports country-driven forest processes like national forest programs and fills gaps in knowledge through strategic work in four key thematic areas: a livelihoods approach, forest governance, innovative approaches to financing SFM, and mitigating adverse cross-sectoral impacts on forests. PROFOR is an independent program hosted by the World Bank within the Environmentally and Socially Sustainable Development (ESSD) Network. PROFOR provides opportunities for multi-stakeholder consultative processes to take place and also hosts workshops to allow for dialogue and knowledge exchange. PROFOR products include best practices, case studies, lessons learned, analytical tools and thematic publications.

Achievements: In its first phase at UNDP, PROFOR supported national forest programs in five countries: Cameroon, Costa Rica, Guyana, Malawi, and Vietnam. PROFOR hosted two international conferences on financing SFM and produced publications on the topic as well as on poverty and forestry.

Interface with forest products sector: PROFOR engages the forest products sector at the national level, as appropriate, as well as through workshops and/or consultative processes.

Benefits of participation: Through participation in PROFOR, the forest products sector would benefit from greater awareness and access to information as well as from dialogue with decision makers and stakeholders.

Contact information:

1818 H Street NW

Washington DC 20009, USA

PROFOR Secretariat

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.profor.info

1.10.3 World Bank/WWF Alliance

Origin: This partnership between the World Bank and WWF was founded in 1998.

Focus: The Alliance supports activities to achieve three overarching targets: (i) 50 million hectares of new forest protected areas; (ii) a comparable area of existing but highly threatened forest protected areas secured under effective management; and (iii) 200 million hectares of production forests under independently certified sustainable management.

Participation: The Alliance members are the World Bank and WWF. However, the Alliance often works with partners, including governments, NGOs, and the private sector.

Activities: The Alliance is active in a wide range of forest types in 22 countries - from Brazil, where the government has committed to protect 50 million hectares of Amazon rainforest, to the Lao People's Democratic Republic, where the Alliance is helping villagers sustain the largest natural forest in Asia under active community management. The Alliance works with partners in key forest countries to develop programs and projects that can bring about commitment and change at the scale required by the global targets outlined above.

Benefits of participation: May improve operations and public relations.

Contact information:

Jack Hurd

WWF International

Ave du Mont-Blanc

CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland

Telephone: +41 (22) 364 9111

Fax: +41 (22) 364 5358

Christian Peter

The World Bank

1818 H Street, NW

Washington, D.C. 20433, USA

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.forest-alliance.org/

2. International conventions

2.1 The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

Origin: The CBD was negotiated under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and opened for signature at the Earth Summit in June 1992. It entered into force on 29 December 1993.

Focus: The objectives of the CBD are to promote the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources.

Level: Global.

Participants: As of April 2003, 18 countries have ratified the CBD.

Activities/Achievements: In April 2002, the CBD adopted an expanded programme of work on forest biological diversity that, among many objectives and activities, aims to promote the sustainable use of forest biological diversity by facilitating and supporting a responsible private sector committed to sustainable harvesting practices and compliance with domestic laws through effective development and enforcement of laws on sustainable harvesting of timber and non-timber resources (forest biodiversity work programme element 1, goal 4, objective 1, activity h).

Interface with forest products sector: Representatives of the forest products sector are welcome to attend any CBD meeting, including the Conference of the Parties (COP) or at smaller meetings such as those of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical, and Technological Advice (SBSTTA), as observers.

Expected advantages of industry participation in initiative: Participation in the CBD could reflect positively on industry, and Parties could report steps taken by the forest products sector as `measures of progress'. In this regard, industry could be rewarded for better forest management practices through possibly improved public relations and assurance of a quality product.

Identify initiatives/meetings important for industry to attend/participate: Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group meeting on non-timber forest resources 30 June - 4 July 2003, venue yet to be determined.

Contact information:

CBD Secretariat

World Trade Center

393 Rue St. Jaques Suite 300

Montreal, Canada

Telephone: +1 (514) 288 2200

Fax: +1 (514) 266 6588

E-mail: [email protected]  

Web site: www.biodiv.org  

Forest Biodiversity Contact: 

Manuel Guariguata

Environmental Affairs Officer

Telephone: +1 (514) 287 7009

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.biodiv.org

2.2 The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

Origin: In 1963 members of the World Conservation Union (IUCN) initiated drafting and negotiation of CITES. The final text was agreed upon in 1973, and CITES entered into force in 1975.

Focus: The purpose of CITES is to ensure that no species of wild fauna or flora becomes or remains subject to unsustainable exploitation because of international trade. CITES does not permit commercial international trade in endangered species (i.e. species listed on Appendix I of the CITES Convention).

Participants: 161 countries are Parties to CITES. At meetings of the Conference of the Parties (COP), NGOs participate as observers.

Activities: CITES works by regulating international trade in specimens of selected species. CITES regulation requires that all import, export, re-export and introduction from the sea of species covered by the Convention is authorized through a licensing system. Species are listed in three Appendices: Appendix I includes species threatened with extinction and non-commercial trade is permitted only in exceptional circumstances; Appendix II includes species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but in which international trade must be regulated in order to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival; and Appendix III contains species that at least one country has asked the CITES Parties for assistance in controlling illegal trade. CITES holds COPs every two to three years to: review progress in the conservation of species included in the Appendices; consider proposals to amend the lists of species in Appendices I and II; consider discussion documents and reports from the Secretariat, Parties, permanent committees or other working groups; recommend measures to improve the effectiveness of the Convention; and make provisions necessary to facilitate the work and functioning of the Secretariat.

Achievements: International trade is regulated for the approximately 5 000 fauna species and 25 000 flora species listed under the three CITES Appendices. For example, in November 2002 the Conference of the Parties agreed to place Bigleaf Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) on Appendix II, effective in November 2003. Several other timber-producing species are included in the Appendices.

Interface with forest products sector: CITES does not interact extensively with the forest products sector.

Impact on private industry sector: Listing of species that are internationally traded could have an impact on the private sector by restricting trade in certain species and/or requiring additional permits for trade. Trade in listed species in accordance with CITES can strengthen consumer confidence by ensuring that it is derived from legal and sustainably managed sources, and is subject to global monitoring. Trade in listed species that is not in conformity with CITES is illegal and subject to seizure and domestic penalties. Continuing illegal trade of CITES listed species may result in measures to temporarily restrict or stop trade, and will increase public awareness of endangered status of forest species that could lead to boycott or reduced demand for products made from such species.

Expected advantages of industry participation in initiative: The wood products industry could be proactive to ensure trade in CITES-listed species is properly implemented to ensure future supply, and also influence decision-making at COPs.

Contact information:

CITES Secretariat

International Environment House

Chemin des Anémones

CH-1219 Châtelaine

Geneva, Switzerland

Telephone: +41 (22) 917 8139/40

Fax: +41 (22) 797 3417

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.cites.org

2.3 ILO Convention 169 on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples

Origin: ILO Convention 169 (ILO C 169) on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples was adopted by the International Labour Conference in 1989, replacing the earlier convention adopted in 1957 (ILO C 107).

Focus: The Convention assures indigenous peoples' right to decide their own priorities for development and to exercise control over and participate in the process of development. Convention 169 is the only international instrument addressing indigenous peoples which has a binding effect, but only with regard to the governments of the countries which have ratified it.

Level: Global.

Activities: The Convention requires that governments respect the special importance for the cultures and spiritual values of indigenous peoples concerning their relationship with the lands or territories, or both as applicable, which they occupy or otherwise use, and in particular the collective aspects of this relationship. It also sets out that the rights of ownership and possession over the lands which they traditionally occupy be recognized and measures be taken to safeguard their right to use lands to which they have traditionally had access for their subsistence and traditional activities. Furthermore, the Convention contains provisions regarding the rights of indigenous and tribal peoples to the resources pertaining to their lands. These rights include the right of these peoples to participate in the use, management and conservation of these resources.

Impact on private industry sector: The forest products sector should be aware of the rights of indigenous peoples as set out in the Convention. In addition, indigenous peoples' participation in the use, management and conservation of resources should be respected in accordance with the Convention.

Contact information:

International Labour Office

Employment Sector

4, route des Morillons

CH-1211 Geneva 22, Switzerland

Telephone: +41 (22) 799 6853

E-mail: [email protected]

2.4 Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

Origin: The Ramsar Convention came into force on 21 December 1975.

Focus: The Convention provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.

Participation: As of April 2003, Ramsar had 136 Contracting Parties. Membership is open only to countries.

Level: Global.

Activities/Achievements: Ramsar designates wetlands for inclusion in the List of Wetlands of International Importance. More than 1070 wetlands have been designated, covering some 81 million hectares.

Relevance to forest products sector: Ramsar is relevant to the branch of the forest products sector that works in mangrove forests, peat swamp forests and Brazilian varzea forest.

Contact information:

Ramsar Convention Bureau

Rue Mauverney 28

CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland
Telephone: +41 (22) 999 0170

Fax: +41 (22) 999 0169

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.ramsar.org

2.5 The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

Origin: Negotiation of the UNCCD began in 1992 in follow-up to UNCED. It entered into force in 1996.

Focus: The UNCCD aims to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought and/or desertification, especially in Africa.

Participation: As of April 2003, 186 countries are parties to the UNCCD.

Activities: The UNCCD focuses on agricultural and land use practices to prevent and mitigate desertification, including efforts to prevent deforestation, through the development of national action programs. The Convention has not yet identified specific programs related to forests. However, afforestation/reforestation and the rehabilitation of ground vegetation are major means of combating desertification. Many of UNCCD's future field activities at the national level are related to forestry.

Interface with forest products sector: The UNCCD does not have direct linkage with the forest products sector.

Impact on private industry sector: An unsustainably managed forest products industry can encourage over-harvesting of forests and accelerate land degradation/desertification. Land degradation caused by irrational exploitation of resources can pose a serious threat to the sustainable supply of forest products.

Expected advantages of industry participation in initiative: In this regard, it is in the interest of the forest products sector to collaborate with the UNCCD to mitigate land degradation and secure a future supply of forest products. Some far-sighted industry leaders have recognized the potential crises that they may face in the future, and have started to invest in afforestation programmes in marginal/desertified land to secure future supplies for their industry and improve public relations and their reputation.

