32865 Implementing the Proposals for Action of the Intergovernmental Panel on Forests and the Intergovernmental Forum on Forests: A tool to assist national-level assessment of progress and priorities for action toward sustainable forest management, developed in support of the United Nations Forum on Forests Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry - Australia (AFFA) Program on Forests (PROFOR) at the World Bank May 2003 wb218985 Page ii May 19, 2003wb218985 wb218985 Page iii May 19, 2003wb218985 Table of Contents I. Introduction ............................................................................. 1 II. The IPF/IFF Proposals for Action ................................................ 3 III. Fostering National Level Assessments and Actions.......................... 4 IV. Summary of the IPF/IFF Proposals for Action ................................ 5 1. Formulation and Implementation of National Forest Programmes ....... 5 2. Promoting public participation .................................................... 7 3. Combating deforestation and forest degradation............................. 8 4. Traditional forest-related knowledge ............................................ 9 5. Forest-related scientific knowledge .............................................10 6. Forest-health and productivity ...................................................11 7. Criteria and indicators of sustainable forest management.................12 8. Economic, social and cultural aspects of forests.............................13 9. Forest conservation and protection of unique types of forests and fragile ecosystems...............................................................................15 10. Monitoring, assessment and reporting; and concepts, terminology and definitions ................................................................................17 11. Rehabilitation and conservation strategies for low forest cover countries..................................................................................19 12. Rehabilitation and restoration of degraded lands and the promotion of natural and planted forests ..........................................................20 13. Maintaining forest cover to meet present and future needs.............21 14. Financial resources................................................................22 15. International trade and sustainable forest management.................24 16. International cooperation in capacity-building, transfer of and access to environmentally-sound technologies for the support of SFM.............26 Annex 1: How countries could approach implementation of the IPF/IFF proposals for action........................................................................29 wb218985 Page iv May 19, 2003wb218985 wb218985 Page v May 19, 2003wb218985 List of Acronyms AFFA Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Australia CBD Convention on Biological Diversity CCD Convention to Combat Desertification and Drought COP Conference of the Parties CPF Collaborative Partnership on Forests COP Conference of the Parties ECOSOC Economic and Social Council FAO Food and Agriculture Organisation GEF Global Environment Facility IFF Intergovernmental Forum on Forests IPF Intergovernmental Panel on Forests MAR Monitoring, assessment and reporting MYPOW Multi-Year Programme of Work nfp national forest programme ODA Official Development Assistance PoA Plan of action PROFOR Program on Forests PRSP Poverty reduction strategy papers SFM Sustainable forest management UNCED United Nations Conference on Environment and Development UNDP United Nations Development Programme UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change UNFF United Nations Forum on Forests UNGASS United Nations General Assembly Special Session wb218985 Page vi May 19, 2003wb218985 Implementing the IPF/IFF Proposals for Action I. Introduction S ince 1992, the international community has been engaged in a policy dialogue on the actions that are required to promote the management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests. The United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) facilitated these intergovernmental deliberations by establishing the Intergovernmental Panel on Forests (IPF) in 1995 and the Intergovernmental Forum on Forests (IFF) in 1997. The deliberations of the IPF and IFF culminated in the establishment of the international arrangement on forests, comprised of the UN Forum on Forests (UNFF) and the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF)1, in 2000. Over a five-year period, the IPF and the IFF examined a wide range of forest -related topics and recommended more than 270 proposals for action for implementation at either the international, regional or national and sub-national levels.2 These proposals for action represent significant progress and conse nsus at the international level on how to move towards sustainable forest management (SFM). Implementation of the IPF/IFF proposals for action is the primary function of the UNFF, and the role of the CPF is to enhance cooperation among international organisations and global instruments to this end. The Multi-Year Programme of Work (MYPOW) and the Plan of Action (PoA) of the UNFF and the work programme of the CPF underline the importance of implementation of the proposals for action and recognize the need for monitoring, assessment and reporting (MAR) to gauge progress in attaining this objective. As agreed by the IFF and reinforced by the UNFF, implementation of the IPF/IFF proposals for action at the national level should begin with a systematic national assessment of the proposals for action and the development of a plan for their implementation. Building on "The Summary of the IPF/IFF Proposals for Action" published by Australia and the revised "Practitioner's Guide to the Implementation of the IPF Proposals for Action" prepared by the Six-Country Initiative, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), this booklet is a joint effort of Australia and the Program on Forests (PROFOR) aimed at facilitating national-level assessment and implementation by presenting a consolidated summary of the IPF/IFF proposals for action that groups related proposals together and communicates them in simplified wording. The summary is organized according to the fifteen programme elements of the PoA of the UNFF in order to facilitate reporting to the UNFF. 1 ECOSSOC resolution E/2000/35 established the UNFF and the CPF. The UNFF constitutes a UN body under the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) with universal membership. The CPF, chaired by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), consists of international organizations, institutions and instruments: Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD); Convention to Combat Desertification and Drought (CCD); Global Environment Facility (GEF); International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO); United