European Commission on Forestry and Forest Products
International Chestnut Commission
The European Commission on Forestry and Forest Products held its fourth session at Rome 1-6 October 1951.
Representatives of the following 16 countries took part: Austria Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France Western Germany, Ireland, Italy Norway, Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom and Yugoslavia. Observers attended from the Economic Commission for Europe of the United Nations, the International Labor Organization, the Organization for European Economic Co-operation, the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO), and the International Popolar Commission.
The session was opened by the Chairman, O.J. Sangar (United Kingdom). Marcel Leloup, Director, Forestry Division, welcomed the delegates on behalf of the Director-General of FAO, who attended in person at a later session, and Gunnar Myrdal, Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Europe, spoke of the degree of co-operation achieved between ECE and FAO in forestry and timber and the need for even closer collaboration in future.
Adoption of Agenda
The Commission adopted the agenda drafted by the Secretariat, with the exception of the item relating to the election of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman which was deferred until the final plenary session. This was in accord with the unanimous wish of the delegates that the Chairman (O.J. Sangar, United Kingdom) and Vice-Chairman (E. Saari, Finland) should continue in office for the duration of the fourth session.
Forest Policy
The Commission considered the reports on national forest policies received from member governments in accord with the recommendations of previous sessions and which will be made public at a later date. During the discussion of these reports, delegates decided unanimously to extend a special expression of sympathy to Austria, Switzerland and neighboring countries on the loss of life and damage to property and forests suffered as a result of the snowfalls and avalanches last winter.
It was agreed that these reports permitted a much truer assessment of the forestry situation in Europe than had been possible previously. Member governments were asked to continue to report annually in the form adopted at the Third Session but it was confirmed that, as then recommended, statements should be confined to corrections or amendments of 1951 reports, together with such additional information as related to developments or changes in forest policy during the year under review; also that statistical information normally reported to FAO and ECE in routine questionnaires should be excluded.
The main topic considered was the relation between annual fellings allowable cut (possibilité) and increment. The question selected for special attention in the 1952 report was basic data relevant to forest policy, and member governments will be asked to provide, annexed to their reports, answers to the following questions:
(1) What is the most recent evaluation of annual growth? (Supply a critical assessment of this figure).(2)
(a) Is there a national figure of allowable out (possibilité)?(b) Is this applicable both to state (controlled) forests and to other wood resources, i.e. private forests and trees outside the forest? [Distinguish if possible between allowable cut for state (controlled) resources, and others. If the figures given relate only to controlled resources, make this point clear].
(c) What is the present figure of allowable cut and to what period does this relate?
(d) What are the details of the annual cutting plan 1947-51 and for subsequent years if a plan has been laid down?
(e) How are the above figures arrived at?
(f) What are the reasons for any differences between these figures and those for annual growth?
(g) What powers are there to enforce adherence to the cutting plane?
(3) What were the average annual fellings for the period 1947-51? [Supply a critical assessment of this figure. Distinguish, if possible, between fellings in state (controlled) resources and others].
(4) If the figure for average annual fellings is higher or lower than that for allowable cut, state reasons.
(5) Are the facts reported under heading (4) above, considered dangerous or not? If they are considered dangerous, what steps are being taken to remedy this situation?
Certain other subjects for special enquiry had been suggested in a paper prepared by the Secretariat. It was apparent that there existed a wide range of problems, including that of co-operation amongst small forest owners, as mentioned by the delegate of Denmark, which is to be the subject of special investigation by FAO's Forestry Division in 1952. Research activities, both governmental and private, and their financing were also considered to be of much importance, but it was agreed that consideration of this and other subjects raised should be deferred in order that member governments might not be unduly burdened with the preparation of reports. As regards research, co-operation was available with the International Union of Forest Research Organizations which had a large program already under way.
Mr. Glesinger (Deputy Director FAO Forestry Division) described the present position as regards the Timber Trends Study which was being undertaken in collaboration with ECE. He stated that the study was designed to indicate the past and current relationship between supply and demand whilst providing such indications of probable trends as would suffice to guide forest policy. Although the study was not yet complete, he considered that the indications to date were that future demand would tend to increase, particularly in respect of pitprops and pulpwood.
Mr. de Vignaux, Chairman of the ECE Timber Committee, emphasized the urgency for the preparation of medium-term and long-term forest policies and for the completion of the study as a guide in this matter. He stressed the need for the closest collaboration between ECE and FAO in this connection.
Mr. Myrdal (Executive Secretary ECE) described the difficulties which had been encountered, but endorsed the view that the study should be pressed vigorously to completion Mr. Leloup concurred in this view.
