The workshop was held in Damascus, Syria from 11 to 14 April 2005. The focal points representing Cyprus, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen participated in the workshop. The Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD) and the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID) were represented by one participant each. Mr. Jean-Louis Blanchez and Ms. Qiang Ma from FAO HQs, Mr. Hassan Abdel Nour and Ms. Dahlia Radwan from FAO Regional Near East Office, facilitated and participated in the workshop.
The main objectives of the workshop were to present and share among countries information based on the country outlook papers; and to further discuss and identify key issues and trends, main driving forces and possible future scenarios of the sector at the sub-regional level.
The main outputs of the workshop which were assessed by the participants are:
• Country information on forestry sector development was shared and further discussed;
• Three proposed topics (forest issues, driving forces, scenarios) were thoroughly discussed at both country and sub-regional level;
• Key forestry issues and driving forces were identified at sub-regional level;
• Concept of scenarios and scenario approach were presented and discussed;
• Suggestions were made regarding drafting the regional report.
The workshop was evaluated by all participants as very useful, and it achieved more than expected results. All participants were very actively involved. The various presentations and discussions of participants were very fruitful and constructive.