Nations Depa rtment of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA); United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC); and the World Bank. 2The original text of the proposals for action are contained in the Report of the Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Forum on Forests, 1997 (E.CN.17/1997/12) and the Report of the Intergovernmental Forum on Forests, 2000 (E.CN.17/2000/14) - 1 - Implementing the IPF/IFF Proposals for Action Forest-related issues have also been considered under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), resulting in a number of forest-related decisions and the adoption of an Expanded Programme of Work on Forest Biological Diversity by the Sixth Conference to the Parties to the CBD (COP-6) in 2002. To encourage greater collaboration between the work of the UNFF and 3 the CBD at all levels, this summary includes reference to the CBD's forest biodiversity work programme as well as relevant COP-6 Decisions. These references are also intended to facilitate the assessment of the relationship between the IPF/IFF proposals for action and the CBD forest biodiversity work programme (as called for in the work programme) so as to enable better implementation of common objectives in the context of national forest programmes and national forest biodiversity strategies and action plans. In summary, the booklet is meant to be a helpful tool for national policy makers, practitioners and interested stakeholders to increase the implementation of the international consensus on the actions needed to facilitate the management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests. It could also be used for enhanced co-ordination of actions in the framework of national forest programmes and other forest -related policy processes. 3The Sixth Conference of the Parties to the CBD adopted the Expanded Forest Biodiversity Work Programme as decision IV/22. The decision is contained in UNEP/CBD/COP/6/20. - 2 - Implementing the IPF/IFF Proposals for Action II. The IPF/IFF Proposals for Action T he IPF/IFF proposals for action focus on country-level action to be undertaken by national and sub-national government and relevant stakeholders from the private sector and civil society in close cooperation with international forest-related organizations, instruments and institutions. The proposals are meant to promote multi-disciplinary and cross-sectoral action and to complement, supplement and elaborate upon the Forest Principles and Chapter 11 of Agenda 21 adopted by the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). With regard to implementation, the proposals are geared at strengthening existing forest-related policy processes like national forest programmes (nfps). The IPF/IFF proposals for action address SFM through a cross-sectoral approach and therefore constitute a very complex set of recommendations. They contain numerous overlaps and inter- linkages and vary considerably in nature and content from basic principles and guidelines to detailed specific recommendations. To be effective, the proposals must be translated into country-specific actions that address national priorities and complement existing policy processes. Consequently, the UNFF Plan of Action calls for a systematic assessment of the proposals in respective national contexts so as to identify new actions as well as to reinforce and to enhance on-going activities. - 3 - Implementing the IPF/IFF Proposals for Action III. Fostering National Level Assessments and Actions I mplementation of the IPF/IFF proposals for action should serve as a process to improve countries' strategies for a holistic and cross-sectoral approach to SFM. Based on the guidance given by the Report of the IFF and the UNFF PoA, a national-level assessment of the IPF/IFF proposals for action should be carried out against ongoing policy processes and forest- related programmes and projects to assist countries to reinforce ongoing actions and identify necessary new actions to improve practices in the forest sector. The assessment process should serve to build consensus among stakeholders of what needs to be done and to clarify priorities and responsibilities, as a common understanding is likely to facilitate implementation of the proposals for action. In this regard, an appropriate coordination mechanism should be developed to foster cooperative partnerships, improve cross-sectoral cooperation, and increase co-ordination between governmental institutions, the private sector and other stakeholders. The clarification and articulation of national priorities through the assessment process should also serve to enhance coordination of assistance from bilateral donor agencies and development banks. Furthermore, improved collaboration among governmental institutions and stakeholders on the implementation of national forest -related programmes and activities called for by the CBD, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) could also greatly improve the effectiveness of ongoing actions. This summary of the proposals for action is intended to be instrumental in helping stakeholders to develop a common view on priorities for implementation within each country. While recognising that circumstances may differ widely between countries, a possible methodology for conducting national assessments is provided in Annex 1 of this document. Such a national assessment process would assist subsequent activities for the implementation of the IPF/IFF proposals for action. - 4 - Summary of the IPF/IFF Proposals for Action IV. Summary of the IPF/IFF Proposals for Action Note: a supporting document containing the complete text of the IPF/IFF proposals for action and the Expanded Programme of Work on Forest Biological Diversity is available on the Internet at http://www.affa.gov.au/austproforsum and http://www.profor.info/austproforsum 1. Formulation and Implementation of IPF4 IFF5 CBD6 National Forest Programmes 1 Develop and implement a holistic national 17a 1.2.6.a forest programme which integrates the 58b(i) 1.4.4.g conservation and sustainable use of forest 2.1.2.a resources and values in a way that is 2.1.2.e consistent with national, sub-national and 2.1.2.f local policies and strategies. 