The Commission adopted a resolution asking that the study be pursued with the utmost vigor, and that member governments arrange to provide such information as may be necessary to make the Study of the greatest use. It considered that any conclusions drawn at this stage must be very provisional and, in short, that the study was as yet not sufficiently to form the basis of recommendations to member governments concerning forest policies. The Commission recommended that
(1) the Secretariat, in consultation with the Chairmen of the European Forestry end Forest Products Commission and the Timber Committee of ECE decide when the Timber Trends Study is sufficiently advanced to warrant a consideration of its implications, and that,(2) when this stage is reached, the Director-General of FAO be asked to arrange for a meeting of a small joint Working Group representing both the European Forestry and Forest Products Commission and the Timber Committee of the Economic Commission for Europe, at which the trends revealed by the study can be considered, to be followed by a joint meeting of the Commission and the Committee at which the implications for foresters and wood users of the trends revealed can be examined and, if thought necessary and desirable, appropriate recommendations to member governments made.
Seed Certification and Exchange
The Commission considered a secretariat document on Seed Certification and Exchange and examined the proposals which had been put forward. The information assembled on the existing procedures for the collection, control, and distribution of seed in various countries was of value, but it was not considered necessary to publish it at this stage although the Secretariat was instructed to continue to obtain further relevant information.
Suggestions were made as to supplementary details to be included in the Certificates of Quality and Origin approved at the Commission's last session, but it was pointed out that these were intended to cover only the minimum and that any additional information could, by arrangement between the countries concerned, be inserted in the spaces provided.
The Commission considered that the Secretariat should collaborate with the International Union of Forest Research Organizations in compiling a list of the Institutes responsible for seed control in member countries.
The consignment form prepared by the Secretariat on the instructions of the last session was considered to be of assistance and was adopted subject to an amendment to the erect that gross weight should be stated and that packages be marked "Experimental material of no commercial value."
Forestry Films
The Commission took note of a document which summarized the information obtained by the Secretariat as recommended by the last session. It recommended that FAO should continue to assemble information on newly released forestry films, in the light of the suggestions made by various delegates with regard to film titles, specifications, date of production, and terms on which films are available.
In view of the great importance of forestry documentary films for educational and propaganda purposes the Director-General of FAO was asked to regard requests for assistance in their production as acceptable under the ETAP Program, on the condition that sub-titling in other languages was provided in order to make such films of the widest possible utility.
Soil Conservation and Torrent Control
The Commission recommended that in view of the strong interest of foresters in matters of soil conservation member governments should take steps to assure that forestry experts were fully represented on the European Working Group on Land and Water Utilization and Conservation.
The Director-General of FAO was asked to consult with governments concerned with a view to convening in 1952 a special meeting of technical experts on Torrent Control, at which the subject of protection from avalanches should also receive full attention.
Forestry Documentation Center
Mr. Leloup explained that the question of an international documentation center for forestry and forest products had been placed on the Agenda in order that delegates might be informed of the present position. He emphasized the importance of FAO's forestry library and of proper documentation in relation to the Expanded Technical Assistance Program.
Mr. Saari, Chairman of the joint FAO/IUFRO Bibliography Committee, referred to the report of this Committee's recent meeting in the Netherlands, and stressed the possible interpretations and wide scope of the term "documentation." Mr. Leloup, on behalf of FAO, promised that due regard would be given to Mr. Saari's observations and agreed that full use must be made of existing centers.
The Commission heard a statement from Mr. Cameron, Chief, Expanded Technical Assistance Program, Forestry Division, who pointed out that the Commission had a twofold interest in this matter as representing countries which were not only recipients of technical assistance but were also suppliers of many experts to the Technical Assistance Program. On the suggestion of the delegate for Austria, the Commission agreed to draw the attention of the Director-General to the great importance it attached to adequate technical information as a fundamental requirement for the efficient conduct of the work of technical assistance experts. It considered that the provision of documentation, including the organization of technical reference services at FAO Headquarters in co-operation with existing forestry centers, should be an integral part of technical assistance activities.
The Commission also emphasized its view that the most important aspect of technical assistance was the creation in a recipient country of conditions which would make possible the implementation of the recommendations of FAO experts. In this connection basic documentation was necessary for the use of the national authorities. The Commission believed that this could be provided by depositing in the country, under suitable arrangements for servicing, the documentation supplied to experts, to which should be added a reasonable amount of additional material needed to complete essential requirements.
Afforestation and Reforestation
As proposed by the last session of the Commission, a special working group on afforestation and reforestation met prior to the fourth session to review the current programs of member governments.
The Commission received the report of this working group and adopted it with certain amendments.