Initiatives/meetings of potential interest to industry: Events such as the "Workshop on Partnership Building and Resource Mobilization" held in 2001 provide an opportunity for industry to learn from each other's experiences, as well as find possibilities for involvement and cooperation in the future. Industry could participate in activities such as the UNCCD Asia Regional Network on Rangeland Management and Sand Dunes Fixation.

Contact information:

CCD Secretariat

P.O. Box 260129

Haus Carstanjen

D-53153 Bonn, Germany

Telephone: + 49 (228) 815 2802

Fax: + 49 (228) 815 2898/99

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.unccd.int/main.php

2.6 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Kyoto Protocol (KP)

Origin: The UNFCCC was adopted in 1992 and entered into force in 1994. The Kyoto Protocol was negotiated in 1997 and has not yet entered into force. To enter into force, the Protocol must be ratified by 55 countries that are Parties to the UNFCCC, including Annex I Parties representing at least 55 percent of the total carbon dioxide emissions for 1990. To date, 104 Parties have ratified the Protocol, including 26 Annex I Parties, representing a total of 43.9 percent of total carbon dioxide emissions.

Focus: The objective of the UNFCCC and KP is to mitigate climate change.

Level: Global.

Participants: As of April 2003, 187 countries are Parties to the UNFCCC and 104 are Parties to the KP.

Activities: The KP commits developed countries and countries with economies in transition (listed in Annex I of the UNFCCC) to meet emission reduction targets: Annex I Parties, are to reduce their overall emissions of six greenhouse gases by at least five percent from 1990 levels by 2008 to 2012 (the first commitment period). The Protocol established three mechanisms to assist Annex I Parties in meeting these targets cost-effectively: an emissions trading system, joint implementation (JI) of emissions-reduction projects between Annex I Parties, and a Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) to encourage projects in non-Annex I (developing country) Parties.

Activities relating to land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) that result in carbon sequestration (and the issuing of removal units) are one way through which Annex I Parties may meet their emission reduction commitments. Agreement on the type of activities eligible and the definitions to be used for accounting for carbon sequestered was concluded in 2001 with the adoption of the Marrakesh Accord, which set out the governing principles for LULUCF activities; definitions for LULUCF activities; and a four-tier capping system limiting the use of LULUCF activities to meet emission targets. Eligible carbon sequestering activities are: afforestation; reforestation; forest management; cropland management; grazing land management; and re-vegetation. RMUs (removal units) are only valid once the removals have been verified by expert review teams under the Protocol's reporting and review procedures. Emissions from LULUCF (i.e. deforestation) in turn, must be offset by greater emission cuts or removals elsewhere.

Interface with forest products sector: Accredited private sector and industry associations are able to attend climate change as negotiations as observers.

Impact on private industry sector: Carbon-offset trade may stimulate reforestation and afforestation activities and lead to market opportunities.

Expected advantages of industry participation in initiative: The private sector may wish to participate in UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol conferences and workshops in order to be well informed and well positioned to benefit from markets from activities resulting in RMUs. They may also consider a report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on good practice guidance and uncertainty management for LULUCF measurement, estimation and assessment of uncertainties. Parties may also consider IPCC definitions for degradation and de-vegetation and IPCC methods to estimate, measure, monitor and report changes in carbon stocks and GHG emissions.

Upcoming events important for industry to attend: At the upcoming ninth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP9), scheduled from 1-12 December 2003 in Milan, Italy, Parties are expected to adopt definitions and modalities for including afforestation and reforestation project activities under the CDM. If the Russian Federation ratifies and deposits its instrument of ratification in time, COP9 will be held in conjunction with the first Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol. The Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) will also meet in December and will launch its consideration of harvested wood products accounting.

Contact information:

UNFCCC Secretariat

Haus Carstanjen

Martin-Luther-King-Strasse 8

D-53175 Bonn, Germany

Telephone: +49 (228) 815 1000

Fax: +49 (228) 815 1999

Web site: www.unfccc.int

2.7 World Heritage Convention

Origin: The Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (the World Heritage Convention) was adopted by the General Conference of UNESCO in 1972.

Focus: The Convention defines the kind of natural or cultural sites eligible for inscription on the World Heritage List, and sets out the duties of States Parties in identifying potential sites and their role in protecting and preserving them. By signing the Convention, each country pledges to conserve the World Heritage sites situated on its territory and to also protect its national heritage.

Participants: 176 countries are Parties to the Convention.

Achievements: The World Heritage Committee has inscribed 730 sites on the World Heritage List (563 cultural, 144 natural and 23 mixed properties in 125 States Parties). Forty-one tropical forest sites, covering more than 30.6 million hectares, are included on the World Heritage List.

Contact information:

World Heritage Centre

UNESCO

7, place de Fontenoy

75352 Paris 07 SP, France

Telephone: +33 (1) 4568 1571/1876

Fax: +33 (1) 4568 5570

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.unesco.org/whc

3. Other multilateral processes

3.1 International Model Forest Network (IMFN)

Origin: An International Model Forest Secretariat was launched at UNCED in 1992. It builds on the success of the Canadian Model Forests Initiative under the guidance of the International Development Centre in Ottawa.

Focus: To support, through model forests, the management of the world's forest resources in a sustainable manner, reflecting environmental and socio-economic issues from the perspective of local needs and global concerns. The model forest process supports country-led development processes that incorporate a broad range of horizontal development issues and priorities. A model forest is a process to develop locally-based multi-stakeholder partnerships that investigate, identify, adapt, and apply innovative approaches to sustainable forest management.

Participants: In addition to the 11 model forests in Canada, there are 19 international model forests, nine of which are in developing countries or countries in transition. Countries currently developing model forests include Argentina, Malaysia, China, Japan and Vietnam. Other countries expressing interest in developing model forests include Australia, Ecuador, Indonesia, Southern African Development Community and the United Kingdom. The Model Forest Network committee consists of representatives of the Canadian and international model forests, the Canadian Forest Service and the International Model Forest Secretariat.

Activities: Each model forest has its own method of conducting daily business but, collectively, there are several ways they can obtain support. Annual Model Forest Network meetings, provide additional opportunities for workshops, the sharing of information and a field trip through the host Model Forest. A Regional Model Forest Centre for Latin America and the Caribbean was launched at the WSSD in August 2002. The Centre provides technical support to promote and strengthen sustainable forest management and sustainable development in the region; document and demonstrate best practices for sustainable forest management and sustainable economic development opportunities for local communities; substantially strengthen the transfer of technology from Canada to the region; and secure new country and institutional partners and donors.

Achievements: A compendium of all projects conducted in Canadian and international model forests, including information on projects and experiences concerning aquatic resources, communications, aboriginal peoples, public participation, wildlife and technology.

Interface with forest products sector: Interface with the private sector takes place at the local site level, rather than at the regional level. All model forests include the local forest industry among their partners.

Impact (real or potential) on private industry sector/advantages of participating in the initiative: The impacts on the private sector vary from site to site and depend on factors such as the area and resource base in each model forest. Broadly, impacts would be in the areas of: improved understanding among all stakeholders of the role, impact and trade off of the forest and forest products industry vis-a-vis sustainability (economic, social and environmental); improved and more integrated forest planning, management and policy; and added local value to the wood products industry on a sustainable basis within the model forest area.

Contact information:

International Model Forest Network Secretariat

250 Albert Street P.O. Box 8500

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1G 3H9

Telephone: +1 (613) 236 6163

Fax: +1 (613) 234 7457

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.idrc.ca/imfn/

Regional Model Forest Centre for Latin America and the Caribbean

Mr Francisco Mendoza

Executive Director

Centro Regional de Bosque Modelo para América Latina y el Caribe

PNUD-Chile

Av. Dag Hammarskjold 3241, Santiago Chile

Telephone: +56 (2) 337 2419

Fax: +56 (2) 337 2246

E-mail: [email protected]

3.2 Ministerial Forest Law Enforcement and Governance (FLEG) Process

Origin: In 1997, the G-8 recognized the importance of forests and in 1998 launched the "G-8 Action Program on Forests". In 2000, the World Bank Group's Forest Governance Program was launched, which gave a strong emphasis to working in partnership with governments, civil society, the private sector and donor organizations. Other governments were putting the issues pertaining to sustainable forest management - for which forest governance is the foundation - on the agenda in multiple fora during this time. This eventually led to a partnership between the World Bank and other partners, notably governments of East Asia and Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Switzerland and the European Commission to embark upon the regional Forest Law Enforcement and Governance (FLEG) Ministerial Processes.

Focus: The regional FLEG processes aim to galvanize international and multi-stakeholder commitment at high political levels to strengthen capacity for forest law enforcement in Africa, in particular with regard to illegal forest exploitation and associated trade. A strong focus is placed on identifying ways in which various stakeholders can address these issues - particularly through partnerships between producer and consumer governmental programs, donor programs, civil society and the private sector. The main output is ministerial-level declarations.

Level: Regional - East Asia and Africa to date.

Participants: In addition to the Ministerial-level participation from governments of East Asian and African countries, `consumer governments' and the European Commission are also involved in the drafting of ministerial declarations. The FLEG processes have been supported by the governments of France, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States as well as the World Bank and European Commission. Participation in the FLEG Ministerial Conferences include local and international NGOs (including Global Witness, Global Forest Watch, IUCN, and WWF) major donor programs, UN agencies, secretariats of multilateral environmental agreements, and private companies, including IKEA.

Activities/Achievements: In September 2001 the East Asia Ministerial Conference on FLEG was held and resulted in a declaration committing participating countries to, inter alia, intensify national efforts and strengthen bilateral, regional and multilateral collaboration to address violations of forest law and forest crime, and create a regional task force on forest law enforcement and governance to advance the Declaration's objectives. In April 2002, the governments of Indonesia and the United Kingdom signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) committing to working together to reduce, and eventually eliminate, illegal logging and the international trade in illegally logged timber and wood products between the two countries.

Subsequently, Ministers from several African countries expressed interest in focusing specifically on forest law enforcement and governance, and asked for assistance to convene an African FLEG Ministerial process. A Ministerial Conference is scheduled for June 2003 (to be confirmed) and is expected to result in a ministerial-level declaration where African governments, consumer and donor governments, NGOs and the private sector indicate their increased commitment to combating illegal forest exploitation and associated trade.

Interface with forest products sector: The forest products sector representatives are eligible to participate in the FLEG Ministerial Conferences.

