FAO committee on forest development in the tropics
ECE Timber Committee opposes restrictions on international trade in tropical timber
Committee on Mediterranean forestry questions
A common framework for forest resource assessment
The FAO Committee on Forest Development in the Tropics (CFDT) is the only intergovernmental body that focuses specifically on the entire range of issues related to tropical forestry. The two principal mandates of the Committee are to study the technical, economic, environmental, institutional and social problems relating to the development of tropical forests; and to review international programmes and activities relevant to the conservation and management of tropical forest ecosystems, and advise on the harmonization of such programmes and on concerted action by governments and international organizations.
The Ninth Session of the CFDT was held from 11 to 15 September 1989 at FAO headquarters in Rome. It was attended by delegations from 41 member countries of the Committee and by observers from other FAO member countries, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations. The session was chaired by Mr W. King of Guyana.
This session of the CFDT focused on five major topics: follow-up to the recommendations addressed to FAO by the previous session; a review of international activities in the field of tropical forestry; implementation of the Tropical Forestry Action Plan (TFAP); financial and economic results of forestry projects; and forestry in land use planning.
Follow-up to the recommendations addressed to FAO by the eighth session of the Committee
The Committee expressed satisfaction with the steps taken by FAO to follow up the recommendations of its previous session. It noted, in particular, that the TFAP Regional Advisers' posts for Africa, Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean had been filled.
In endorsing the actions thus far taken, the Committee recommended that more attention be paid, within the framework of TFAP, to strengthening the capacities of developing countries to support forestry in general and to improving and harmonizing forestry research-especially to develop technology that could be used at the grassroots level by farmers' groups.
Review of international activities in the field of tropical forestry; and implementation of the TFAP, including recent developments in tropical forestry research
Because of the close links between the subject-makers of these two items, the Committee agreed that they be presented and discussed together.
The Committee noted with satisfaction the increased support given to forestry worldwide. However, it also noted that there was still a gap between actual and expenditure and the estimates derived from the 1985 World Bank/UNDP/WRI study "Tropical forests: a call for action".
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT must be considered In financial evaluation of forestry efforts
The Committee also expressed satisfaction that the TFAP and its basic principles had been generally adopted and were being applied by more than 60 tropical countries as a framework for forestry development.
The Committee welcomed the strengthening of FAO's TFAP Coordinating Unit and the increased share of forestry in FAO's proposed 1990-91 Programme of Work and Budget, including the creation, in the Forest Resources Division, of a senior-level post in support of forestry research. However, the Committee recommended that the proportion of FAO's budget allocated to forestry be further increased.
The Committee recommended that planning and finance authorities be intimately involved in national TFAP exercises and that close participation and involvement of other related sectors of the national economy be assured from the very start of the process.
The Committee stressed that rural populations directly involved in the use of tropical forest resources should be supported to play a more active role in TFAP exercises, and that special efforts be made to safeguard their interests. In this context, the Committee recognized the growing role of national and international NGOs, and recommended that these organizations be provided with more information and more opportunities to participate in TFAP and that full use be made of their capabilities.
The Committee recognized that participation sector had not yet been achieved in many TFAP activities and stressed that efforts should be made to secure such participation in the future.
The Committee recommended that, in order to shorten the time lag between TFAP formulation and the actual implementation of projects, the capability of national institutions for project preparation should be strengthened through development of human resources and provision of financial support. Mention was made in this respect of the possibilities offered by twinning arrangements between forestry institutions in developed and developing countries, and by economic and technical cooperation among developing countries.
The Committee stressed the need for developing appropriate mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the TFAP to facilitate continuous refinement of approaches. The Committee recommended that, subject to the availability of funds, a computerized data base be established in the FAO TFAP Coordinating Unit to monitor progress and maintain updated information on international cooperation in forestry supplied by member countries and international organizations.
The Committee emphasized the importance of conserving biological diversity in sustaining agricultural production and ensuring food security. It stressed that in order to demonstrate the value of conservation, a better system of accounting for externalities should be applied in project analyses. In addition, increased efforts were needed to generate income to local people through forest conservation activities.