2.1.2.g 2 Assess, develop and implement an 56b 1.2.6.c appropriate institutional and legal 115a 1.4.1.d framework, including economic instruments 115b 1.4.1.g and tax policies, for promoting SFM. 115c 1.4.1.h 1.4.2.c 1.4.4.f 2.1.3.a 2.1.3.b 2.1.3.c 2.2.1.a 2.2.1.d 2.2.1.e 2.2.1.f 4The text in this column refers to the relevant paragraphs in the Report of the Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Forum on Forests, 1997 (E.CN.17/1997/12) 5 The text in this column refers to the relevant paragraphs in the Report of the Intergovernmental Forum on Forests, 2000 (E.CN.17/2000/14) 6The text in this column refers to the CBD expanded programme of work on forest biological diversity. The first number refers to the programme element; the second to the goal; the third to the objective; and the letter refers to the action. The categorization was in part based on information documents submitted to the COP-6 to the CBD regarding potential actors, suggested timeframes and performance measures of proposed activities (UNEP/CBD/COP/6/INF/9 and UNEP/CBD/COP/6/INF/27). - 5 - Summary of the IPF/IFF Proposals for Action 1. Formulation and Implementation of IPF IFF CBD National Forest Programmes 3 Develop and implement appropriate policies 29c 56j 1.4.3.a and mechanisms to secure land tenure, 64c 1.4.3.b promote benefit sharing, recognize access to 64d 1.4.4.e and use of forest resources by local and/or 115d 1.5.1.a indigenous communities in order to support 2.1.3.a sustainable forest management. 2.1.3.b 2.1.3.c 2.1.3.d 2.1.3.e 2.3.1.f 4 Develop and implement codes of conduct to 69a 1.4.1.h encourage private sector activities 128c 2.1.4.d consistent with SFM. Decision COP6/22 Para 29 Para 35 5 Conduct a systematic national assessment of 9d the IPF and IFF proposals for action involving all stakeholders and plan for their implementation within a national forest program. 6 Establish a coordinated, integrated and 144 9b participatory approach, facilitated by a focal 9e point, for the implementation of the IPF/IFF 9f proposals for action and the forest-related work of other international instruments. 7 Evaluate and review the national forest 17d 9e 3.2.1.d programmeon an ongoing basis, integrating Decision criteria and indicators and implementation COP6/22 experience, and embody intersectoral Para 19c planning and coordination. 8 Provide general, cross-sectoral and specific 115f advice to countries on national forest 140a programs, forest policies and the design and 142b administration of economic instruments and tax policies to promote sustainable forest management. (INTal. ORG)7 7 Some of the proposals for action are directed toward countries with support from international organizations or directly at international organizations. Reference to international organizations here flags these proposals for action. - 6 - Summary of the IPF/IFF Proposals for Action 2. Promoting public participation IPF IFF CBD 1 Establish improved mechanisms to consult 30a 17b 1.1.1.e stakeholders on the identification of the full 78b 18 range of forest goods and services and to 89h make forest-related information and progress reports widely available to policy makers and relevant stakeholders. 2 Involve relevant interested parties in the 17e extension, planning, implementation, 94d monitoring and evaluation of forest research. 3 Enhance Government, community and 70c 64f forest owner financing to facilitate local 77f participation in sustainable forest management. 4 Increase public awareness of the direct and 2.3.1.a indirect benefits from forests at the regional 2.3.1.g and global levels. 142a (INTal. ORG) 5 Improve cooperation, coordination and 17b 19b 1.4.3.c partnerships in support of sustainable forest 17f 64b 2.1.3.d management within a national forest 17h 66 2.1.3.g program, by involving relevant stakeholders 17i including indigenous people, forest owners, 40e women and local communities in forest decision making. 6 Promote effective participation in forest 58b(vi) decision making at all levels in low forest cover countries. - 7 - Summary of the IPF/IFF Proposals for Action 3. Combating deforestation and forest IPF IFF CBD degradation 1 Conduct diagnostic studies to analyse 27a 64a 1.1.1.h historical and underlying causes of 27b 121c 1.2.4.g deforestation and forest degradation, 27c 122c 1.2.6.d including the impacts of transboundary 31a 1.4.2.b pollution, poverty, fuelwood use, and 2.1.1.a processes outside the forest sector. 2.1.1.b 2.1.1.c 2 Assist countries to study the underlying 31b 144 1.1.1.i causes of deforestation and forest 2.1.2.a degradation management and integrate 2.1.2.d forest issues into poverty alleviation, food security and related development programs. (INTal. ORG) 3 Develop and implement integrated national 29a 115c 1.4.1.b policies, strategies, economic instruments 29b 115g 2.1.3.h and mechanisms for supporting sustainable Decision forest. COP6/22 Para 28 4 Create awareness of the importance of 30a 64e 2.1.2.b issues related to deforestation and forest 142a 2.3.1.d degradation and the multiple values of forests. - 8 - Summary of the IPF/IFF Proposals for Action 4. Traditional forest-related knowledge IPF IFF CBD 1 Collaborate with and enhance the capacity 40a 75 1.4.1.a of indigenous people to identify, map and 40g promote the understanding and application 40j of traditional forest -related knowledge at 40n the local, national and international levels. 2 Develop and implement national legislation 40c 74d 1.4.3.f and policies, including the application of 40d 2.1.3.d intellectual property rights, to respect, 40p Decision maintain, protect and apply traditional 40b COP6/22 forest-related knowledge. Para 13 Annex Chapeau b 3 Develop and implement policies and 40f 56j 1.3.3.b mechanisms to support traditional resource 40h 64c 1.5.1.b use systems and ensure equitable sharing 40I 66 of forest-related benefits, including use of 40r 74b forest genetic resources, with local 40c communities, women and indigenous people and document successful approaches. 4 Promote research into and assist networks 40k 1.4.3.e that promote sharing of traditional forest - 40l related knowledge and include traditional 40m forest-related knowledge in forest management training programs. 5 Facilitate work under the Convention on 40o 56j 2.3.1.c Biological Diversity and other relevant 40q 74a 2.3.1.f organizations (WIPO, UNCTAD) to compile 74c Decision and implement measures to recognize, 75 COP6/22 respect, protect and maintain traditional Para 31 forest-related knowledge including the application of intellectual property rights, sui generis or other systems for its protection. - 9 - Summary of the IPF/IFF Proposals for Action 5. Forest-related scientific knowledge IPF IFF CBD 1 Identify and prioritise interdisciplinary forest 94a 96a 1.1.1.g research needs at the national and 1.4.4.a eco-regional levels. 2.1.3.f 2 Strengthen forest research by formulating 96a 2.1.2.i national policies, programs and strategies 96d and by coordinating the implementation of research programs with country consent. 3 Mobilize resources, foster public and private 94a 96b 1.3.1.c sector joint ventures, build capacity and 94d 97b 1.4.4.c strengthen research institutions, networks 97d 3.3.1.a and consortia to extend forest research at 3.3.1.b the local, national and international levels. 3.3.1.d 4 Further develop and enhance widespread 94a 97c access to forest research and information systems making best use of existing mechanisms and networks. 5 Improve the linkages between forest 17e 96c 1.1.1.f science and forest policy and planning 58b(vii) processes. 