Impact on private industry sector: The FLEG process is contributing to increased political awareness and commitment to forest governance programs in East Asia and Africa. It is also increasing momentum for chain of custody proof to ensure that wood is harvested from legal sources. This may ultimately impact the wood products sector through increased consumer demand for proof of the chain of custody of wood used in end products. The initiative could also result in increased international and regional collaboration on issues of cross-border trade.

Expected advantages of industry participation in initiative: Those producers able to demonstrate legality of wood through chain of custody may have an advantage in some markets.

Contact information:

FLEG Secretariat

1818 H Street NW

Washington DC 20009, USA

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: http://lnweb18.worldbank.org/ESSD/essdext.nsf/14ByDocName/ForestGovernanceProgramMinisterialProcesses

3.3 XII World Forestry Congress (WFC)

Origin: The International Forestry Institute, established in 1905, organized the first WFC, which was held in Rome in 1926.

Focus: The WFC serves as a forum for the exchange of views and experience, discussion on forestry issues and formulation of broad regional or global recommendations. The Congress provides the forestry sector the opportunity to produce a periodical overview of the state of forests and forestry, discern trends, adapt policies and raise awareness with decision-makers, the public and all concerned parties. As the main global forum on forests and forestry, the Congress brings together the world forestry community.

Participation: The congress is open to anyone interested in forests, such as biologists, civil servants, manufacturers, or members of an indigenous or forest-based community.

Congress theme: The "Future of Forests" will be the focus of the XII World Forestry Congress.

Benefits of participation: Networking opportunities, information exchange, and awareness building on trends in the forestry sector.

Meeting to participate in: The Congress will be held from 21-28 September 2003, in Québec City, Canada.

Contact information:

Congrès forestier mondial 2003 World Forestry Congress

Secretariat

800, Place d'Youville, 18th Floor

Québec City, Québec, Canada G1R 3P4

Telephone: +1 (418) 694 2424

Fax: +1 (418) 694 9922

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.wfc2003.org/en/index.php   

4. Regional agreements, organizations and processes

4.1 African Timber Organization (ATO)

Origin: The African Timber Organization was created in 1976.

Focus: To promote the forest products industry in the region.

Level: Regional - Africa.

Participants: ATO is comprised of the following member countries: Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, and Tanzania. Together these countries represent more than 80 percent of African forest cover.

Activities: The ATO provides information on forestry matters to enable members to influence prices of wood and wood products. It also harmonizes commercial policies and undertakes training and industrial research. ATO member countries promote the rational use of forest resources through national legislation with the aim of increasing the forest sector's contribution to economic, social, cultural and scientific development.

Achievements: In 1993, the ATO undertook the set-up of a single eco-certification scheme on a regional level. In 1996, the ATO approved a preliminary version of principles, criteria and indicators (PC&I) for forest management with a view to certification and plans to set up pilot projects to help prepare the final version. In 2001, the ATO harmonized its PC&I with the ITTO's C&I. In 2002, ministers at the ATO's 20th ministerial conference adopted the `Kinshasa Declaration on PCI', committing to: adoption of the harmonized ATO/ITTO PCI and speeding up the implementation of management, taking into account the PCI in developing rules and legislative frameworks; and respect the effective implementation of this commitment in view of promoting the sustainable and rational management of forest ecosystems.

Expected advantages of industry participation in initiative: Participation in the ATO would lead to access to local contacts, knowledge and expertise. Adherence to its PC&I would provide assurance of a quality product as well as good consumer and worker relations in the region.

Contact information:

African Timber Organization

Emile Mokoko Wongolo, General Secretary

B.P. 1077, Libreville, Gabon

Telex: OAB 5620 GO

Telephone: +241 732 928

Fax: +241 734 030

E-mail: [email protected]

4.2 Amazonian Cooperation Treaty (ACT) Special Commission of the Amazon Region on the Environment (CEMAA)

Origin: ACT originated in 1978 and established CEMAA in 1989.

Focus: To promote the harmonious development of the Amazon region and permit equitable distribution of the benefits of such development among the contracting Parties.

Level: Regional - Amazonian countries.

Participants: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela.

Activities: CEMMA's objectives are to: foster environmental research to assess natural risks and potentials of the Region; prevent deforestation and soil degradation; study common environmental impact assessment methodologies; examine offers of cooperation associated with the environment; and analyze the possibility of making environmental legislation compatible.

Achievements: Coordination of the Tarapoto Process on Amazonian forest sustainability criteria and indicators (C&I). In June 2001, member countries selected a set of C&I that meet the specific features of the region's ecosystems as well as the social and cultural factors for sustainability of the Amazon forest.

Impact (real or potential) on private industry sector: The development of C&I is setting a norm for the region that could become beneficial, or perhaps even expected, for operations in the region. The standard set by the C&I could result in a more desirable and sustainable product.

Expected advantages of industry participation in initiative: Participation would increase awareness of the C&I process, possibly provide opportunities to provide input and influence the further development of the C&I. Use of the C&I could contribute to a quality product.

Contact information:

Plaza Murillo - Junín esquina Ingavi

Edificio de la Cancillería, 4to piso La Paz, Bolivia

Telephone: +591 (2) 408 348

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.tratadoamazonico.org/tca/ing/index.htm

4.3 Amazon Network on Forests/Red Forestal Amazónica (RFA)

Origin: The Amazon Network on Forests was created in 2002 to disseminate the experiences from the Brazil Pilot Project, initiated by the G-7 and World Bank in 1992.

Focus/Objective: RFA provides a network to improve knowledge, coordination and cooperation with regard to the conservation and sustainable use of the Amazon rain forest.

Level: Regional - Amazonia.

Participants: The Network is comprised of groups of forest-dwelling rural poor, commercial timber producers, commercial buyers groups, local and national government agencies, research organizations, academia, environmental and rural NGOs, development banks and donor agencies.

Activities: The Network acts as a platform for regional cross-sectoral dialogue to help formulate long-term plans for economic, social and environmental sustainability. It addresses unique regional needs, opportunities and global issues while promoting sustainable livelihoods in the region and conservation of Amazon basin forests. Through the website (www.amazoniaforestal.org) the Network provides services such as databases on organizations working on forests in the countries and the region, a bibliography database, news and events, a policy forum mechanism, mail and bulletin distribution services and links to other relevant networks and member organizations.

Achievements: Agreements with other regional networks have been established with the Latin American Network on Forests, the South American Network on Forests, the Program for Andean Forests, and others are under way such as the new GTZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit) network on forest projects for the Latin American region.

Impact (real or potential) on private industry sector: The Network is not likely to have much impact on the private sector, as it does not form policy, but simply promotes the exchange of information.

Expected advantages of industry participation in initiative: For industry active in this region, the benefits gained would primarily be access to information and networking opportunities. It could also provide a way of broadcasting good work and opportunities for partnership, thereby promoting a positive public image.

Contact information:

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.amazoniaforestal.org

4.4 Asia Forest Partnership (AFP)

Origin: Launched by the governments of Indonesia and Japan at WSSD in August 2002. CIFOR and the Nature Conservancy (TNC) subsequently joined as leading partners.

Focus: Promotion of sustainable forest management in Asia by developing capacity for effective forest management and addressing the following urgent issues: forest fire; good governance, forest law enforcement and illegal logging; and rehabilitation and reforestation of degraded lands.

Level: Regional - Southeast Asia.

Participants: As of 1 January 2003, 14 governments, 8 international organizations, and 1 civil society organization had joined the AFP. Partners include the governments of Australia, Cambodia, France, Korea, Japan, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as the European Commission and a number of intergovernmental organizations active in the region, including ITTO.

Activities: Partners cooperate in: the development of forest policies, plans and programs; the development of land use and natural resource management arrangements; the use of satellite data and mapping to tackle forest fire and haze; promotion of research; and a variety of measures to address illegal logging.

Achievements: In November 2002, the First Meeting for the Promotion of AFP was held in Tokyo, Japan. Concrete measures and contributions from each partner toward the objectives of AFP, focussing on countering illegal logging, preventing and fighting forest fire, and rehabilitating and reforesting degraded lands were discussed.

Interface with the private sector: The AFP envisions a key role for the private sector in achieving the AFP objectives. Issues on timber certification, illegal logging and forest rehabilitation can be addressed properly only if there is a strong commitment from private sector (the key players) to implement sound management practices. Private sector involvement is through a multi-stakeholder forum held to share information, promote dialogue, formulate policy, and implement specific joint activities. AFP envisions working with the Association of the South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) to foster private sector relations in the future.

Expected advantages of participation: The forest products sector could benefit from participation in the AFP through improved public image and reduced transaction costs as a result of addressing illegal logging. Rehabilitation of degraded land could also help to guarantee the future supply of wood for forest products.

Contact information:

Takeshi Toma

Rehabilitation of Degraded Tropical Forest Ecosystems

Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)

Jalan CIFOR, Situ Gede, Sindang Barang

Bogor Barat 16680, Indonesia

Telephone: +62 (251) 622 622

Fax: +62 (251) 622 100

E-mail: [email protected]

4.5 Central American Forestry Strategy (EFCA)

Origin: The Central American Forestry Strategy (EFCA) was approved in October 2002 during the Ministers' Meeting of the Central American Environment and Development Commission. The EFCA has been designed and promoted by the Central American Environment and Development Commission and the Central American Council on Forests and Protected Areas, with the technical and financial support of the Regional Forestry Program of UNDP, FAO and IUCN.

Focus: The EFCA pursues the consolidation of a forestry development process that will directly contribute to the reduction of poverty, water problems and vulnerability in the region and consequently to human development, through the wise use of the existing resources, and with the active participation of all sectors involved.

Level: Regional.

Activities: EFCA provides an ongoing forum of reflection and action for the purpose of promoting forestry development in Central America. Its strategic objective is to support the countries in the area in implementing the principles, actions and agreements of the Forum and Inter-Governmental Forest Panel (IPF/IFF), as well as positioning the forestry sector as an important agent in the contribution to the economic, social and environmental development of the countries of the region which would significantly help reduce poverty.

Participation: All countries of Central America.

Activities: EFCA's goals include: by 2005, all the countries of Central America will have revised or updated their forestry policies and National Forestry Development programs for the use, management and conservation of the region's forests; by 2005, a strategy is developed for regional competitiveness for the forestry sector including improvement of information about market access (market conditions and trends); and by 2025 45 to 60 percent of the isthmus will be covered by forests. In implementing EFCA, activities will focus on consolidating spaces of political dialog at the regional level, and on strengthening national capabilities for defining actions that will enable the National Forestry Plans to be carried out.