PEOPLE'S PARTICIPATION is essential In the planning of TFAP activities
The Committee welcomed the proposed incorporation of forestry research in the mandate of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research as well as the efforts made by the IUFRO Special Programme for Developing Countries to support forestry research.
The Committee noted the critical need to address the problems of forest development and conservation in arid and semi-arid areas of tropical countries. Strengthening of forestry development and research efforts in these areas should be an important component of the TFAP.
The Committee invited donor countries and organizations to mobilize rapidly the funds necessary to implement projects identified in national TFAP plans. Bearing in mind the large number of project proposals emerging from the national TFAPs, the Committee stressed the need for countries to select priority areas for the initial phase of the implementation of the TFAP, with special consideration given to institutional development.
Financial and economic benefits of aid and investment in the forestry sector
The financial and economic results of 26 projects, which had undergone both initial appraisal and final assessment on completion of the disbursement period, were reviewed. The projects had been initiated during the period 1968-80 and most of them concerned forest industrial development. Many of the projects involved long-term investment in tree growing and the assessment did not therefore take account of final production, which still lay in the future.
The Committee noted that social and environmental impacts were inadequately considered in the assessments presented in the sample. It was recognized that the financial evaluation of service functions may prove difficult; however, the relative merits of alternatives to forestry in providing services should be assessed and the use: of criteria other than financial should be explored.
The Committee recognizing the importance of availability of staff competent in economic and financial analysis of forestry activities and project evaluation, recommended the expansion of training in this area. Such training should take full advantage of advances in computer technology.
The Committee suggested that part of the extra-budgetary resources provided to FAO in support of the TFAP could be applied to further research and training in economic and financial analysis of forestry projects in order to strengthen the economic dimension in TFAP implementation.
Forestry in land use planning
The Committee noted the hitherto limited role of foresters as well as the undervalued role of forests in land use planning. The Committee emphasized the multidisciplinary nature of land use planning and the advisability of integrating management plans with more broadly based land management and agriculture development programmes. It underlined the need to overcome the traditional compartmentalization of institutions and stressed the importance of ensuring cooperation among agencies concerned.
The Committee recommended that increased efforts be made to raise the awareness of decision-makers, planners, administrators and subject-matter specialists of the short-and long-term benefits of forests and trees in land use. It stressed the need to develop convincing and realistic arguments adapted to various groups and based on an appropriate quantification of all goods and services of forests and trees.
The Committee stressed the need for countries to give special consideration to the regional and subregional dimensions of land use planning and forest resources management, and emphasized the particular role that FAO could play in this regard at the level of intercountry coordination.
Future programme of work of the Committee
The Committee suggested that the agenda for the next session should include technical subjects from among the following: the impact of the burden of the external debt and of barriers against tropical products on the forest conservation policies of developing countries; forests as a means of restoring arid lands; study of agrisilvipastoral systems; analysis of tropical secondary forests - possibility for improvement/enrichment, biological diversity and their potential contribution to development; a study of processing facilities for forest products for use in developing countries; training of tropical foresters to meet the needs and challenges of the twenty-first century; impact of deforestation on global warming and forestry measures that might be taken to mitigate their effects; and financial requirements for implementing the TFAP based on experience to date.
The Timber Committee of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe was founded in 1947 to allocate the limited supplies of sawn softwood available after the Second World War. With the establishment of a peace-time economy and the rapid growth in demand for forest products, the activities of the Committee have broadened in response to changing needs to include other products, notably hardwoods, wood-based panels and pulpwood, technical questions of timber harvesting, processing and utilization and analysis of long-term trends.
At present 34 countries in Europe and North America are members of the Timber Committee; other countries that are members of the United Nations but not of the Committee may-and often do-participate in Committee activities that are relevant to them.
At its 47th session, in Geneva in October 1989, the Committee approved a strong statement of opposition to unilateral restrictions to international trade in tropical hardwoods. The text of the statement is reproduced below.
