| United Nations | E/CN.17/IPF/1995/2 |
Economic and Social Council
Distr. GENERAL
16 August 1995
ORIGINAL: ENGLISH
COMMISSION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Panel on Forests
First Meeting
11-15 September 1995
Item 3 of the provisional agenda*
* E/CN.17/IPF/1995/1.
PROGRAMME OF WORK OF THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL
PANEL ON FORESTS
Proposed programme of work and organizational modalities for
the open-ended ad hoc Intergovernmental Panel on Forests of
the Commission on Sustainable Development
Report of the Secretary-General
SUMMARY
The Economic and Social Council, in its decision 1995/226, endorsed the
recommendation of the Commission on Sustainable Development to establish an
open-ended ad hoc Intergovernmental Panel on Forests to pursue consensus and
coordinated proposals for action to support the management, conservation and
sustainable development of forests. In pursing its mandate, the Panel is to
focus on 11 issues clustered into five interrelated categories. The Panel is
expected to submit a progress report to the Commission at its fourth session,
in 1996, and to submit final conclusions and policy recommendations at its
fifth session, in 1997.
The work of the Panel is complex and broad in scope and is expected to
be completed in a very limited time-frame. In conducting its work, the Panel
also needs to consider the outputs of a large number of ongoing processes and
initiatives. The Panel will have to draw upon the expertise and resources of
relevant organizations within and outside the United Nations system, as well
as from all relevant parties, including major groups. The work of the Panel
will be supported by a small secretariat established within the Commission and
by voluntary extrabudgetary contributions. Furthermore, meetings of experts
sponsored by one or more countries, international organizations and major
groups would contribute to the work of the Panel, particularly on issues that
need further analysis and elaboration.
A total of four meetings of the Panel will be held. In view of the
large number of complex issues to be addressed by the Panel and a number of
ongoing international processes and initiatives, the Panel may wish to
schedule its programme of work to address only a few issues at each meeting
and to consolidate the conclusions of its deliberations at the fourth meeting.
A clustering of items and a schedule for their deliberation by the Panel are
proposed in the present report. In organizing its programme of work, the
Panel may wish to give consideration to the nature and form of its final
report, to be presented to the Commission in 1997. It is proposed that the
following elements be considered for inclusion in the final report:
(a) Progress on forest-related issues since the United Nations
Conference on Environment and Development, at the national, regional and
international levels, including the work undertaken by international
organizations and multilateral institutions and an agenda for future action;
(b) Further recommendations for policy at the national and
international levels;
(c) New commitments to effectively address forest-related issues,
including trade and environment and international policy instruments;
(d) Approaches to strengthening international cooperation in the form
of financial assistance and the transfer of appropriate technologies.
CONTENTS
Paragraphs Page
BACKGROUND ................................................. 1 - 4 4
I. POSSIBLE OUTCOME OF THE WORK OF THE PANEL ............ 5 - 7 7
II. SUGGESTIONS FOR THE PROGRAMME OF WORK OF THE PANEL ... 8 - 14 8
III. SUGGESTED METHODS OF WORK ............................ 15 - 18 19
IV. SUGGESTIONS FOR THE INVOLVEMENT OF MAJOR GROUPS ...... 19 - 23 19
V. SECRETARIAT AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF THE PANEL ....... 24 - 30 20
VI. CONCLUDING REMARKS ................................... 31 22
Annex. Recent current and planned activities related to the work
programme of the Intergovernmental Panel on Forests ............ 23
BACKGROUND
1. The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED),
held in Rio de Janeiro in June 1995, adopted the Non-legally Binding
Authoritative Statement of Principles for a Global Consensus on the
Management, Conservation and Sustainable Development of All Types of Forests
(Forest Principles). The Conference also adopted Agenda 21, including
chapter 11, entitled "Combating deforestation". Subsequently, the Commission
on Sustainable Development was established to review progress achieved in the
implementation of decisions and commitments made at UNCED and to promote
partnership and cooperation for sustainable development. At its third session
(New York, 11-28 April 1995), the Commission reviewed progress achieved in the
implementation of the Forest Principles and chapter 11, in accordance with its
multi-year programme of work. The conclusions and recommendations of the
Commission on this matter are contained in its report on its third session
(E/1995/32, chap. I, sect. D, paras. 200-204). In particular, the Commission
recommended the establishment, under its aegis, of an open-ended ad hoc
Intergovernmental Panel on Forests; that recommendation was subsequently
endorsed by the Economic and Social Council in its decision 1995/226.