Achievements: The development of the Central American Forestry Action Plan (PAFT-CA) which made it possible to reach a consensus in the region and arrive at a common consensus regarding forestry issues.

Interface with the forest products sector: Through opportunities for stakeholder participation.

Benefits of participation: EFCA aims to better position the forestry sector in trade negotiations, including those relating to the Free Trade Agreement of the Americas and other regional trade agreements. EFCA also aims to promote greater competitiveness of Central American forestry enterprises at all levels.

Contact information:

Huber Mendez, CCAD

[email protected]

Alberto Salas, IUCN

[email protected]

Manuel Paveri, FAO

[email protected]

Fracois Wencélius, NFP FACILITY

[email protected]

4.6 Conférence sur les Ecosystèmes de Forêts Denses et Humides d'Afrique Central (CEFDHAC)/Brazzaville Process

Origin: The Conference on the Central African Moist Forest Ecosystems (CEFDHAC, also known as the Brazzaville Process) was initiated in 1996 in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, with support from IUCN. Its main objective is to encourage Central African countries to conserve their forest ecosystems and to ensure that resources found therein are used in a sustainable manner.

Focus: CEFDHAC is a forum for dialogue and exchange of experiences and is open to all the parties involved in the forestry sector, including government, private sector, indigenous peoples, and national, local and international NGOs who work toward an equitable and sustainable management of Central African forest ecosystems. CEFDHAC promotes good forest governance and translates the political will of Central African States into a common vision of the conservation and use of moist forest ecosystems of the Sub-region.

Level: Sub-Regional - Central Africa.

Participants: Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo Brazzaville, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Rwanda, and Sao Tomé and Principe and Chad. CEFCHAC is open to all stakeholders of the Central African Forest Sector.

Achievements: CEFDHAC has held four statutory biennial conferences (1996, 1998, 2000 and 2002) and a handful of thematic workshops and conferences. The fourth CEFDHAC met in June 2002 and addressed the theme of forest ecosystems management in Central Africa and the fight against poverty. It also assessed: the impact of national, regional and international policies on costs and benefits of ecosystem management in Central Africa; armed conflict and the preservation of natural resources in Central Africa; forest ecosystem management and globalization in Central Africa; and the forest partnership for sustainable development. CEFDHAC prepared and adopted the Strategic Action Plan (PAS), which serves as a reference for intervention programme conception, and conservation of forests ecosystems in Central Africa. The main PAS recommendations have been taken into account within the Priority Action Plan of the Convergence Plan of the COMIFAC (see below).

Besides the above, CEFDHAC has also prepared a document for the harmonization of forestry policies and laws in Central Africa and is currently facilitating its implementation into national policies and laws. CEFDHAC has also facilitated the development of a Code of Conduct for sustainable exploitation of logging concessions with logging companies which is currently being implemented by several large logging companies. The study on critical sites for biological diversity conservation in Central Africa has also been done and is awaiting publication. CEFDHAC has created networks for various stakeholders (parliamentarians, indigenous and local peoples, and forest training institutions) to discuss matters of specific interest within the CEFDHAC Process. Although CEFDHAC is a recent initiative, its influence has already been felt throughout Central Africa and beyond, where it is considered an innovative example of stakeholder involvement in a troubled region.

Activities: Projects on "Conflict Resolution for Forest Ecosystems Management in the Kibira National Park" and "Conflict Resolution between the Population and the Nyungwe Forest Ecosystems" in Burundi and Rwanda, respectively, are to be implemented by the National Contact Groups of the CEFDHAC; a Code of Conduct for the sustainable use of forest concessions is being developed in collaboration with the private sector and coordinated by Interafrican Forest Industries Association (IFIA); and a study on timber taxes and concession fees in the region is being carried out.

Impact (real or potential) on private industry sector: The private industry sector in Central Africa has welcomed the birth of CEFDHAC. One of the greatest impacts is that they are now willing to discuss not only amongst themselves, but also with other stakeholders on issues affecting both parties. Acknowledging the openness of the CEFDHAC Process, they participate in meetings to discuss issues in their forest concessions: low impact logging; anti-poaching activities; poverty alleviation strategies of employees or adjacent populations; conflict management; governance; the development of roads etc. Also, the designing and implementation of the Code of Conduct for sustainable forest management by CEFDHAC and the forestry industry has had a large impact on the private industry sector. Most of the signatories know that they are now accountable for the sustainable management of their concessions and most of their strategies now focus on convincing the world that they are capable of exploiting the resource without depleting biological diversity.

Expected advantages of industry participation in CEFDHAC: Benefits of industry participation in the Initiative could include the following:

Upcoming meetings: The Fifth CEFDHAC will take place in Bangui RCA, Central African Republic in 2004; the Sixth CEFDHAC will take place in Libreville, Republic of Gabon in 2006; the Seventh in N'Djamena, Republic of Chad in 2008 and the Eighth in Sao Tomé and Principe in 2010.

Contact information:

Facilitating Agency of the CEFDHAC

IUCN Regional Office for Central Africa

Angu Kenneth

Technical Assistant

Telephone: +237 221 6496

Fax: +237 221 6497

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: http://www.iucn.org/places/brac/accueilcefdhac.htm

4.7 Conférence des ministres en charge des forêts d'Afrique Centrale/Yaoundé Process (COMIFAC)

Origin: In 1999, the Yaoundé process (COMIFAC) was initiated by a conference of Central African heads of state, resulting in the Yaoundé Declaration.

Focus: Regional collaboration to improve conservation and SFM. COMIFAC's focus includes combating poaching and establishing transboundary protected areas.

Level: Sub-Regional - Central Africa.

Participants: Central African countries.

Achievements: At a follow-up meeting in 2000, a `convergence plan' for the region was adopted. Subsequently a `priority action plan' was formulated in 2001 and adopted in June 2002. The COMIFAC has commissioned studies of financing mechanisms for forest conservation and sustainable management and for institutional arrangements for following up the Yaoundé process.

Contact information:

COMIFAC Yaounde, Cameroon

Telephone: +237 967 5179

Fax: +237 221 9457/4235

E-mail: [email protected]

4.8 Congo Basin Forest Partnership (CBFP)

Origin: The CBFP was launched at WSSD in August 2002.

Focus: The Partnership's goal is to support a network of up to 10 million hectares of effectively managed national parks and protected areas and up to 20 million hectares of well managed forestry concessions to promote economic development, poverty alleviation and improved governance to people who depend on forests for their livelihoods.

Level: Sub-regional.

Participants: Numerous countries, international organizations, NGOs and the private sector. Governments of the Congo Basin countries (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Republic of Congo), Canada, France, Germany, Japan, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The European Commission, ITTO, World Bank, Conservation International, Wildlife Conservation Society, WWW, World Resources Institute/Global Forest Watch, Forest Trends, and the American Forest & Paper Association, Society of American Foresters are participants.

Activities: The partnership sets out a plan of action to:

Achievements: The first coordinating meeting of the Congo Basin Forest Partnership (CBFP) took place in Paris from 21-23 January 2003.

Contact information:

Web site: www.johannesburgsummit.org/html/sustainable_dev/sustainable_dev.html

4.9 The European Working Group on Amazonia

Focus: Dialogue with European institutions and the private sector on matters relevant to Amazonia.

Participants: Organizations and individuals concerned about ecological and socio-cultural issues in the Amazon regions of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guyana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.

Activities: The EWGA functions as a platform for information exchange about activities, although all members have their own work programmes of specific activities relating to Amazonia. The EWGA is active on an ad hoc basis, responding to relevant events or needs.

Contact information:

Ron Kingham

Environment and Development Resource Centre

Telephone: +32 (2) 688 0243

Fax: +32 (2) 688 2685

E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]

4.10 Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe (MCPFE)

Origin: Launched in 1990, MCPFE is the political platform for the dialogue on European forest issues.

Focus: The MCPFE is a high-level political initiative for cooperation to address common opportunities and threats related to forests and forestry in Europe.

Level: Regional - Europe.

Participation: Member countries, the European Community and observer organizations and countries.

Achievements: Since its beginning in 1990, the dialogue within the MCPFE has succeeded in intensifying political and scientific communication in Europe and establishing close and successful cooperation on a wide range of issues related to forests and forestry. This dialogue not only involves governmental representatives of the participating countries, but also a variety of stakeholders including environmental and social NGOs, forest owners' associations, the forest industry, and intergovernmental organizations. Although the actors involved represent a variety of opinions and interests, they share the commitment to the sustainable development and protection of forests in Europe. The Fourth Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe ("Living Forest Summit") was held from 28-30 April 2003 in Vienna, Austria and addressed the objective of enhancing the economic viability of sustainable forest management (SFM) in Europe.

Interface with forest products sector: The Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) and the European Confederation of Woodworking Industries (CEI Bois) represent the private sector at MCPFE meetings as observers. In addition, five organizations representing private and public forest owners in Europe as well as three social NGOs participate in the MCPFE. The full list is available at the MCPFE web-site: www.mcpfe.org.

Impact on private industry sector: Decisions made in the MCPFE also give an indication about the policy frame in which the raw material for forest industry can be produced in Europe. Conversely, the active participation in the MCPFE of organizations representing the forest industry has an impact on MCPFE deliberations and has encouraged the MCPFE to take up economic issues and to address them within the overall context of SFM.

Expected advantages/means of industry participation in MCPFE: to contribute to the development of relevant, coordinated and hence effective, consensual and thus long-lasting, policy decisions at the Pan European level. CEPI and CEI Bois participate in all MCPFE meetings, including Ministerial Conferences, and take an active role in the deliberations at these meetings on equal grounds. Furthermore, they receive all documents, papers and other information provided by the MCPFE General Co-ordinating Committee or the MCPFE Liaison Unit Vienna. They are invited to submit comments and suggestions on draft documents and to provide thematic input.

Contact information:

Liaison Unit Vienna

Marxergasse 2, A-1030 Vienna, Austria

Telephone: +43 (1) 710 7702

Fax: +43 (1) 710 7702/13

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.minconf-forests.net/

5. Processes on criteria and indicators (C&I) for sustainable forest management

There are nine initiatives on criteria and indicators (C&I) for sustainable development. Approximately 150 countries are members of one or more processes. This section provides overview information on the nine C&I processes and contact information.