The Timber Committee shares the widespread concern about deforestation and degradation of the forest resource in the tropics and their effect on the environment. These processes are not only ecologically and economically damaging to the countries where the forests are situated but could have serious consequences for mankind as a whole.The causes of deforestation are many and complex and are mainly linked to social economic factors. The relatively minor role of commercial exploitation has to be seen in this broad context. The first need is for promoting a deeper understanding of me real nature of the problem. In this context, me Timber Committee can play a valuable role in improving the transparency of me international timber trade and assisting in a harmonious development of trade for the benefit of both producers and consumers.
Successful solutions can only be found in me broader context of the development of the countries concerned, who bear the responsibility for me management of their own forest resource. International cooperation, however, involving also the members of me ECE Timber Committee, can contribute to the conservation and sustainable management of the tropical forests.
The Committee is convinced that any unilateral measure to restrict the import and use of tropical timber would be counterproductive: taking away an important economic incentive for conserving me forest reduces its value and could lead to increased pressure for me transfer of such land to alternative uses. A ban on tropical Umber imports would furthermore be inconsistent with the movement toward freer international trade, notably within the context of the GATT Uruguay Round negotiations.
The debate on appropriate measures to conserve the tropical forest has to be conducted, first taking into account national socioeconomic development objectives and their relation to environmental protection; and second, on the basis of a full understanding of me complex issues involved. To make progress, the debate needs to be conducted in a constructive spirit by all the parties concerned, not only governments but also non-governmental organizations, scientists, and the private sector, who could contribute significantly to effective solutions, including investment and technical support to sound management of tropical forests.
The Committee welcomes the new efforts to address these problems at the international level, notably me Tropical Forestry Action Plan, being carried out under the leadership of FAO. It also welcomes me activities of ITTO which is seeking to further the management of tropical timber resources with a long-term perspective through a broad dialogue between producers and consumers and with the active participation of the private sector and non-governmental organizations.
The Committee appeals to al/its members to consider appropriate measures to support the developing countries and the international organizations concerned in their efforts to combine conservation and wise utilization of tropical forests and for harmonious development of the trade in tropical timber.
At the invitation of the Greek Government, the AFC/EFC/NEFC Committee on Mediterranean Forestry Questions "Silva Mediterranea" held its 14th session in Athens from 9 to 13 October 1989. The session was attended by delegates from 18 member countries of the Committee, and by observers from other FAO member countries, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations. The session was chaired by Mr S. Marraco of Spain.
The Committee reviewed the forestry sector of its member countries and discussed four principal topics: the activities of me research networks established at me 13th session; forest products other than wood; forests and tourism; and strengthening international forestry cooperation in me Mediterranean region.
The activities of the research networks
At the previous session of the Committee, five ad hoc research networks were formed to invest/gate topics selected by the members for priority attention: forest fire management; selection of multipurpose species in arid and semi-arid zones; silviculture of cedars; silviculture of stone pines (Pinus pinea); and selection of seed stands of Mediterranean conifers for production of seed to be used in reforestation programmes.
At this session, the progress achieved by each of the networks was reviewed and future work plans proposed by the network coordinators were approved. The importance of increased national contribution to the networks was stressed.
Forest products other than wood
The Committee considered a document describing products other than wood obtained In Mediterranean forests, their role in the socio-economic development of rural areas, problems associated with the use of these products, and the possibility of improving contribution to rural and national economies.
The Committee noted decline in production of a number d non-wood products, notably chestnuts, resin, cork and aromatic plants, that had once played an important role in Mediterranean economies. A combination of unfavourable factors, including labour shortages, the development of competing synthetic products and low productivity were identified as contributing causes. The Committee recognized the dearth of statistics on the production and use of forest products other than wood and recommended that member countries collect the information needed to formulate relevant policies and programmes. The Committee also recommended that FAO and other international organizations conduct in-depth case-studies and market research to identify areas where joint action might be taken.
PRELIMINARY DATA ON TROPICAL DEFORESTATION will be available during 1990
The Committee noted that, in some situations, subsidies might be provided to stimulate the use of non-wood forest products, thereby facilitating the maintenance of existing stands and reducing the risks of forest fires.
Forests and tourism
Mediterranean forests and forest formations are taking on increasing importance in recreation and tourism; it is imperative for foresters and other concerned agencies to take account of this in land use planning.