2. The Commission decided that in pursuing a consensus and the formulation
of coordinated proposals for action, the Panel should consider the following
main interrelated categories of issues:
(a) Implementation of UNCED decisions on forest-related issues at the
national and international levels, including an examination of sectoral and
cross-sectoral linkages;
(b) International cooperation in financial assistance and technology
transfer;
(c) Scientific research, forest assessment and the development of
criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management;
(d) Trade and environment relating to forest products and services;
(e) International organizations and multilateral institutions and
instruments, including appropriate legal mechanisms.
3. Furthermore, the Commission approved the following programme of work for
the Panel:
PROGRAMME OF WORK
I
1. Consider actions to promote progress through national forests and
land use plans and programmes in implementing the Forest Principles, and
chapter 11 and other chapters related to forests in Agenda 21, through
an open, transparent and participatory process involving Governments and
all interested parties, including major groups, particularly indigenous
people and local communities.
2. Identify and consider ways to address the underlying causes of
deforestation, forest degradation and the difficulties in implementing
sustainable forest management, with particular attention to cross-
sectoral factors, including the impact on and from forests, at the
national and international levels, such as consumption and production
patterns, poverty, population growth, pollution, terms of trade,
discriminatory trade practices and unsustainable policies related to
sectors such as agriculture, energy, and trade.
3. Consistent with the terms of the Convention on Biological Diversity,
encourage countries to consider ways and means for the effective
protection and use of traditional forest-related knowledge, innovations
and practices of forest dwellers, indigenous people and other local
communities, as well as fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising
from such knowledge, innovations and practices.
4. Monitor actions to support afforestation, reforestation and the
restoration of forest systems, where appropriate, particularly in
countries with fragile ecosystems and affected by desertification and/or
drought, particularly in Africa. Within this context, also consider
specific actions in countries whose forests are affected by pollution,
particularly those with economies in transition in central and eastern
Europe.
5. Propose measures to address the needs and requirements of developing
countries and other countries with low forest cover in order to promote
the activities aimed at conserving the existing coverage, with
particular attention to the unique types of forests.
II
1. Explore ways of improving the efficiency and coordination of
bilateral and multilateral assistance; and consider ways to address the
critical areas relating to the transfer and development of
environmentally sound technology on favourable terms as mutually agreed
and the mobilization of financial resources, including the provision of
new and additional resources with a view to assisting developing
countries to pursue policies and comprehensive strategies for achieving
sustainable forest management, recalling principles 10 and 11 of the
Non-legally Binding Authoritative Statement of Principles for a Global
Consensus on the Management, Conservation and Sustainable Development of
all Types of Forests, and the Rome Statement on Forestry agreed by
Ministers Responsible for Forests in March 1995.
III
1. Review existing periodic assessment of forests, including relevant
socio-economic and environmental factors, at the global level; identify
shortfalls in present assessments relative to policy considerations; and
recommend practical ways of improving such assessments. Examine ways to
broaden the scientific knowledge and the statistical database available
in order to better understand the ecological, economic, cultural and
social functions performed by all types of forests. Promote the further
development of methodologies for properly valuing the multiple benefits
derived from forests in the form of goods and services, and subsequently
to consider their inclusion in the systems of national accounting,
drawing upon work that has been already undertaken by the United Nations
and other relevant organizations.
2. Encourage national implementation of criteria and indicators for
sustainable forest management and study the feasibility of further
developing internationally agreed upon criteria and indicators against
which progress towards sustainable forest management of all types of
forests could be measured, taking into account the specific regional and
subregional conditions of forests and the diversity of economic, social
and cultural environments. Within this context, facilitate the
engagement of regions and countries not yet involved in developing
criteria and indicators of sustainable forest management; share
experiences in testing and implementing them; and examine the need to
promote comparability and the appropriateness of convergence among
international initiatives in this regard.