5.1 ITTO C&I

The ITTO had a pioneering role in developing and implementing C&I, and first adopted C&I for the Sustainable Management of Natural Tropical Forests in 1992, and later revised these in 1998. The ITTO has 31 producing member countries and covers tropical natural forests around the world.

Level: Global.

Participants: ITTO member countries.

Contact information:

ITTO Secretariat

International Organizations Center, 5th Floor

Pacifico-Yokohama, 1-1-1

Minato-Mirai, Nishi-ku
Yokohama, 220-0012, Japan

Telephone: +81 (45) 223 1110

Fax: + 81 (45) 223 1111

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.itto.or.jp

5.2 MCPFE/Helsinki Process

The second Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe (MCPFE), held in Helsinki in 1992, initiated the MCPFE Process - also known as the Helsinki or Pan European Process - which led to the development and adoption of a core set of C&I in 1994. The C&I were endorsed by the MCPFE in 1998 as a basis for international reporting and the development of national indicators. The MCPFE Process involves 41 countries and covers European boreal and temperate forests.

Level: Regional - European boreal, temperate and Mediterranean forests.

Participants: European Countries.

Contact information:

Liaison Unit Vienna

Marxergasse 2, A-1030 Vienna, Austria

Telephone: +43 (1) 710 7702

Fax: +43 (1) 710 7702/13

E-mail: [email protected]

5.3 Montreal Process

In 1994, several countries formed a working group known as the Montreal Process to advance the development of internationally agreed C&I for the conservation and management of temperate and boreal forests outside Europe. In 1995, the Montreal Process countries issued a declaration containing a set of C&I for SFM.

Level: Global temperate and boreal forests in America, Asia and the Pacific.

Participation: The Montreal Process comprises Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation and the United States.

Contact information:

Montréal Process Liaison Office

8th Floor, Sir William Logan Building, 580 Booth Street

Ottawa, Canada K1A 0E4

Telephone: +1 (613) 947 9061

Fax: +1 (613) 947 9038

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.mpci.org/contacts_e.html

5.4 Tarapoto Proposal 

The Tarapoto Proposal, within the Amazon Cooperation Treaty was launched in 1995. The Tarapoto Proposal for the sustainability of the Amazonian Forests was agreed at a "Regional Workshop on the Definition of C&I for the Sustainability of Amazonian Forests" in Tarapoto, Peru in 1995. The Tarapoto Proposal involves eight countries in the Amazon Basin.

Level: Regional - Amazonia.

Participants: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Surinam and Venezuela.

Contact information:

Pro Tempore Secretariat of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty

Telephone: +591 (2) 310 394

Fax: +591 (2) 310 394

E-mail: [email protected]

5.5 Dry Zone Africa Process

A meeting on C&I for SFM in Dry Zone Africa convened in Nairobi, Kenya, in 1995, initiated this process. Practical guidelines for the assessment and measurement of C&I for SFM in Dry Zone Africa were published in 2000. The African Dry Zone Process involves 30 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Contact information:

UNEP, Biodiversity Unit

Dry-zone Africa Process

P.O. Box 30552

Nairobi, Kenya

Telephone: +254 (2) 624 260

Fax: +254 (2) 624 260

E-mail: [email protected]

5.6 African Timber Organization (ATO) Process

In 1993, the ATO initiated the development of Principles, Criteria and Indicators (PC&I) for the management of African natural tropical forests. These PC&I were adopted by the ATO Ministerial Conference in 1996. In 2001, the ATO harmonized its PC&I with the ITTO's C&I. The ATO Process involves 14 countries and covers African tropical forests.

Level: Regional - Africa.

Contact information:

Mr. Paul Ngatse-Obala

Secretary General

African Timber Organization

B.P. 1077, Libreville, Gabon

Telex: OAB 5620 GO

Telephone: +241 732 928

Fax: +241 734 030

E-mail: [email protected]

5.7 Near East Process

In 1996, a regional Expert Meeting on C&I for SFM in the Near East was held in Cairo, Egypt. In 2000, guidelines for assessment and measurement were published. The Near East Process involves 30 countries in the region.

Contact information:

Peter Holmgren

Chief, Forest Resources Development Service, Forest Resources Division

Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN

Viale delle Terme di Caracalla

00100 Rome, Italy

Telephone: +39 (06) 5705 2714

Fax: +39 (06) 5705 5137

E-mail: [email protected]

5.8 Lepaterique Process

In 1997, an Expert Meeting on C&I for SFM in Central America was held in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, and resulted in the Lepaterique Process. The Lepaterique Process involves seven countries.

Level: Regional - Central America.

Contact information:

Juan Blas Zapata

Executive Secretary, Central American Council of Forestry and Protected Areas

Apdo. Postal 2760

Tegucigalpa, Honduras

Telephone: +504 20 0707

Fax: +504 20 0386

E-mail: [email protected]

5.9 Asia Dry Forests Process

In 1999, a Workshop on National-Level C&I for the Sustainable Management of Dry Forests in Asia/South Asia developed a regionally-applicable national-level set of C&I for SFM. Guidelines for assessment and measurement were published in 2001. The Dry Forest Asia Initiative involves nine countries in Asia/South Asia.

Level: Regional - Asia/South Asia.

Contact information:

Froylán Castañeda

Forestry Officer, Tropical Forest Management, Forest Resources Development Service

Forest Resources Division, Forestry Department

Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN

Viale delle Terme di Caracalla

00100 Rome, Italy

Telephone: +39 (06) 5705 3834

Fax: +39 (06) 5707 5137

E-mail: [email protected]

6. Forest certification schemes and certified product promoters

There are two international forest certification bodies, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Pan European Forest Certification (PEFC). A number of other schemes have been developed at the national or regional level, many of which are recognized by the FSC or PEFC or seeking to be recognized by one of them. Certification is promoted by several international and non-governmental organizations, such as IUCN, World Bank, and WWF. This section provides information on the FSC and PEFC and organizations promoting certified products.

6.1 Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)

Origin: The FSC was founded in 1993 in follow-up to discussions among timber users, traders and representatives of environmental and human-rights organizations regarding the need for an honest and credible system for identifying well-managed forests as acceptable sources of forest products.

Focus: The FSC provides independent third-party certification of forest products to guarantee the product is from a well-managed forest. All forest products carrying the FSC logo have been independently certified as coming from forests that meet the internationally recognized FSC Principles and Criteria of Forest Stewardship.

Level: Global.

Participants: FSC is an association of representatives from environmental and social groups, the timber trade and the forestry profession, indigenous people's organizations, community forestry groups and forest product certification organizations from around the world. Membership is open to all who are involved in forestry or forest products and share its aims and objectives.

Activities: FSC accredits, evaluates and monitors certification bodies to carry out forest inspections and ensures their competence and credibility. FSC supports the development of national and local standards that implement the international Principles and Criteria of Forest Stewardship at the local level.

Achievements: Nearly 60 million acres of forest land in 32 countries across 5 continents have been certified to FSC standards, and more than 8 000 wood and wood-containing products that bear the FSC `checkmark and tree' trademark logo. FSC has developed a standard to certify the chain of custody of forest products and guidelines for developing regional certification standards.

Interface with forest products sector: FSC strives for the participation of industry in multi-stakeholder fora for discussion of forest management issues. Several market leaders - including The Home Depot, Lowe's, Nike, IKEA, B&Q in the United Kingdom, Intergamma in the Netherlands, and OBI in Germany have publicly expressed preference for wood and wood products originating in FSC certified forests.

Potential impact on the forest products industry: FSC is setting a standard for good business practice in the forest products sector that may reward those who are certified with access to certain markets. Increasingly, certification may become a requirement for doing business with some manufacturers and distributors.

Potential benefits from participation: Benefits of participation in the FSC system can include: differentiation in the marketplace; access to new markets; increased market share; extended marketing reach; enhanced profitability through the identification and elimination of wasteful practices; and access to capital from socially responsible investors.

Contact information:

Forest Stewardship Council

Avenida Hidalgo 502

68000 Oaxaca, Mexico

Telephone: +52 (951) 514 6905

Fax: +52 (951) 516 2110

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.fscoax.org

Forest Stewardship Council

Goerrestrasse 15/IIa

53113 Bonn, Germany

Heiko Liedeker, Executive Director

Phone +49 (228) 367 660

Fax +49 (228) 367 6630

E-mail: [email protected]

6.2 Pan European Forest Certification (PEFC)

Origin: 1999.

Focus: PEFC is a forest certification umbrella organization, providing a framework for the mutual recognition of credible national or regional forest certification schemes which have been developed to meet internationally recognized requirements for SFM.

Participants: Many stakeholders including the forestry sector, governments, trade associations, trade unions and non-governmental organizations participate in PEFC as do those who are certified through the PEFC.

Activities: PEFC promotes the independent third party certification of environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of forests. This is achieved through national or regional independent third party forest certification schemes, based on the criteria, indicators and operational level guidelines of the Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe or other similar intergovernmental processes promoting SFM. The PEFC umbrella covers national schemes from all over the world, delivering hundreds of millions of tonnes of wood to the processing industry and then onto the market place from tens of millions of hectares of certified forests.

Results expected and obtained so far: The PEFC has become the largest organization for forest certification, representing more than 46 million hectares of certified forests. The PEFC represents national schemes from 26 countries on 5 continents of which 13 have been fully endorsed as meeting the PEFC Council minimum requirements for credible forest certification schemes.

Interface with forest products sector: More than 450 companies have obtained chain of custody certification (tracking along all the links of the chain which wood follows from forest to final product) and this number is increasing rapidly. The PEFC Council has strong support from forest-related industries and important European associations representing forest product trade, wood processing, and the pulp and paper industry. National associations representing the wood processing sector are actively involved in the development of national forest certification schemes.

Expected advantages of participation: Wood-processing enterprises, business-to-business customer/supplier, trader or retailer can get their product flow certified (chain of custody certification) and then use the PEFC Logo to label their product and encourage customers to chose products carrying the PEFC Logo to support sustainable forest management. Forest owners/managers can obtain a PEFC certificate for their forest management. Organizations operating at the international or European level can become members of the PEFC Council and thereby contribute to the international development of the PEFC. Those operating at the national level can take a part in the standard setting process to define certification criteria and procedures in the respective country.

Contact information:

PEFC Council

2éme Etage

17 Rue des Girondins

Merl-Hollerich, Luxembourg L-1626

Telephone: +352 2625 9059

Fax: +352 2625 9258

E-mail: [email protected] 

Web site: www.pefc.org

6.3 American Tree Farmers System

Origin: The American Tree Farm System was established in 1941.