6 Improve support for forest-related research 40k 98a Decision programs, strengthen linkages between 94c 98b COP6/22 forest policy and research and explore the 98c Para 40 possibility of a global forest information service. (INTal. ORG) 7 Promote research and analysis by 94b 1.2.3.a forest-related Conventions to address gaps 1.2.3.e in existing knowledge. Decision (INTal. ORG) COP6/22 Para41 Para42 Para43 Para44 8 Extend research into forest inventory and 89c 107b 2.2.1.b monitoring techniques, as well as the 104c 107c 3.1.1.a development of efficient methods for the 3.1.1.b valuation of all forest goods and services, 3.1.3.a and for the identification of costs and benefits of sustainable forest management. - 10 - Summary of the IPF/IFF Proposals for Action 6. Forest-health and productivity IPF IFF CBD 1 Develop national assessment and 50c 1.2.2.a monitoring methods, extend regional 50d 1.2.2.b programs for monitoring impacts of air 27c 1.2.2.c pollution and provide factual information 1.2.2.d about transboundary air pollution. 2 Strengthen international cooperation and 50b 1.2.2.c action with respect to reducing long-range 50e air pollution. 3 Adopt a preventative approach to the 50a 1.2.2.d reduction of damaging air pollution. - 11 - Summary of the IPF/IFF Proposals for Action 7. Criteria and indicators of sustainable IPF IFF CBD forest management 1 Further develop, field test and promote the 17d 17d 1.5.1.c use of criteria and indicators for sustainable 40l 2.1.2.c forest management, including appropriate 50d 2.2.1.c criteria and indicators for traditional forest- 115a 3.2.1.a related knowledge and air pollution, and 115b 3.2.1.b support efforts to harmonize associated 115c concepts and definitions. 115d 2 Encourage, within the work of the 115f 1.1.1.b Convention on Biological Diversity, the 1.1.1.c development of biodiversity indicators that Decision are complementary to existing forest criteria COP6/22 and indicators. Para34 (INTal. ORG) - 12 - Summary of the IPF/IFF Proposals for Action 8. Economic, social and cultural aspects of IPF IFF CBD forests 1 Improve the collection and exchange of 58b(vii) 107a 1.1.1.8 information on values of all forest values, 89h 107c 1.2.6.b including environmental and social impacts 104a 2.2.1.b of from forest use changes, to assist forest 2.2.1.c policy and investment decisions. 2 Prepare information on methods and data 104b 107d 2.3.1.b requirements for forest valuation and build 2.3.1.e capacity for their use. (INTal. ORG) 3 Undertake systematic collection and 30d analysis of forest sector financial flows data to assist informed policy decisions. (INTal. ORG) 4 Undertake reviews of contemporary forest 67 revenue collection systems and the relation 115e of land tenure to deforestation and forest degradation. (INTal. ORG) 5 Explore ways to establish full cost 134a internalisation of wood products and 134b non-wood substitutes, as well as externalities, and share information on findings and implementation. 6 Improve data collection and information 28a 121a 2.2.1.c dissemination on the supply and demand of 131a 121c wood and non-wood products including the 121d prices of these products and their substitutes. 7 Analyse the full life cycle costs and benefits, 58b(iv) 41c 2.3.1.b including environmental impacts, of forest 41d products and their substitutes as a basis for 41e reviewing policies that affect their relative 64h prices and for developing incentives to 121d support sustainable forest management and 122f combat deforestation and forest degradation. - 13 - Summary of the IPF/IFF Proposals for Action 8. Economic, social and cultural aspects of IPF IFF CBD forests 8 Implement policies to secure land tenure 29c 64c and achieve equitable benefit sharing for 122b local communities, forest owners and 122d indigenous people from sustainable forest management. - 14 - Summary of the IPF/IFF Proposals for Action 9. Forest conservation and protection of IPF IFF CBD unique types of forests and fragile ecosystems 1 Develop and implement appropriate 46c 85a 1.1.1.a planning and management strategies for 58b(v) 85b 1.1.1.b the representative protection and 1.1.1.i conservation of the full range of forest 1.2.1.a values on an ecosystem basis within and 1.2.1.b outside protected areas. 1.2.3.b 1.2.4.a 1.2.4.c 1.2.4.d 1.2.4.e 1.2.4.f 1.2.4.g 1.2.4.h 1.2.5.a 1.3.1.a 1.3.2.a 1.3.2.b 1.3.3.a 1.3.3.d 1.4.4.b 1.4.4.h 3.3.1.c Decision COP6/22 Para 19d 2 Develop and implement partnership 84 1.4.3.d mechanisms to engage forest owners, 85b 2.1.2.f private sector, indigenous people and local 85c communities in the planning and 85d management of forest conservation areas. 3 Develop and implement innovative 85f 1.3.3.a mechanisms and improved coordination of 90 1.3.3.b donor activity for effectively financing, 1.3.3.c encouraging and implementing integrated 1.3.3.d cross-sectoral policies to support forest 1.3.3.e conservation. 1.3.3.f 3.1.3.a - 15 - Summary of the IPF/IFF Proposals for Action 9. Forest conservation and protection of IPF IFF CBD unique types of forests and fragile ecosystems 4 Develop and implement methodologies and 85e 1.3.3.a criteria to assess the adequacy, consistency, 88 condition and effectiveness of protected 89 areas and their management. 5 Establish joint protected areas and 86 Decision guidelines for collaborative management of COP6/22 ecologically important or unique Para 19d transboundary forests. Para 33 6 Encourage cooperation and coordination of 129a 1.4.4.h activities concerning forests and trees in environmentally critical areas, including systematic data collection and analysis. 7 Give high priority in national forest 129b 3.3.1.c programs to the rehabilitation and sustainable management of forests and trees in environmentally critical areas. - 16 - Summary of the IPF/IFF Proposals for Action 10. Monitoring, assessment and IPF IFF CBD reporting; and concepts, terminology and definitions 1 Report on the assessment and 17c Decision implementation of the IPF/IFF proposals for COP6/22 action. Para 39 2 Contribute national data on timber and 89d Decision non-timber values to the FAO Global Forest COP6/22 Resource Assessments. Para 22 3 Participate in the international development 89 Decision of global guidelines for consistent national COP6/22 interpretation and implementation of IUCN Para 19d categories of protected areas. 4 Develop harmonized, cost-effective, 89g 19a 2.1.2.b comprehensive national forest reporting 115e 142c formats and data systems incorporating relevant criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management. (INTal. ORG) 5 Consult with countries about forest 89e 18 3.1.1.c assessment definitions as well as the 89f 122a 3.1.2.a collection and analysis of forest information, Decision including the global forest resource COP6/22 assessment, and provide feedback on the Para 19a results. (INTal. ORG) 6 Monitor, evaluate and report widely on 17a 17b 3.1.2.c implementation progress of a national forest 17d 17d program, incorporating the use of criteria 89a 19a and indicators to assess trends in the state 115a of the forests and progress towards sustainable forest management. 