The working party agreed that the documentation at its disposal permitted the members to obtain a general idea of the planting programs now under way and of future trends. It was not necessary to undertake a fresh comprehensive inquiry, but governments would be asked to report annually on progress achieved and special difficulties encountered. The working party defined what was meant by the types of operation included under afforestation, forest improvement, and reforestation. Governments anticipating a shortage or surplus of seeds or plants were again urged to inform FAO accordingly. They were also asked to send in particulars of types of tractors and other equipment that had actually proved successful in afforestation and reforestation work. It was agreed that the secretariat should collect and circulate information on methods employed for the protection of seed and plants against browsing animals and rodents, particularly rabbits. In establishing their planting programs, governments should provide for appropriate preventive measures against fire. The need was stressed for considering the latest findings in ecology and genetics, while the attention of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations was drawn to the potential problems raised by the large-scale introduction by member countries of species from North America.
The working party considered that the particular difficulties which member countries had detailed in their reports were not in fact the basic factors affecting the development of afforestation and reforestation programs. The success of programs depended on educating the public to the importance of forests and on acquiring the necessary land and funds. Governments were asked to accord high priority to programs, giving priority, where conditions were suitable, to quick-growing species for the production of pitprops and pulpwood.
In view of the special importance attached to this subject, the Commission recommended that a similar working group should also meet before the next session to examine the further information submitted by member governments during 1952.
Logging Techniques and Training of Forest Workers
This item on the Agenda was referred to an ad hoc working group. As the result of the findings of this group, the Commission agreed to the setting up of a Sub-Commission as proposed by the third session of the Commission. As a first step towards the formation of the Sub-Commission, a Pilot Committee of some 8/10 members would be formed, comprising specialists from the following countries: Austria, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom, and including, if necessary, representatives of other international organizations working in this field.
The terms of reference of the Committee would be to foster inter national collaboration in the field of felling, logging and timber transport, in order to support national efforts aimed at increasing productivity, including output of labor, reduction of waste, prevention of accidents, and the improvement in the standard of living of forest workers. The Committee would be authorized to appoint working parties should this prove desirable. The Commission considered that a meeting of the Committee should be held as soon as practicable. It also noted with satisfaction the newly established collaboration in this field with other international organizations.
Insect Pests and Diseases
This topic was also referred to an ad hoc working group and apart from certain amendments, the Commission concurred with the report of this group. The Commission agreed on the necessity for international collaboration on plant protection, and thanked the Secretariat for the work already carried out. It took note of the European convention signed by 15 governments, 18 April 1951, and also noted that the revised version of an international convention prepared in September 1951 would be submitted to the FAO Conference in November. The means whereby these conventions might be applied to forest trees should form the subject of further study.
The Commission asked the Secretariat to request governments to complete the list of experts working in this field and approved in principle the questionnaire prepared by the Secretariat, but suggested certain additional information and modifications of detail.
Statistics
A special working group on Statistics assembled prior to the fourth session to examine certain matters referred to it by the third session. The report of this working group, as amended and formally adopted by the Commission, contains a large number of recommendations addressed to FAO and to member governments with regard to statistical programs and procedures. It will be referred to the other regional Forestry Commissions and governments for consideration.
Excursion
The Commission was invited by the Director-General of Forests, Italy to visit the afforestation, work carried out at Monte Subasio. The techniques employed in afforestation and also in soil restoration proved of great interest to delegates; of special interest were the methods for establishing "gradoni" and for improving grazing. The work well illustrated an effective blending of forestry and agriculture, with due regard to the prevention of erosion while successfully preserving the historic and aesthetic interests of the neighborhood of Assisi.
The Commission expressed its gratitude to the Director-General of Forests, Italy, for the opportunity to view this work, and to his staff who organized the visit.
Election of Officers
After a unanimous expression of confidence by the delegates, the Commission elected O.J. Sangar (United Kingdom) and E. Saari (Finland) as Chairman and Vice-Chairman for a further term of office of two years, Mr. Sangar's acceptance of the office being subject to the formal concurrence of his government.
Date and place of Fifth Session
It was decided that the Chairman, in consultation with the FAO Secretariat, should determine the date and place for the next session.
Various species of Castanea are of considerable economic importance to many countries of the world for their timber and fruit and as a source of tanning extracts. They are especially important to small landholders, farmers and rural communities as a means of livelihood.
But chestnut trees are threatened by a number of diseases, and in the United States of America C. dentata has been completely wiped out. In 1947 the French authorities became so alarmed lest the same situation occur in Europe that they called upon FAO for international action to combat disease, to find resistant species, varieties or types to replace affected trees, and generally to improve growing and utilization methods.
The Fourth Session of the FAO Conference at Washington, November 1948, when the matter was considered, believed that an inter-governmental Chestnut Commission should be created within the framework of the Organization, and urged all interested countries to become members.