Level: National - USA.

Activities: Certification of forests that meet the American Forest Foundation's set standards.

Achievements: In the early 1990s, the American Tree Farm System modernized its standards and structure - bringing both in line with contemporary benchmarks for sustainability. Existing tree farm certification guidelines were expanded and reinforced. The system has grown to encompass over 26 million acres of certified, sustainable non-industrial forests.

Benefits of participation: Tree farm certification can allow access to some markets and also signals good stewardship.

Contact information:

Nicole Hillman

Program Coordinator

American Tree Farm System

1111 19th Street, NW, Suite 780

Washington, DC 20036, USA

Phone: +1 (888) 889 4466

Fax: +1 (202) 463 2461

E-mail: [email protected]  

Website: www.treefarmsystem.org

6.4 Canadian Standards Association (CSA)

Origin: CSA was chartered in 1919 and has developed over 2000 standards for various industries. The SFM Standard was developed in 1996.

Focus: The CSA certifies producers who meet its SFM standard and also offers certification of chain-of-custody and labelling programmes for products derived from forests certified to the CSA Standard.

Level: National - Canada.

Achievements: Developed Canada's National Standard on Sustainable Forest Management, CAN/CSA Z809, in 1996. This standard, which utilizes a continual improvement approach, requires public participation, practical demonstration of sustainable forest management practices, and management commitment. The standard was developed through an open and inclusive process including forest producers, woodlot owners, scientists, academics, representatives from the provincial and federal governments, as well as environmental, consumer, union, and aboriginal representatives. The standard is reviewed periodically by the SFM Technical Committee to ensure it incorporates knowledge gained through time and implementation.

CSA is a member of the Pan European Forest Certification Council (PEFC).

Activities: To become certified to the standard, third party independent auditing is required, with mandatory annual reviews, which include both a document review as well as spot-checks in the field. Certified products qualify to bear a CSA SFM mark. Products include everything from lumber, panelling or plywood, and pulp and paper to specialty forest products such as maple syrup and Christmas trees.

Benefits of participation: Easily identifiable products from forests certified to Canada's National Standard for Sustainable Forest Management.

Contact Information:

Peter Johnson

Program Manager

CSA Forest Products Group

90 Burnhamthorpe West, Suite 402

Mississauga, Ontario, L5B 3C3

Telephone: +1 (905) 275 0284

Toll Free: +1 866 CSA WOOD (in North America)

Fax: +1 (905) 272 2491

E-mail: [email protected]

6.5 Certification of Origin of Forest Raw Materials (CERFLOR)

Origin: CERFLOR was developed in 1993 by the Brazilian Society for Silviculture.

Focus: CERFLOR is a voluntary and independent national certification system.

Level: National - Brazil.

Achievements: A system for certification of plantations was approved in March of 2002, with the expectation that it would become operational by 2003. Five standards are included, and chain of custody and auditing procedures are incorporated. The system relies on certification by independent certifiers and mechanisms have been developed to accredit certifiers.

Contact information:

INMETRO (on behalf of CERFLOR)

Rua Santa Alexandrina No 416, 10 andar

Rio Comprido

CEP 20.261-232

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Telephone: +55 (21) 2502 7002

Fax: +55 (21) 2293 0954

E-mail: [email protected]

6.6 CERTFOR

Focus: Chile is developing an evaluation system that guarantees that those seeking certification meet an adequate level of forest management in tune with the national situation and with the requirements set by an internationally recognized concept of sustainability.

Level: National - Chile.

Contact Information:

CERTFOR Chile c/o Fundacion Chile

Ave. Parque Antionio Rabat Sur 6165

P.O. Box 773

Vitacura, Santiago, Chile

Telephone: +56 (2) 240 0488

Fax: +56 (2) 241 9385

E-mail: [email protected]  

6.7 Forest Certification Watch

Origin: Certification Watch was launched in 1998.

Focus: Certification Watch is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization with a mission to: enhance the understanding of forest certification and its implications, particularly for sustainable forest management, international forest policy, trade in forest products and consumer choice; and encourage the responsible stewardship of global forest resources by facilitating the identification and adoption of effective approaches to forest resource management and policy.

Activities: Certification Watch provides information on global forest certification developments through its newsletter and other services. Certification Watch's key activities are: publishing an international newsletter Forest Certification Watch; providing online services; organizing an annual conference and company-level workshops; and providing speakers for various events. It also produces articles, studies and other materials.

Benefits of participation: Access to materials and services described above. A good way to remain informed of developments within the certification debate.

Upcoming events for participation: On 25 September 2003 at the World Forestry Congress, a one day event will discuss forest certification and responsible procurement throughout the world.

Contact information:

PO Box 48122

Montreal, H2V 4S8, Canada

Telephone: +1 (514) 273 5777

Fax: +1 (514) 277 4448

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.certificationwatch.org

6.8 Global Forest and Trade Network (GFTN)

Focus: GTFN is an international coalition of organizations that aim to promote trade in certified forest products.

Participation: Within the GFTN, there are 15 Forest and Trade Networks serving specific regions of the world. Participation within a given network is open to any organization that accepts its stated commitments. Member companies range from forest owners and timber processors to architects and home-improvement retailers. There are currently over 700 member companies worldwide, from small producers to world leading companies such as the Home Depot and IKEA.

Activities: Each individual Forest and Trade Network builds a membership of companies committed to the production, purchase and advocacy of independently certified forest products. The WWF provides coordination to the GFTN, ensuring that all group members benefit from common efforts in advancing a shared mission. Forest and Trade Networks are currently in operation in Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Ireland, the Nordic Countries, the Netherlands, North America, Oceania, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. New Forest and Trade Networks are in development in Bolivia, Hong Kong, Italy, and Japan.

Benefits of participation: Membership in GFTN could help to secure an early foothold in the growing market for certified products.

Contact information:

WWF Global Forest and Trade Network School House

Noke, Oxford, OX3 9TU United Kingdom

Telephone: +44 (1) 865 842 356

Fax: +44 (1) 865 378 383

E-mail: [email protected]

6.9 Lembaga Ekolabel Indonesia (LEI)

Origin: LEI was initiated in 1993.

Level: National - Indonesia.

Focus: A certification system for Indonesian forest products. The system is based on sustaining economic, ecological, and social values. The LEI criteria for sustainable forest management at the management unit level involve issues of land tenure, timber production and regeneration, financial feasibility of the management unit, efficiency of forest resource utilization, and evidence of professional management.

Contact Information:

Menara ERA Suite 703

Jl. Senen Raya 135-137

Jakarta, Indonesia 10410

Telephone: +62 (21) 386 5457/8 or 348 31319/20

Fax: +62 (21) 386 5462

Web site: www.lei.or.id

6.10 Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC)

Origin: The MTCC Timber Certification Scheme was launched in January 2002.

Focus: The MTCC is an independent non-profit organization that operates a voluntary national timber certification scheme to provide assurance to buyers of Malaysian timber products that the products have been sourced from sustainably managed forests.

Achievements: Three State Forest Management Units (FMUs), namely Pahang, Selangor and Terengganu, have been awarded Certificates for Forest Management, while 16 timber product manufacturers and exporters received the Certificates of Chain-of-Custody. The standard used originated from a mutually agreed upon standard used under the Malaysia-The Netherlands cooperation programme, developed taking into account the requirements specified by the Keurhout Foundation and the 1998 ITTO Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Management of Natural Tropical Forests. A FSC-compatible standard is being formulated through a multi-stakeholder, participatory consultation.

Contact information:

Malaysian Timber Council

18th Floor Menara PGRM

8 Jalan Pudu Ulu, Cheras

56100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Telephone: +60 (3) 9281 1999

Fax: +60 (3) 9282 8999

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.mtcc.com.my

6.11 Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)

Origin: SFI was initiated in 1994 by the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA).

Focus: SFI is a system of principles, objectives and performance measures intended to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. The system combines growing and harvesting of trees with the protection of wildlife, plants, soil and water quality.

Level: Regional - North America.

Activities: SFI provides first, second and third party certification.

Achievements: By the end of 2001, 60.1 million acres of forestland in North America had been independently certified to the SFI Standard.

Participation: The SFI standard is a condition for membership in the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA).

Benefits of the SFI Program: Sound business practices and access to some markets.

Contact information:

AF&PA SFI

1111 Nineteenth Street, NW, Suite 800

Washington, DC 20036, USA

Telephone: +1 800 878 8878

E-mail: [email protected]

7. Non-governmental organizations

7.1 Forest Trends

Origin: Initiated by leaders from industry, donors and environmental groups, Forest Trends was established in 1998.

Focus: Forest Trends is a small, non-profit research and development group with three principal roles: convening market players to advance market transformations; generating and disseminating critical information to market players; and facilitating deals between different critical links in the value chains of new forestry.

Participants: Environmental groups, forest product companies, foundations and financial institutions in Northern and Southern hemispheres participate in forest trends.

Activities: Forest Trends seeks to (i) accelerate the development of markets and market-based instruments for forest ecosystem services that benefit the poor; (ii) identify opportunities for and constraints to community forest management and enterprises; and (iii) expand markets for and investments in sustainably produced forest products, particularly those that contribute to poverty alleviation in developing countries.

To achieve these objectives, Forest Trends advocates: (i) forest management practices that significantly reduce negative environmental and social impacts, and that can be independently verified by third parties; (ii) value chain efficiencies; (iii) alternatives to virgin wood fibre from natural forests; (iv) reduction of overall consumption without any loss in the quality of products or services; (v) and markets for ecosystem services that require the maintenance or restoration of natural forest ecosystems. Forest Trends has a website and list serve that disseminates cutting-edge information on strategic market issues and opportunities.

Achievements: Since 1998, Forest Trends has carried out numerous research studies and convened several regional meetings that have involved of wide range of stakeholder groups to explore ways and means of achieving the above objectives. Forest Trends has contributed to the development of new markets for the environmental services of forests through the Katoomba Working Group and has provided advisory services to the Bank's carbon finance funds. In 2002, Forest Trends also launched new work engaging capital markets with sustainable forestry. It is in the early stages of developing positive criteria for investors and advising major financial players on the development of new funds for forestry in emerging markets.