7 Prepare national information on sustainable 89b 17a 3.1.2.b forest management, including forest 121a 1.4.4.d resource assessments and forest statistics 121b on consumption and ownership of wood and non-wood forest products and services. - 17 - Summary of the IPF/IFF Proposals for Action 10. Monitoring, assessment and IPF IFF CBD reporting; and concepts, terminology and definitions 8 Contribute to a global and regional 85g 1.2.3.a comprehensive assessment of the current 1.3.3.e status of protected forest areas, to assist in the establishment of bio-geographically balanced protected area networks. - 18 - Summary of the IPF/IFF Proposals for Action 11. Rehabilitation and conservation IPF IFF CBD strategies for low forest cover countries 1 Analyse and take into account the related 58b(iv) 41h social, economic and environmental implications, costs and benefits of non-wood substitutes and imports of forest products. 2 Establish and manage plantations to 58b(ii) enhance production of forest goods and services, taking into account relevant social, cultural, economic and environmental considerations in the selection of species, areas and silviculture systems. 3 Promote research into the rehabilitation and 40k extension of dryland forests as well as into 46g traditional forest-related knowledge with the full involvement of indigenous peoples and local communities. 4 Consider the needs of developing and low 143 forest cover countries, support forest 144 programs and integrate forest -related aspects into poverty, population, food and environmental programs. (INTal. ORG) 5 Undertake integrated and coordinated 46a actions to address dryland forest issues at 46f the international, national and local levels. 6 Develop and support partnerships that 46d include indigenous and local communities 46e and management approaches, including those that embody traditional lifestyles, to reduce pressures on dryland forests and promote their sustainable management and regeneration. - 19 - Summary of the IPF/IFF Proposals for Action 12. Rehabilitation and restoration of IPF IFF CBD degraded lands and the promotion of natural and planted forests 1 Enhance the role of plantations as a 28b 64g 1.3.1.b mechanism for reducing deforestation and forest degradation of natural forests. 2 Take positive action towards reforestation, 58b(ii) 30b 1.3.1.a afforestation and conservation, using native 58b(iii) 122a 1.3.1.b species where appropriate, including 58b(v) 129c regeneration of degraded forests, 58c management of plantations and trees outside forests and the expansion of protected areas. 3 Raise awareness and disseminate data on 129d 1.3.1.c the ecological, social, cultural and economic contributions of planted and natural forests in the rehabilitation and sustainable management of forests in environmentally critical areas. 4 Analyse past experiences and monitor 46b 1.2.3.c trends in dryland forests, including 1.2.4.b biophysical, social, economic and 1.2.4.e institutional factors. - 20 - Summary of the IPF/IFF Proposals for Action 13. Maintaining forest cover to meet IPF IFF CBD present and future needs 1 Implement public and private sector policies 28a 122a 2.2.1.g and programs to sustainably meet 122b increasing demands for wood and non- 122d wood products and services from natural and planted forests and trees outside forests. 2 Incorporate information and strategies, 56n 1.4.2.b including extension programs for women, 121c on the supply and use of fuel wood and the 122c use of efficient wood energy technologies in the planning of forestry, agriculture and energy programs. 3 Implement progressively measures to 64d recognize and respect legitimate property 115d rights, access to and sustainable use of forest resources for local communities and indigenous people. 4 Implement strategies for the protection of 85b 1.1.1.d the full range of forest values, with particular regard to continued integrity of biological diversity. - 21 - Summary of the IPF/IFF Proposals for Action 14. Financial resources IPF IFF CBD 1 Explore and expand innovative financial 17c 30e 2.1.3.f mechanisms including concessional lending, 67e 64j Decision debt relief initiatives and an investment 67g COP6/17 promotion entity and enhance community 71c Para 10&10c financing to support sustainable forest 70c management and national forest programs. 2 Encourage private sector investment and 69b 30c reinvestment of forest revenues into 69c 56b sustainable forest management and 69d 115a environmentally sound technologies, 69e 115b through appropriate policies, legislation, 70b 122b incentives and mechanisms. 77d 3 Identify and prioritise resource needs for 67b 17e Decision sustainable forest management, including 67c 30b COP6/22 the implementation of the IPF/IFF proposals 30b Para 19 for action. 133b 4 Strengthen transparency of decision making 65 Decision in international financial institutions and 115g COP6/22 ensure their policies and structural Para 20 adjustment programs support sustainable forest management. (INTal. ORG) 5 Improve information systems to enhance 78a co-ordination and data sharing on ODA programming and the provision of public and private sector financial resources for the implementation of national forest programs. 6 Create or strengthen partnerships and 17c 9a 2.1.2.h international cooperation to facilitate the 67a 9c Decision provision of increased financial resources to 9g COP6/17 implement sustainable forest management 30a Para 10&10c and the IPF/IFF proposals for action, 84 Decision including forest conservation and protected 87 COP6/22 area management. 97a Para 20 (INTal. ORG) 129e Para 23 - 22 - Summary of the IPF/IFF Proposals for Action 14. Financial resources IPF IFF CBD 7 Enhance coordination and collaboration 71a between donors, international institutions 71b and instruments related to forests and explore appropriate indicators for monitoring and evaluating donor funded forest programs. (INTal. ORG) 8 Support coordinated deployment of 70a 30a resources for sustainable forest 70d management through national forest 17g programs to improve efficiency and effectiveness of available funds. (INTal. ORG) - 23 - Summary of the IPF/IFF Proposals for Action 15. International trade and sustainable IPF IFF CBD forest management 1 Study the environmental, social and 128a Decision economic impacts of trade-related COP6/22 measures affecting forest products and Para 19e services. Para 19f Para 30 2 Undertake measures to improve market 128b 64i 1.4.3.a access for forest goods and services, 2.2.1.h including the reduction of tariff and non- tariff barriers to trade, in accordance with existing international obligations and to promote a mutually supportive relationship between environment and trade. 3 Improve market transparency for trade in 135a 41e 1.4.2.a forest products and services and consider 135b 41f 1.4.2.d measures to reduce illegal trade in wood 2.1.4.a and non-wood forest products. 