The Committee drew attention to the impact of tourism and recreation on forests and emphasized the need to educate tourists through appropriate means, including audiovisual programmes. The Committee also noted the dangers of fires to tourists, and recommended that international safety guidelines be developed to instruct tourists on appropriate emergency procedures in case of forest fire.
Noting the fragility of coastal ecosystems and their deterioration through urbanization and recreation, the Committee recommended that countries make a special effort to protect and conserve these threatened sites.
The Committee underlined the need to promote the importance of conserving threatened genetic resources, particularly among young people, and recommended that international organizations prepare educational curricula to be adapted and introduced into existing school programmes.
Strengthening international forestry cooperation in the Mediterranean region
The Committee stressed the urgent need for better coordination of national and international forestry activities in the Mediterranean region and agreed that "Silva Mediterranea" constituted a suitable structure and forum for this coordination..
The Committee also noted that the Tropical Forestry Action Plan (TFAP) had led to a strengthening and harmonization of international cooperation in forestry development in tropical countries. It agreed that similar measures could be useful in Mediterranean countries. It therefore recommended that a forestry action plan be developed for the Mediterranean region with objectives and a general approach similar to that of the TFAP. This could be done by adapting the TFAP to the specific conditions of the region, and should take into account the strategies already developed, particularly those defined under the "Blue Plan" for the Mediterranean environment.
Future work directions for the Committee
Responding to the recommendations formulated by the Committee at its previous session, the secretariat proposed two areas of emphasis for future action: coordination of forestry research, and technical studies and inquiries.
Concerning the coordination of forestry research, the Committee urged the secretariat to investigate any and ail initiatives necessary to obtain the resources to ensure more effective functioning of the research networks.
With regard to technical studies, the Committee reaffirmed the importance of the following specific areas: methods for evaluation of losses (of all kinds) caused by forest fires; a summary of the current body of knowledge concerning the principal forestry products other than wood; detailed studies of specific non-wood products, including marketing practices and prospects for collaborative international the potential for increased value from alpha grass (Stipa tenacissima); an international guide for tourists concerning emergency procedures in the event of forest fire; and the development of forestry components for incorporation in school curricula at the national level.
RECREATIONAL USE OF FORESTS is assuming increasing importance
To meet global information needs regarding forest resources, the FAO Forest Resource Assessment 1990 is being launched. When completed, the Assessment will constitute a comprehensive reference base on the extent and conditions of forests worldwide.
In the developing countries, the assessment is being carried out under the FAO multidonor trust fund project "Tropical forest resources assessment 1990". Like its predecessor, undertaken jointly by FAO and UNEP in 1980, the assessment is being implemented under the guidance of specialized teams of inventory experts, who make an appraisal of the current state of forest resources and the rates of change based on an objective analysis of reliable existing data, country by country.
In the developed countries the assessment is being carried out through the Joint FAO/ECE Working Party on Forest Economics and Statistics, a subsidiary body of the FAO European Forestry Commission and the ECE Timber Committee. For these countries, a questionnaire approach has been in use since 1973/74. Remote sensing technology is also being used to update and computerize vegetation maps. The joint FAO/ECE Agriculture and Timber Division, based in Geneva, is providing technical support to the assessment for developed countries.
In addition to the information provided In the 1980 study, the new assessment will include data on woody biomass, on distribution of vegetation types and forest formations by ecological zone; on trees in non-forest lands; and on forest degradation risk. The assessment will also include a study of the environmental implications of deforestation and forest degradation. Preliminary information on current rates of tropical deforestation will be made available before the end of 1990.
There are significant differences in the systems of classification and definition used, and in the relative data being gathered in temperate and tropical countries. This is partly due to the biological and ecological differences in forest formations, and partly to prevailing socio-economic conditions. To permit the data to be combined in a consistent and comprehensive world assessment, FAO has developed a Common Framework for the Forest Resources Assessment 1990. Copies of the Common Framework and additional information on the 1990 Forest Resources Assessment are available from the FAO Forestry Department, Rome, Italy.