Contact information:

Forest Trends

1050 Potomac Street NW

Washington, DC 20007, USA

Telephone: +1 (202) 298 3000

Fax: +1 (202) 298 3014

Web site: www.foresttrends.org

7.2 International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED)

Focus: IIED promotes sustainable patterns of world development through collaborative research, policy studies, networking and knowledge dissemination.

Activities: IIED has a Forestry and Land Use Program that focuses on the following thematic areas: managing policy and institutional change; fostering good private sector forestry and land use; tackling inequality and improving livelihoods; and getting the best from international initiatives. IIED's Private Sector Forestry (PSF) Project aims to identify policies and instruments, both regulatory and market-based, that encourage the private sector to move away from unsustainable extractive practices towards long-term investment in sustainable forest management for multiple benefits. The three key themes addressed by the project are: corporate community partnerships; certification; and markets for environmental services and poverty reduction. The PSF focuses on five countries: Brazil, China, India, Papua New Guinea, and the Republic of South Africa. IIED has conducted research projects and analysis of potential interest to the forest products sector, including publications such as Certification's impacts on forests, stakeholders and supply chains; and Foreign portfolio investment and sustainable development: A study of the forest products sector in emerging markets.

Contact information:

Head Office

3 Endsleigh Street

London WC1H 0DD, United Kingdom

Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7388 2117

Fax: +44 (0)20 7388 2826

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.iied.org/forestry/index.html

7.3 The World Conservation Union (IUCN) Forest Conservation Program (FCP)

Origin: IUCN was founded in 1948.

Focus: The maintenance and, where necessary, restoration, of forest ecosystems to promote conservation and sustainable management, and equitable distribution of a wide range of forest goods and services.

Participation: States, government agencies and a diverse range of non-governmental organizations in a unique world partnership. IUCN has 980 members from 140 countries.

Activities: The FCP focuses on forest policy and management; community involvement in forest management; forest biodiversity; non-timber forest products; protected areas; environmental law; forest fires; forest restoration; forest information systems; and facilitation and convening of multi-stakeholder dialogue. IUCN also collaborates with WWF in a joint "Forests for Life" programme. IUCN Forest-related activities fall under the following categories:

Benefits of participation: IUCN's work on NTFP could be of interest to the forest products sector.

Contact information:

Forest Conservation Programme

IUCN-World Conservation Union

Rue de Mauverney 28 CH-1196

Gland, Switzerland

Telephone: +41 (22) 999 0001

Fax: +41 (22) 999 0025

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.iucn.org/themes/fcp/home.html

7.4 Rainforest Alliance

Origin: Founded in 1989, the Rainforest Alliance's SmartWood Program was the world's first and now is the most extensive program to certify responsible forestry practices.

Focus: The Rainforest Alliance is a third party certifier accredited by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

Activities: Though it initially focused on tropical forests, today the Rainforest Alliance's Sustainable Forestry program works in all forest types - tropical, temperate and boreal - and in addition to SmartWood, includes two other programs: Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) and Training, Research, Extension, Education and Systems (TREES). The Rainforest Alliance's `chain-of-custody' certification process ensures customers that the wood and wood products they are buying come from sustainably harvested forests that have tangible, economic benefits for local communities. An increasing demand for certified wood and wood products from major retailers such as Home Depot, Lowes, B&Q (home improvement retailer in the United Kingdom) and IKEA indicate consumer preference for products stamped with a seal of approval from a qualified, third-party source.

Interface with the private sector: The Rainforest Alliance encourages a sustainable development of the forest products sector.

Achievements: The SmartWood program was the first certification programme of its kind. The Rainforest Alliance has certified more than 800 operations on more than 13.3 million acres worldwide.

Advantages of participation: SmartWood certification provides a competitive market advantage in the world-wide certified forest products market.

Contact information:

Goodwin-Baker Building

65 Millet St. Suite 201

Richmond, VT 05477, USA

Telephone: +1 (802) 434 5491

Web site: www.smartwood.org/index.html

7.5 World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)

Origin: The WBCSD was formed in January 1995 through a merger between the Business Council for Sustainable Development (BCSD) in Geneva and the World Industry Council for the Environment (WICE), an International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) initiative, in Paris.

Focus: WBCSD is a coalition of 165 international companies united by a shared commitment to sustainable development via the three pillars of economic growth, ecological balance and social progress. WBCSD's mission is to provide business leadership as a catalyst for change toward sustainable development, and to promote the role of eco-efficiency, innovation and corporate social responsibility.

Participation: WBCSD's 165 international company members are from more than 30 countries and 20 major industrial sectors. WBCSD is also part of a global network of 43 national and regional business councils and partner organizations located in 39 countries. Membership of the WBCSD is by invitation of the Executive Committee to companies committed to sustainable development.

Activities: In 1997, the Sustainable Forest Products Industry (SFPI) project was established to deal with a range of global forestry issues, including mutual recognition of certification systems and conservation of forest resources. SFPI aims to find ways to sustainably manage forests to meet the global demand for wood and paper products, renewable and greenhouse neutral energy, ecosystem services (like biodiversity and carbon sequestration) and healthy livelihoods. SEPI also works to promote a sustainable forest industry, address illegal logging, and promote certification. WBCSD participates in the multi-stakeholder dialogue of the UNFF.

Achievements: In 1996, WBCSD published the report Toward a Sustainable Paper Cycle. In Partnership with the World Bank, WBCSD organized the CEO's Forum on Forest which first met in January 1998 to facilitate a dialogue with the chief executive officers (CEOs) of large forestry firms from around the world. In 1999, in cooperation with the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the WWF, the WBCSD convened The Forest Dialogue (TFD), with forest representatives, labour, the World Bank, academics and NGOs from developed and developing countries, to initiate a series of dialogues with forest stakeholders. In 2001, leaders of the world's largest forest companies formed The Global Forest Industry CEO Forum, further expanding the platform for discussing forestry issues.

Benefits of participation: WBCSD promotes a number of benefits from the pursuit of sustainable forest management practices: enhanced company marketing and communications and industry positioning; more productive forests, creating opportunities for a wide variety of users and stakeholders; enhanced product innovation and market development, such as the sector's expanding role in the renewable energy sector.

Contact information:

James Griffiths

Project Director

Telephone: +41 (22) 839 3114

Fax: +41 (22) 839 3131

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.wbcsd.ch/aboutus/index.htm

7.6 WWF

Origin: WWF was founded in 1961.

Focus: WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the planet's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by: conserving the world's biological diversity; ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable; and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.

Activities: Through its "Forests for Life" campaign, WWF works in partnership with governments, lending agencies, and local communities to establish protected areas, and with responsible companies to transform the destructive and wasteful habits of the timber trade into conservation efforts. For example, WWF works with international paper and pulp businesses - both the producers and buyers of products - to promote sustainable business practices. WWF's partners in Forests for Life include IKEA, IUCN, World Bank, Lafarge, Sveaskog, and the Dutch Government.

Interface with the wood product sector: WWF interacts with the wood product sector to promote environmentally sustainable business practices.

Benefits of participation: Improved business practices and positive public relations.

Contact information:

WWF International

Avenue du Mont-Blanc

1196 Gland, Switzerland

Telephone: +41 (22) 364 9111

Fax: +41 (22) 364 5358

Web site: www.panda.org/about_wwf/what_we_do/forests/index.cfm

8. Private sector associations

8.1 Association Technique International des Bois Tropicaux/ International Technical Tropical Timber Association (ATIBT)

Origin: ATIBT is a non-political, non-governmental organization (NGO) that was founded at the request of the FAO and OECD in 1951 to help reorganize and rationalize the tropical timber trade in post war years.

Focus: ATIBT's primary work is to: promote sustainable management of tropical forests to promote economic and social development and to protect forest areas; disseminate and increase knowledge about tropical woods, their use, trade and processing; keep members up to date on developments; and elaborate codes of conduct.

Participants: ATIBT has more than 200 member organizations (international organizations, academia, private sector federations,) in 33 tropical wood producer and consumer countries. It is a network of several thousand professionals.

Achievements: Over the last 50 years, the ATIBT has become a source of technical and commercial information for both timber professionals and those outside the industry.

Activities: ATIBT helps to address issues of current importance such as sustainable tropical forest management, the improvement of harvesting and transformation methods, and certification. ATIBIT has four commissions: forests, wood, transport, and norms and use. The Forest Commission addresses questions relating to the sustainable development of tropical forests, CITES, certification, reduced impact forest exploration in the Congo, and elaboration of a standard for concession management in Africa. The Wood Commission researches and disseminates information on the priorities and use of tropical wood. The Norms Commission works toward the standardization of tropical wood for the new use norms. The Transportation Committee addresses the many issues surrounding transportation of wood and wood products. ATIBT also has a scientific and technical committee that conducts research and a group of arbitrators. ATIBT is also supporting the establishment of a credible and transparent Pan-African Forest Certification System with mutual recognition from other certification schemes and promoting reduced impact logging techniques.

Expected advantages of industry participation in initiative: A worldwide network of members, with knowledge of the latest inside information on the tropical forest economy, and policy and technologies. Members of the ATIBT have access to current technical, economic and political information about the sector, and are part of an international network with numerous contacts. The ATIBT represents member interests in relation to CITES and the development of ISO standards.

Contact information:

Association Technique International des Bois Tropicaux

6 Avenue Saint-Mandé

75012 Paris, France

Telephone: +33 (1) 4342 4200

Fax: +33 (1) 4342 5522

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.atibt.com

8.2 Interafrican Forest Industries Association (IFIA)

Origin: Founded in 1996 by African tropical timber producing companies.

Focus: Actively contributes to economic and social development through the valorisation of the forest resource, and by implementing and promoting environmentally sound forest management.

Level: Regional - Africa.

Participation: Approximately 300 enterprises throughout Western and Central Africa, including the Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cameroon, Gabon, Central African Republic, Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola.

Activities: IFIA and its members promote industrialization at the local level, job creation, technical training for workers, and infrastructure development (both social and industrial) within forest concessions and industrial complexes (dispensaries, schools etc). IFIA also promotes the interests of African timber producers and represents the African forest products sector. IFIA supports a communication and information network and puts the practical experience of its members at the disposal of research centres, environmental NGO's and donors in order to contribute towards the development and promotion of sustainable forest management.

Achievements: IFIA has worked in partnership with a number of other organizations active in the tropical African region. IFIA co-chaired the Africa Working group of the CEO Forum (launched by WBCSD and the World Bank) with IUCN. IFIA has collaborated with the ATO to promote a Pan-African Forest Certification System and participated in the establishment of the PCI's of this system in partnership with the ATO and ITTO. IFIA has developed a code of conduct for responsible forest concession management in Africa in cooperation with the CEFDHAC and IUCN.