IV
1. Examine relevant factors affecting trade in forest products and
other forest-trade issues in an integrated and holistic approach that
promotes a supportive relationship between trade and environment. In
this connection, identify opportunities and recommend measures for
improving market access for forest products on a non-discriminatory
basis and consider factors that may distort trade in forest products and
affect their value, including pricing, import/export controls, subsidies
and the need to remove unilateral bans and boycotts inconsistent with
the rules of the international trade system. Promote the development of
methodologies to advance the full valuation, including replacement and
environmental costs, of forest goods and services, with a view to
promoting full cost internalization. Taking account of the interests of
all sectors and particularities of different countries and ensuring full
transparency and participation of all interested parties, examine the
issue of voluntary certification and labelling of forest products so as
to contribute to a better understanding of the role of voluntary
certification with regard to the sustainable management of forests
including the impact of certification on developing countries.
V
1. Develop a clearer view of the work being carried out by
international organizations and multilateral institutions and under
existing instruments as appropriate, including the Convention on
Biological Diversity, United Nations Convention to Combat
Desertification in those Countries Experiencing serious drought and/or
Desertification, particularly in Africa, the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change, the Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the International
Tropical Timber Agreement (ITTA), in forest-related issues, including
UNCED decisions related to forests, and the institutional linkages
emanating therefrom, in order to identify any gaps, and areas requiring
enhancement, as well as any areas of duplication.
2. In the light of issues I to V.1 above, based on consensus-building
in a step-by-step process, consider and advise on the need, or
otherwise, for other instruments or arrangements in further
implementation of the Forest Principles, including appropriate legal
arrangements and mechanisms covering all types of forests. (E/1995/32,
chap. I, sect. D, annex I, sect. III)
4. The Commission on Sustainable Development decided that the Panel will
submit a progress report to the Commission at its fourth session, in 1996, and
will submit final conclusions, recommendations and proposals for action at its
fifth session, in 1997. In this context, it should be noted that in 1997 the
Commission will conduct an overall review of progress achieved since UNCED in
preparation for the special session of the General Assembly, as envisaged in
Assembly resolution 47/190; the Panel will contribute to that review.
I. POSSIBLE OUTCOME OF THE WORK OF THE PANEL
5. The tasks faced by the Panel are complex and challenging. In a short
period of time, the Panel will have to study and assess a vast array of
information and data on forest-related issues that are already available
within and outside the United Nations system. In addition, the Panel will
need to review the results of a number of recent and ongoing intergovernmental
processes and expert consultations. Those results will then need to be
integrated into a clear set of conclusions and policy recommendations for
advancing international understanding and consensus on forest issues: on that
basis, the Panel is expected to propose coherent approaches to addressing the
problem of the management, conservation and sustainable development of all
types of forests.
6. The programme of work of the Panel includes issues that are at different
degrees of maturity in terms of common understanding of their various aspects
and international consensus on approaches to addressing them. On some issues,
it is realistic to expect that in two years the Panel will come up with
conclusive results; on others, the Panel is more likely to provide improved
understanding and guidance for the future direction of international dialogue
and consensus-building.
7. The final document to be submitted by the Panel in 1997 for the
consideration of the Commission could consist of the following main
components:
(a) Assessment of:
(i) Progress achieved since UNCED in the implementation of the Forest
Principles and chapter 11, of Agenda 21;
(ii) Work by international organizations and multilateral institutions
under existing mandates and instruments on forest-related issues: a
cohesive review of the current state of such issues, including their
interface with other sectors and cross-sectoral factors, and the
formulation of options and opportunities for future action;
(b) Further policy recommendations for comprehensive national and
international strategies aimed at the management, conservation and sustainable
development of all types of forests;
(c) New commitments at the national and international levels and by
major groups regarding the future action and cooperation that will be required
to effectively address forest-related issues, including trade and environment
and international policy instruments;
(d) Approaches to strengthening international cooperation in the form of
future commitments for financial assistance, the transfer of appropriate
technologies and institutional arrangements.
II. SUGGESTIONS FOR THE PROGRAMME OF WORK OF THE PANEL
8. The work before the Panel is characterized by two main considerations:
first, the broad scope and complexity of issues that need to be dealt with in
a very limited time-frame; second, the fact that in planning its work the
Panel needs to consider the anticipated outputs of a large number of ongoing
processes and initiatives in order to develop a cohesive and comprehensive
perspective and to formulate options for future action.