2.1.4.b 2.1.4.c 2.1.4.e 2.1.4.f 4 Implement policies and actions, including 128c 41a 1.4.1.b codes of conduct, to facilitate trade in wood 41g 1.4.2.c and non-wood products from sustainably 2.1.4.d managed forests, consider community 2.2.1.i rights, and to minimize negative effects of 1.4.1.f short term market changes. 5 Undertake further cooperative work on 133a 41b voluntary certification and labelling 133b schemes, including studying their link with 133d criteria and indicators and their 133e effectiveness in promoting sustainable 133g forest management and exchange information and experience on these schemes. - 24 - Summary of the IPF/IFF Proposals for Action 15. International trade and sustainable IPF IFF CBD forest management 6 Support the application of accessibility, 133c 41b 1.4.1.f credibility, equivalence, cost-effectiveness, 133f transparency and participatory concepts to certification and labelling schemes and ensure they do not lead to unjustified obstacles to market access. 7 Intensify efforts and implement policies to 132a promote the sustainable use of all 132b economically viable lesser-used species in domestic and international markets. - 25 - Summary of the IPF/IFF Proposals for Action 16. International cooperation in capacity- IPF IFF CBD building, transfer of and access to environmentally-sound technologies for the support of SFM 1 Support developing countries to expand 58c Decision their forest cover, increase downstream 131b COP6/22 processing and community based 132c Para 17 processing of non-wood and timber forest products, including utilization of lesser used species. 2 Assess, taking into account gender 77b 56c Decision disaggregated data, the technological 56o COP6/22 requirements necessary to achieve Para 19g sustainable forest management. 3 Enhance cooperation and financing to 77a 56a Decision promote access to and transfer of 77c 56i COP6/22 environmentally sound technologies. 56e Para 17 56l Para 19g 56g 56h 77d 129e 4 Support national forest programs and 17g 17a 1.4.1.c capacity building to implement sustainable 28a 19b 1.4.1.e forest management and the IPF/IFF 58b(vi) 56d 3.4.1.a proposals for action, including 70a 64e 4.1.2.i strengthening and supporting institutions 70e 64i Decision involved in forest, plantation and protected 77e 87 COP6/22 area management, forest research and 77f 97b Para 17 supporting indigenous people, local forest 89b 107d Para 19g dependent communities and forest 115c 143 owners. 5 Assist with the dissemination and 78b Decision interpretation of information on COP6/22 sustainable forest management to Para 21 countries and stakeholders. Para 22 Para 19g - 26 - Summary of the IPF/IFF Proposals for Action 16. International cooperation in capacity- IPF IFF CBD building, transfer of and access to environmentally-sound technologies for the support of SFM 6 Promote the dissemination and sharing of 77e 56f environmentally sound technologies to 56h end-users, particularly in local communities, including through efficient use of extension services. 7 Strengthen education and training for 56m Decision women in community development 56n COP6/22 programs including the growth and use of Para 32 fuelwood and the use of energy efficient cooking technology and ensure women benefit from the transfer of environmentally sound technologies. 8 Support the forest work undertaken by 146a 139a Decision international and regional organizations 146d 139b COP6/22 and under relevant international 146e 141a Para 12 instruments and encourage them to Para 15 contribute to forest policy dialogue and to Para 18 support inter-agency cooperation on the implementation of the outcomes of UNCED and the IPF/IFF processes. 9 Clarify the forest-related roles of 146b 139c 2.1.2.h international institutions and instruments 146c to improve integration and coordination and eliminate duplication of their efforts. 10 Strengthen national arrangements to 140b Decision provide guidance to multilateral forest - COP6/22 related organizations Para 11 Para 14 11 Continue collaborative work to support the 78c 17e Decision implementation of the IPF/IFF proposals 145 COP6/22 for action, reporting and the provision of Para 19b information to assist the forest sector. (INTal. ORG) - 27 - Summary of the IPF/IFF Proposals for Action 16. International cooperation in capacity- IPF IFF CBD building, transfer of and access to environmentally-sound technologies for the support of SFM 12 Develop institutional synergies with other 141b partners and prepare a comprehensive 141c directory of organizations and instruments engaged in forest-related activities. (INTal. ORG) - 28 - Implementing the IPF/IFF Proposals for Action Annex 1: How countries could approach implementation of the IPF/IFF proposals for action Undertaking an assessment process can be instrumental in approaching SFM in a more holistic and comprehensive way and in assessing what has already been achieved at the country level. The proposed methodology is designed to check the progress of national efforts towards SFM against the IPF/IFF proposals for action and to identify actions and improvements in the context of existing nfps or other relevant processes. The suggested methodology provides guidance on a framework for country-specific assessments. However, it recognizes that approaches to the assessment and implementation of the IPF/IFF proposals for action can and should differ widely according to national contexts. The first objective of the proposed methodology is to enhance broad cross-sectoral participation by engaging government institutions and civil society in forest policy deliberations. The second objective is to have the implementation of the proposals addressed in the appropriate national institutional and administrative setting. This includes nfps or other sectoral policy processes, including forest sector reviews and/or related sectoral or economic evaluations, as well as overarching forest-related processes like those of Sustainable Development Strategies or Poverty Reduction Strategies. Furthermore, relevant programmes or plans like National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans in relation to the CBD or National Action Plans to combat desertification and drought in relation to the UNCCD should be fully considered and cooperation with these initiatives should be established. Basis and Entry Points In order to comply with the recommendation of the UNFF that "countries will set their own national priorities, targets, and timetables for the implementation of the IPF/IFF proposals for action and will systematically assess and analyse the proposals in their national context"8, points of entry for the assessment within the nfps or other forest -related policy process should be identified. Each country will have its own set of circumstances, existing processes, institutional arrangements and capacity to undertake the national assessment and therefore the entry point could be quite different for each country. As mentioned above other such forest -related processes could include a general sector review, sector-wide planning and monitoring exercises, or overarching processes such as Poverty Reduction Strategies or Sustainable Development Strategies. Alternatively, more specific processes on issues such as forest certification, forest law enforcement, sustainable land use or conservation of critical areas for biodiversity or water supply could also provide entry points. Which ever entry point is used, it is important that the full range of IPF/IFF proposals for action be considered in a national assessment in order to ensure that a holistic and comprehensive approach to implementation is achieved. The choice of the appropriate process and entry point is important for achieving the necessary cross-sectoral linkages and increasing the contribution of forest goods and services to sustainable development. 