Contact information:

6 Avenue Saint-Mandé

75012 Paris, France

Telephone: +33 (1) 4342 4200

Fax: +33 (1) 4342 5522

E-mail: [email protected]  

Web site: www.ifiasite.com

8.3 International Wood Products Association (IWPA)

Origin: IWPA was founded in 1956.

Focus: IWPA's mission is to advance international trade in wood products through leadership in business, environmental and government affairs. IWPA promotes trade in imported hardwood and softwood products in the United States.

Participants: IWPA represents almost 200 companies in more than 30 nations across the globe. Members include United States importers, manufacturers, transportation companies, port authorities, customs brokers, and overseas producers.

Activities: IWPA lobbies legislators, regulators, and government officials in support of member priorities. IWPA provides government decision makers and international organizations with input and guidance on regulations and issues related to the imported wood products industry, and represents the industries perspective and interests.

Achievements: In 1988, IWPA established the Conservation, Utilization, Reforestation, Education (CURE) Program to address the environmental concerns that affect the imported wood products industry, and impact the future of the resource base. In 1991, IWPA established the Tropical Forest Foundation (TFF), an educational organization that brings together leaders from the wood products industry and the conservation and scientific communities, and that provides forest management models and training in reduced-impact logging systems. IWPA also created the `IHPA Grade' trademark based on voluntary product specifications to identify products as meeting the highest standards for quality and consistency in the North American marketplace.

Interface with the private sector: IWPA is comprised of private enterprises and would welcome the participation of forest product producers in agreement with the goals and objectives of IWPA.

Expected advantages of participation: IWPA provides networking opportunities, information and proactive involvement in current issues, resulting in good business practices and a positive public image.

IWPA members receive information services including trade statistics, industry news updates on the latest trade developments, and trends delivered as newsletters and IWPA eNews (weekly e-mail/fax bulletin). Annual conventions, regional meetings, and committees provide networking opportunities to make new contacts, conduct business, and gain current information on issues. Participation also lends access to the Wood Products & Information Exchange (trade leads), market reports and other special reports. IWPA also produces a Member Directory used to choose suppliers and services in the wood products industry. IWPA has various forms of membership for companies based in North America, companies with interests allied to the industry (such as suppliers of services to the imported wood products industry), and companies not based in North American which manufacture and/or export wood products into the United States.

Contact information:

International Wood Products Association

4214 King Street, West

Alexandria, Virginia 22302, USA

Telephone: +1 (703) 820 6696

Fax: +1 (703) 820 8550

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.iwpawood.org

8.4 Tropical Forest Trust (TFT)

Origin: The TFT is an industry-based initiative operating on a not-for-profit basis, established by the world's largest supplier of hardwood outdoor furniture and six of its customers - all major European retail chains in 1999. These companies required new sources of FSC tropical hardwood and therefore created the TFT to work in partnership with forest management units (FMUs) to assist them to achieve FSC certified standards of management.

Focus: To assist Forest Management Units (FMUs) in achieving FSC certification according to a scheduled action plan with practical expert advice provided to the forest management free of charge. TFT's objectives are to: 1) increase the area of FSC certified forest in the tropics; 2) assist members to exclude illegal and other unwanted wood from their supply chains and to get wood from TFT supported projects; and 3) raise awareness of the FSC.

Level: To date all TFT projects have been in SE Asia in the following countries: Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia and Laos. TFT is now actively exploring opportunities in South America and West and Central Africa.

Participants: TFT member companies, donor organizations, project partners (including The World Bank and WWF), and environmental and social NGOs. Membership of investing companies has grown from the original 7 to 20 today.

Activities: TFT has a project program that consists of FMU projects and framework level activities to build institutional support for FSC certification in producer countries. This is supported by a communications program to help increase awareness of forest certification. The TFT activities remained restricted to a single value chain while the model proved itself, but since January 2002, TFT has pursued a growth strategy to include other supply chains, other wood products and other geographical regions. Strategic planning is on the basis of Three Year Strategic and Annual Operating Plans.

Achievements: TFT assisted Vietnam's largest wood products exporting company, ScanCom International, to implement `chain of custody' systems for all of its hardwood supply chains and to achieve their independent certification under the SGS Qualifor system. ScanCom was the first major company in Vietnam to go through this process and others have since followed.

TFT members now trade in hardwood garden furniture, 100 percent of which is delivered through Chain of Custody systems and from known legal sources. In some cases TFT members are also trading in 100 percent FSC labelled garden furniture.

The first TFT forest management project achieved FSC certification in June 2002 - only the third natural forest in South East Asia to do so. Other forest projects are under way and progressing towards certifiable standards.

WWF International publicly recognized the TFT and its members' practical support for FSC certification of tropical forests with its `Gift to the Earth' award to the TFT in March 2001.

Interface with forest products sector: The TFT works by linking its buyer and supplier members with its producer members. Buyers and suppliers seeking increased volumes of FSC wood raw materials invest in the TFT. The TFT uses their investment funds to manage a project portfolio that helps selected producing members - forest management units and plantations - to move toward certification and supply raw materials to the buyer and supplier members.

Impact on private industry sector: TFT has provided its private sector member companies with an effective means of securing tropical wood from known legal sources, and increasingly from FSC certified forests. For these companies TFT membership has helped them to win and maintain market share. TFT is now attracting members from that trade in a range of tropical wood products.

Expected advantages of industry participation in initiative: The TFT approach assumes that linking responsible businesses to good forest management operations is in many cases the most effective means of securing forests' future and creating long-term income and employment opportunities for rural communities. As an industry-based organization, the TFT is able to leverage additional funding for its projects from donor organizations that wish to support private sector initiatives to conserve forests and enhance rural livelihoods.

Contact information:

Scott Poynton (Executive Director)

Telephone: +41 (22) 999 0137

E-mail: [email protected]

Björn Roberts (Operations Manager)

Telephone: +41 (22) 999 0137

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.tropicalforesttrust.com/

9. Research institutes

9.1 Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)

Origin: CIFOR was created in 1993 by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) in response to the need for more authoritative forestry knowledge.

Focus: CIFOR is an international research and global knowledge institution committed to conserving forests and improving the livelihoods of people in the tropics. It achieves this through collaborative, strategic and applied research and by promoting the transfer and adoption of appropriate new technologies and social systems for national development.

Participants: CIFOR works in over 30 countries worldwide and has links with more than 300 researchers in 50 international, regional and national organizations. Governed by an international board of trustees with 15 members from 12 countries, CIFOR receives contributions from over 50 governments and funding agencies.

Activities: CIFOR has three research programmes that address the needs of the rural poor as well as environmental concerns:

CIFOR focuses on the following priority eco-regions: tropical moist forests in Southeast Asia (e.g. Borneo), central-west Africa and the Congo Basin, and western Amazon; drier forests such as the Miombo woodlands of eastern-southern Africa; the rainforest-dry forest continuum in southern India such as the Western Ghats; uplands of mainland Southeast Asia; and mixed forest systems of Central America.

Achievements: Through collaborative research with its partners in over 40 countries, CIFOR has contributed significantly in: shaping the global forest agenda; influencing international policy dialogues, institutions and processes; informing the broader international forestry community; building research capacity in developing countries; encouraging forest policy reform; protecting existing forests and improving poor peoples' livelihoods; developing criteria and indicators for sustainable management of forests.

Contact information:

Office address:

Jalan CIFOR

Situ Gede, Sindangbarang

Bogor Barat 16680, Indonesia

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 6596, JKPWB

Jakarta 10065, Indonesia

Telephone: +62 (251) 622 622

Fax: +62 (251) 622 100

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.cifor.org

9.2 International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO)

Origin: IUFRO was established in 1892.

Focus: IUFRO brings together scientists in all relevant disciplines to foster mono- and multi-disciplinary approaches to forest-related problems of global, national and local significance.

Participation: IUFRO has 682 member institutions in 113 countries and includes approximately 15 000 scientists. Membership is open to any academic, governmental, non-governmental, or commercial institution, and any individual concerned with the promotion, support or conduct of research related to forests, forest management and forest products.

Activities: IUFRO provides many services, including: scientific knowledge on forest ecosystems, their products and services; science input into policy-making; harmonization of research terminology and techniques; and assistance to developing countries or countries with economies in transition to strengthen their research knowledge and capability. IUFRO's special projects and programmes, include: SilvaVoc, an internationally acclaimed terminology project determining agreed definitions of key terms in international debates about forestry; the Special Programme for Developing Countries; the IUFRO Task Force on Global Forest Information Service to develop an internet-based metadata system that coordinating worldwide access to forest information; and the World's Forest Society and Environment program to promote globally relevant research, effective dissemination and human capacity building concerning the interrelationships of forests, society and environment in support of sustainable development and the well being of people. IUFRO has 12 task forces addressing topics such as conservation of forest gene resources, forest biotechnology, the role of forests in carbon cycles and information technology in the forest sector.

Interface with private sector: Commercial institutions or any individual is eligible for IUFRO membership. IUFRO conducts research related to the forest products sector.

Benefits of participation: Benefits of participating in IUFRO include: IUFRO's global networking; eligibility for participation in the work of any of the 285 IUFRO research units; participation in the quinquennial IUFRO Congress and all IUFRO meetings (approximately 90 annually); access to IUFRO's website and databases; ability to link a member organization's own home page to IUFRO's web site; access to the Global Forest Information System via the Internet. IUFRO publications, including the quarterly newsletter, electronic newsletter, annual report, other information brochures and reports, and Congress Proceedings and Reports; and eligibility to place news items in IUFRO news media; acquisition of overall awareness of current issues and scientific activities including state-of-knowledge reports.

Contact information:

IUFRO Secretariat

Mariabrunn (BFW)

Hauptstrasse 7

A-1140 Vienna, Austria

E-mail: [email protected]

Telephone: +43 (1) 877 0151/0

Fax: +43 (1) 877 0151/0

Web site: http://iufro.boku.ac.at/

1 Caswell, Stephanie and Rubén Guevara-Moncada. November 2002. "New and emerging issues of relevance to the International Tropical Timber Council and a Future international Tropical Timber Agreement." 33rd Session of the ITTO. Yokohama, Japan.

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