9. When recommending the establishment of the Panel, the Commission on
Sustainable Development decided that it should draw in particular on the
resources and technical expertise of relevant organizations, including the
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Development Programme
(UNDP), the World Bank, the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO)
and other organizations within and outside the United Nations system, as well
as the secretariats of relevant conventions, with appropriate contributions by
non-governmental organizations. Indeed, a vast amount of work has recently
been carried out or is currently under way in international organizations and
the non-governmental community on issues to be dealt with by the Panel.
Furthermore, there are a number of forest-related initiatives and processes
recently launched by groups of interested countries and within various regions
and subregions, including initiatives undertaken by Amazon and Central
American countries, the Malaysia/Canada, India/United Kingdom and Centre for
International Forest Research (CIFOR)/Indonesia initiatives, and the Helsinki
and Montreal processes. A more detailed tabulation of information on
activities relevant to the programme of work of the Panel, entitled "Recent,
current, and planned activities related to the programme of work of the
Intergovernmental Panel on Forests", is contained in the annex to the present
report. It should be noted that the list of activities in the annex may not
be complete; the Panel is invited to bring additional information to the
attention of the secretariat.
10. Successful implementation of the Panel mandate appears to require the
achievement of two main objectives: first, ensuring an in-depth consideration
of all the categories and issues included in the terms of reference, of the
Panel, such as building on existing knowledge and expected outcomes of various
activities, initiatives and processes currently under way; and second,
elaborating a basis for an integrated policy approach to forest-related
issues. Bearing in mind the limited time available for Panel meetings, it
will not be possible for each meeting to address simultaneously all the
categories and issues included in the Panel mandate. Rather, at its second
and third meetings the Panel may wish to focus on a limited number of
different issues within its overall terms of reference so as to ensure their
in-depth consideration. At its fourth and final meeting, the Panel may wish
to consider integrating the outcomes of the previous meetings and analysing
the linkages between various categories and issues.
11. More specifically, with reference to the approved programme of work
reproduced in paragraph 3 above, it is suggested that at its second meeting,
in March 1996, the Panel focus on categories and issues I.1, I.3, II and V.1,
and that at the third meeting, in fall 1996, it address categories and issues
I.2, I.4, I.5, III and IV. In accordance with the recommendation of the
Commission, issue V.2 could be considered in relation to other categories and
issues under consideration, as required. All categories could be considered
in an integrated way during the fourth session in early 1997, when the Panel
is expected to finalize its recommendations.
12. The proposed scheduling and clustering of categories and issues is not
related to any particular order of priorities but is based on the expected
timing of the outcomes of various ongoing and planned activities and studies,
as well as on the time required by the secretariat to ensure high-quality
preparations for the consideration of the Panel.
13. The need to maintain healthy forests world wide and to manage them
sustainably to meet multiple demands by future generations is a challenge
faced collectively by the international community. Since UNCED,
notable progress has been in the level of awareness, adaptation of policies
and preparation of national plans and strategies to promote sustainable forest
management. Several country-led forums have contributed significantly to the
international dialogue on forests. For example, significant advances have
been made on national reporting and on better understanding of sustainable
forest management, particularly by formulating a set of compatible criteria
and indicators applicable to the boreal, temperate and tropical forests. As
outlined in paragraph 9 above, there is a broad range of recent, ongoing and
planned activities the outcomes of which are relevant to programme elements of
the work of the Panel (see annex). However, there are a number of issues that
need consideration by the Panel in a cohesive, comprehensive and integrated
manner. In undertaking its programme of work, the Panel may wish to consider
the need for additional preparatory and analytical work, such as expert
studies and meetings, before it considers a given issue. Such preparatory
work on various programme elements could include:
(a) Programme element I.1, "... national forest and land-use plans ..."
(also related to I.2 and II): preparation of a report presenting an overview
of current approaches to national strategies, in particular the links between
national forest plans and sustainable development strategies/plans, land-use
plans and sectoral plans, including actions required under conventions, and a
synthesis of lessons learned. Deliberations by the Panel could benefit from
holding an appropriate expert meeting prior to the second meeting of the
Panel. The Government of Germany is sponsoring a consultative process and a
workshop to address the issue;
(b) Programme element I.2, "... underlying causes of deforestation ...