8Report of UNFF I (E/2001/42 (Part II); E/CN.18/2001/3 (Part II), PoA Decision 1/3 in Annex paragraph 6 - 29 - Implementing the IPF/IFF Proposals for Action Phases of the National Assessment Taking into account the existing processes and specific entry point chosen, it is proposed here that the national assessment process take a systematic stepwise approach including the following three phases: Preparation Assessment of the IPF/IFF proposals for action Identification of new actions and reinforcement of existing activities UNEP/CBD/COP/6/INF/9 and UNEP/CBD/COP/6/INF/27 are useful source documents that can provide assistance in preparation, implementation and interpretation of performance and approaches to implementation of actions and IPF/IFF and CBD forest work programs. Phase 1: Preparation During this phase, the organisational and informational preconditions for the assessment are created. This includes: Information and awareness-raising. Initial workshops and/or distribution of appropriate information material may be necessary to familiarize the various stakeholders with the contents of the IPF/IFF proposals for action and to inform them of the need for a national assessment process. This could also form part of the awareness raising process of the NFP. If a NFP already exists then follow up awareness strategies will need to be developed. This consolidated summary of the IPF/IFF proposals for action could be used to facilitate a wider understanding of the intent of the IPF and IFF proposals amongst the stakeholders. Commitment and endorsement by government and major stakeholders to ensure participation, transparency and effective cooperation during the assessment process. This commitment and endorsement is a precondition to ensure the relevance and effectiveness of the assessment process and to increase ownership in the results of the process. For example, a nfp process with sufficient political backing could be a sign of such commitment. In this context, the necessary resources for the assessment process also have to be defined and committed. Establishment of a focal point (as agreed upon in IFF and required for the implementation of the UNFF PoA), or national co-ordination mechanism, which may need to be supported by a secretariat. The focal point should be knowledgeable about the international forest policy dialogue and be involved with on-going national-level processes through close collaboration and coordination with focal points of other processes (e.g. CBD and CCD). Establishment of a working group/task force comprised of major stakeholders representing various interest groups relating to forests. The composition of such a group should also take into account sub-national interests (e.g. with regard to decentralization) and concerns related to practical implementation of forest programmes within the country. By linking into on-going processes (entry points), it may be possible to use existing multi-stakeholder structures, including nfp working groups (i.e. on forest policy or thematic issues). Some lobbying may be necessary to generate interest and motivate additional key actors to take part in the assessment process. - 30 - Implementing the IPF/IFF Proposals for Action Establishment of a framework/concept/design for the assessment process which should be shared by all relevant stakeholders to make the process predictable, to agree on responsibilities and timelines, and to improve participation. An agreed process for an nfp could constitute such a framework. In view of the requirement for national monitoring, assessment and reporting (MAR) to the UNFF, an assessment of the IPF/IFF proposals for action could also include discussion on national-level MAR and criteria and indicators for SFM. The assessment may not necessarily relate only to a consideration of the priority issues and relevant IPF/IFF proposals. It could be also used to assess the need for revising existing forest- related policies, legislation and processes like nfps. Therefore, the assessment could consider: - Existing national policy frameworks, policies, priorities and programmes in the forest and forest-related sectors - Sector reviews or other monitoring exercises - Urgent national problems or priorities within or beyond the forest sector - Wider macro-economic frameworks such as structural adjustment, and Poverty Reduction Strategy Processes (PRSPs) - Other regional and international commitments relevant to the forest sector - On-going discussion on ODA effectiveness and sector-wide approaches Phase 2: Assessment of the IPF/IFF proposals This phase includes the actual consideration of each of the IPF/IFF proposals, checking their relevance in the national context and assessment of the implementation of individual proposals within existing processes as follows: Assessment of the relevance of the individual or synthesized proposals against national policies, strategies and priorities as well as the existing programs and actions being undertaken by all stakeholders, taking into consideration the issues that affect progress towards sustainable forest management in the country and any identified gaps in existing programs. This could be done by deciding whether each proposal is of "low", "medium" or "high" priority for implementation within the country or "not relevant" to the country's circumstances. Identification of actors, nat ional forest-related processes and strategies and relevant international support mechanism and national processes and strategies, ­ possibly through a mapping exercise - of the individual or synthesized proposals to identify other sectors relevant to the mplementation of the proposals, as well as the inter-linkages with other relevant i instruments and their national processes, notably forest -related international agreements and instruments (i.e. CBD, CCD, and UNFCCC). Assessment of existing efforts as a status of implementation by evaluating the progress towards addressing the original or synthesized proposals through existing programs and actions considering cross-sectoral linkages. This should include: identification