To this end, the French Government subsequently invited the countries concerned, as well as several independent specialists, to participate in an International Chestnut Congress which was held in France from 5-16 September 1950.
Delegations were sent by France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and the U.S.A. Bulgaria sent an observer and FAO itself was represented. Other countries, including Belgium, Greece, the Netherlands, Portugal, Syria, United Kingdom and Yugoslavia asked to be kept informed of the work of the Congress.
The participants were clearly in favor of the proposal of the French Minister of Agriculture to establish an International Chestnut Commission; however, since some of the delegates had received no definite instructions on this point, and because not all countries interested in chestnut problems were represented it was thought advisable to leave the matter temporarily in abeyance. It was decided, instead, to establish a panel of experts under the chairmanship of A. Oudin, Director of the École National des Eaux et Forêts, Nancy, and with A. Biraghi, Director of the Institute of Forest Pathology of Florence University, as vice-chairman. This panel would continue, in close collaboration with FAO, the work already initiated during the International Chestnut Congress and organize further study tours in the future.
The following program of work was drawn up for the panel:
1. Preparation of a map showing the distribution of Castanea spp. and indicating the particular areas where disease is spreading.2. Study of the ecology of Castanea and determination of the areas where economic and social conditions demanded that chestnut should be maintained, and of areas where, on the contrary, it should be replaced by other species.
3. Control measures for chestnut blight (Endothia parasitica) and the ink disease (Phytophtora cambivora).
4. Study of genetics in relation to disease Control and problems of rehabilitation of chestnut plantations (resistant types, tannin-rich varieties).
5. Utilization of products; collection and preservation of the nuts.
Interested countries were later invited to nominate national representatives to the panel, the Director-General of FAO having agreed that the Organization should provide secretarial services. The following nominations were received:
Austria: W. Wettstein, Director, Division of Plant Breeding Federal Forest Experiment Station, Mariabrunn, Vienna.France: H. Millischer, Forest engineer, National School of Waters and Forests, Nancy.
Greece: G. Kossenakis, Director, II Forestry Division, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Athens.
Italy: A. Pavari, Director, Forest Experiment Station, Florence.
Japan: Kazuo Ito, Head, Forest Pathology Research Section, Meguro Forest Experiment Station Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Tokyo.
Portugal: C. T. Fernandez, Forest engineer, Forest Research Station, Alcobaca.
Spain: P. Urquijo, Director, Plant Pathology Station, La Coruna.
Switzerland: F. Fisher, Forest engineer, Federal Institute of Forest Research, Zurich.
Turkey: Refik Erdem, Assistant Professor, College of Forestry, University of Istanbul.
U.S.A.: George F. Gravatt, Senior Pathologist, Division of Pathology, Bureau of Plant Industry, Soils and Agricultural Engineering, Beltsville (Maryland).
Yugoslavia: Foreign Liaison, Division of the Council for Agriculture and Forestry, Belgrade.
Lebanon and the United Kingdom asked to be kept in touch with developments.
The first meeting of this Chestnut Working Party took place at Rome on 8 October 1951 and was followed by a study tour, lasting until 19 October, organized jointly by the Italian and Swiss authorities. In the course of this tour the following proposals and decisions were made:
(a) MM. A. de Philippis (Italy) H. Millischer (France) and J. Elorietta (Spain) were entrusted with drawing up a distribution map of the Castanea genus showing the incidence of diseases;(b) each country would submit a description of the various sites on which chestnut was growing together with the aver age dates of flushing, flowering and fruiting;
(c) information on the best methods in use in different countries for the preservation of nuts would be submitted to the Secretariat and subsequently circulated to all countries;
(d) information would be exchanged between the different countries on the means used to control the "Ink" and "Blight" diseases;
(e) plants or other material resistant to these diseases would be exchanged to be grown in different areas. A standard form to accompany all the material was adopted;
(f) data on the testing of chestnut timber would be supplied to interested countries. Increased utilization of chestnut wood for tannin extracts was recommended;
(g) all member countries were invited to study the economic and social factors affecting chestnut cultivation and re port the results at the next meeting;
(h) an invitation by the representatives of Spain and Portugal to hold the next meeting in those countries in June 1953 was accepted.
The results of this meeting were later brought to the attention of the Sixth Session of the FAO Conference at Rome in November 1951. The Conference was somewhat reluctant to enhance the status of the Working Party to the extent of establishing a formal intergovernmental body concerned solely with the chestnut genus, but after strong representations from the delegates of interested countries, the Director-General was finally authorized to take steps to constitute an International Chestnut Commission, with statutes on the lines of those for the International Poplar Commission. The Conference proposed that the Commission should dissolve itself as soon as the difficulties now confronting the cultivation of chestnut were no longer of world-wide concern.