and ... cross-sectoral factors ...": preparation of a synthesis paper on
underlying causes and cross-sectoral influences on forest degradation and
deforestation, based on a review that would bring together key work done in
the area and identify gaps in order to guide further work. Following such a
review, it would be useful to undertake a few quantitative and scientific
case-studies at the national or subnational level, which could include the
involvement of a cross-sectoral and cross-disciplinary expert group consisting
of economists, agronomists, anthropologists, ecologists, foresters and policy
experts. Depending on the availability of time and resources, the review
could then be discussed together with the case-studies in regional workshops
in order to refine and amplify the conclusions and recommendations, which
could subsequently be synthesized into a report for the consideration of the
Panel;
(c) Programme element I.3, "... protection and use of traditional
forest- related knowledge ...": preparation of a synthesis paper mainly based
on the work of the Working Party of the Conference of Parties of the
Convention on Biological Diversity and the International Undertaking on Plant
Genetic Resources;
(d) Programme element I.4, "monitor actions ... in Africa ... also
consider ... central and eastern Europe": preparation of an analytical report
on experience with afforestation and reforestation, particularly in Africa,
including progress in the implementation of the Convention to Combat
Desertification, as well as an assessment of the impact of airborne pollutants
on forests in central and eastern Europe and an assessment of ongoing
activities and proposals for possible future action;
(e) Programme element I.5, "Propose measures ... countries with low
forest cover": preparation of a study on the specific needs of countries with
low forest cover, particularly developing countries in which communities and
forest dwellers depend on forests to meet their subsistence needs, such as
fuel, food, forage, shelter and medicinal plants;
(f) Programme element II "... coordination of bilateral and multilateral
assistance ...": preparation of a study on possible ways and means of
enhancing efficiency in delivering forest programmes, including proposals for
cooperation among United Nations agencies, in particular the World Bank, and
between multilateral and bilateral donors. Holding a meeting sponsored by one
or two countries would be valuable for formulating an expert perspective on
the issue;
(g) Programme element III.1, "... assessment of forests, ... scientific
knowledge ... valuing ... forest ... goods and services ...": preparation of
a discussion paper to consider a framework for expanded and enhanced forest
assessment with a view to obtaining more qualitative information on
environmental and social benefits, as well as information on other non-wood
forest products and biological resources; preparation of a discussion paper
presenting the status of current approaches to valuing the multiple benefits
of forests as well as an assessment of progress towards application and the
incorporation of innovative approaches into national accounts; holding a
meeting of experts co-sponsored by one or more countries would be a useful way
to enriching understanding of this complex issue;
(h) Programme element III.2, "criteria and indicators": holding an
expert meeting on compatibility and convergence between various initiatives on
criteria and indicators would be very useful. The proposed intergovernmental
seminar in Finland could serve to integrate the numerous initiatives and
processes relevant to the issue. A paper to build on the outcome of various
initiatives, as well as of FAO/UNEP regional meetings, needs to be prepared
prior to the discussion of the issue by the Panel;
(i) Programme element IV, "... trade in forest products ...
environment ... market access ... valuation ... certification and
labelling ...": preparation of a discussion paper to address trade in forest
products and prevailing market mechanisms, including market access and prices
on non-wood products; the review and assessment of the nature and the current
status of various schemes/initiatives on product certification and labelling;
and the formulation of an internationally accepted basis for product
certification and labelling schemes and initiatives. Holding a meeting of
experts sponsored by a country or countries would be most helpful in
addressing these crucial issues;
(j) Programme elements V.1 and 2: "... institutions and ...
instruments ...": preparation of a paper presenting an overview of existing
institutions and instruments and identifying overlaps and gaps. Options for
future action would be a major item for consideration at the fourth meeting of
the Panel.
14. The proposals contained in paragraph 13 (a) to (j) above would result in
the schedule outlined in the table below; for ease of reference, the
table also includes a list and, when available, the dates for other meetings
that might be relevant to the work of the Panel.
III. SUGGESTED METHODS OF WORK
15. To meet the 1997 deadline for the conclusion of the work of the Panel,
it would be highly desirable to reach a consensus on conclusions and
recommendations on the programme elements deliberated at the second and third
meetings of the Panel, which would then constitute draft elements for the
final report. At its fourth meeting, the Panel may wish to examine linkages,
integrate results, as appropriate, and adopt the final document for
presentation to the Commission on Sustainable Development at its fifth
session.