of the status quo in terms of achievements, current priorities, responsibilities of different government institutions and civil society as well as an assessment of existing action at the national and sub-national levels. This step could also include the identification of emerging issues, const raints and - 31 - Implementing the IPF/IFF Proposals for Action potential future obstacles within existing programmes. This simple assessment could be done by developing a three or five point implementation progress scale ranging from Not Started at one end of the scale to Completed at the other end of the scale. Countries could also consider undertaking a more sophisticated assessment of implementation progress by evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of existing action, in which case the assessment would need to analyse the quantity and quality of existing action with respect to achievement of sustainable forest management. Phase 3: Identification of new actions and reinforcement of current activities This step includes the identification of actions and/or the reinforcement of existing actions towards implementation of the proposals, i.e. integration into existing measures and/or initiating new measures within the nfp process or other policy processes: Definition of a coordinated national approach or reinforcement of the existing national strategic approach towards SFM. This would become an integral part of the implementation strategy by strengthening the implementation of existing processes and/or initiation of a nfp process with specific reference to national priorities. The approach may include aspects of capacity building, as well as institutional development and decentralization, policy reform and implementation, monitoring and evaluation, including national criteria and indicators for SFM. By identifying an overall approach to national implementation of the IPF/IFF proposals for action, the framework for new and reinforced actions can be set. It could be helpful in this regard to communicate with other countries on their experiences and identification of new and innovative potentials and to evaluate existing material on lessons learnt. Definition of country-specific actions within the context and framework of the coordinated national approach as well as limitations of national human and financial resources. It should take into account feasibility, timeframes and potential impact of the identified actions as well as capacity building requirements and financing strategies for their implementation (distribution of cost and benefits amongst the beneficiaries of forest goods and services in a cross-sectoral way). The identification of new actions and reinforcement of current activities should not produce an unrealistic list of possible projects and programmes, but should reflect the national circumstances taking into consideration new and innovative financing opportunities. Identification of implementation practicalities within existing processes. This includes planning exercises, distribution of responsibilities and identification of necessary resources for implementation over time and their availability. In some cases, the support required from the international community, including sectoral credits and sectoral structural adjustment credits form the World Bank and regional development banks, may also need to be identified. This step should also include an analysis of the associated opportunities, risks and constraints. Definition of follow-up processes, including feedback to regional forest-related processes and the international forest dialogue in UNFF (with specific reference to MYPOW and PoA, monitoring, assessment and reporting). This could be integrated with monitoring of the nfp or other national process. - 32 - Implementing the IPF/IFF Proposals for Action Conducting the National Assessment The national assessment should be undertaken by a multi-stakeholder working group/task force, such as a nfp working group or the working group formed to oversee the assessment process. To support such an assessment, it may be useful to have a group of independent experts and stakeholders also assess the IPF/IFF proposals for action in relation to the national circumstances. Such an assessment could provide a foundation for further discussion. Alternatively, such an exercise could be commissioned to an independent national institution with broad institutional knowledge on the issues and existing programmes affecting SFM, including economic development. Additionally, workshops, specific studies and expert hearings carried out during the nfp process could contribute to the assessment. It may be useful to prepare a draft assessment of the IPF/IFF proposals and then to circulate this widely among the stakeholders for comment. Normally the working group/task force would analyse the comments and incorporate them into a revised draft of the national assessment. Once the analysis of the comments have been completed a workshop could be held to discuss the issues raised and to finalise the national assessment. Whenever possible, there needs to be a consensus among the stakeholders regarding the final national assessment. The reason for this is that all stakeholders will have responsibilities for implementing the agreed priority programs. This proposed methodology may be assisted through the use of an assessment matrix. Such a matrix would contain the synthesized IPF/IFF proposals for action along with three columns to list the relevance, implementation status and agreed actions for each synthesized proposal. (See example in Table 1 on the next page). - 33 - Table 1: Example of an Assessment Matrix Cluster/group of IPF/IFF Reference to Relevance Level of Assessment of Implementation IPF/IFF Proposals Proposals CBD work (phase 1-2) intervention existing efforts strategy and Follow-up for Action programme (phase 2) (phase 2) action (phase 3) Synthesised text Numbers of Numbers of · Addressees This is to · Ongoing · Approach to Proposals for individual · Actors identify the action implementation reference objectives / · Instruments levels of · Implementatio · Additional and/or purposes activities of · Cross intervention. n status enhanced action the work sectoral · Effectiveness · Practicalities of programme linkages and efficiency implementation for reference · Issues and · Follow-up including purposes (as This is to identify constraints feedback to regional and of summary the relevant international level table) actors This would be and to indicate used for the This is to define a whether a assessment of the strategy of building the specific progress of implementation into statement is existing action and existing processes or addressing the as a basis to initiating new processes in policy/strategic define gaps and the context of the nfp level or a constraints in according to defined programme / relation to the national priorities operational level implementation of the specific proposal cluster 34