16. The Commission decided that the ultimate responsibility for the process
and the product of the Panel would reside with the Panel itself. To assist
the Panel, the secretariat, through inter-agency collaboration, could prepare
analytical report(s) for each of the programme elements under consideration by
drawing upon:
(a) Outcomes of recent and current activities, studies and initiatives;
(b) Contributions from all relevant parties, including major groups and
non-governmental organizations;
(c) Analytical studies, research papers and expert meetings, as
suggested in paragraph 13 above.
17. These report(s) would contain recommendations on possible action and
policy options at the international and national levels for consideration by
the Panel.
18. The duration of each meeting of the Panel is envisaged not to exceed one
week. Recognizing the wide range of issues to be addressed, the Panel may
consider dividing its work, during its second and third meetings, between two
(or more) in-session working groups. For example, during the second session
one such working group could examine programme elements I.1 and I.3, while
another working group could focus on programme elements II and V.1. However,
the proposed process should be seen to be flexible and appropriate in-session
adjustments could be made. Organizational modalities for the fourth meeting
may be considered later at the third meeting, taking into account the
progress made and the need for an integrated approach.
IV. SUGGESTIONS FOR THE INVOLVEMENT OF MAJOR GROUPS
19. The Commission on Sustainable Development decided that the full range of
non-governmental organizations would participate as observers in the Panel, on
an open-ended and fully participatory basis. Indeed, in the work of the Panel
it would be essential to consider the perspectives and concerns of all major
groups.
20. According to rule 24 of the rules of procedure of the functional
commissions of the Economic and Social Council, the rules of procedure of the
Commission shall apply to the proceedings of its subsidiary organs in so far
as they are applicable. Accordingly, since the Panel is a subsidiary body of
the Commission on Sustainable Development, the rules of procedure of the Panel
for the participation of non-governmental organizations would be the same as
those for the Commission itself, i.e., the rules of procedure of the
functional commissions of the Economic and Social Council as supplemented in
Council decision 1993/215 of 12 February 1993.
21. Additional informal arrangements could also be considered to enhance the
effectiveness of the participation of major groups in the work of the Panel,
including:
(a) Organizing round-table discussions or forums with the active
participation of major group representatives as speakers and discussants, to
be held in conjunction with Panel meetings;
(b) Conducting various side-events/presentations led by and/or with the
active participation of major groups;
(c) Holding informal dialogue sessions between the representatives of
Governments, international organizations and the non-governmental
organizations community.
22. In addition, during inter-sessional periods the secretariat of the Panel
will maintain active and open communication with major groups so as to solicit
their views and contributions with a view to ensuring opportunities for their
substantive input into both documentation and the delineation of issues being
considered by the Panel.
23. Encouraging steps have been taken by major groups to increase the
effectiveness of their involvement in the work of the Commission. This
approach could also be used as a model for their interaction with the Panel
and its secretariat. Taking into account the potentially large number of
major group organizations that may be interested in the work of the Panel, it
would be important, to the extent possible, to provide coordinated inputs to
the work of the Panel.
V. SECRETARIAT AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF THE PANEL
24. The Commission decided that secretariat support to the Panel should be
provided by a small team under the Department for Policy Coordination and
Sustainable Development of the United Nations Secretariat, possibly
coordinated by a temporary direct hire, assuming the availability of funds,
and with the secondment of relevant personnel from United Nations system and
other organizations, where relevant, particularly FAO as task manager for
forests in the United Nations system, UNEP, UNDP and ITTO. The Commission
further decided that the Panel secretariat would relay tasks from the Panel to
appropriate organizations, develop and maintain an effective communication
system between the Panel and organizations, and undertake logistical meeting
preparations and document dissemination. Under the direction of the Panel,
its secretariat would also facilitate the coordination of work undertaken.
25. The Commission felt that the operation of the Panel would require
funding to support meetings and participation by developing country
representatives and major groups from developing countries. The Commission
stressed that, in addition to drawing on existing resources where efficient,
the following sources of funding should be considered:
(a) Voluntary extrabudgetary contributions from Governments and
international organizations to support the work of the Panel;
(b) Secondments from international organizations;
(c) In-kind contributions from countries and international
organizations, including hosting meetings.
26. In order to facilitate the deliberations of the Panel, it is essential
for the secretariat to undertake advance preparatory work, which would involve
assistance in the organization of meetings of experts as well as synthesizing
and integrating the outputs of various initiatives and analyses. The extent
of the preparatory work would be largely dependent on the resources available
to the secretariat.
27. The Secretary-General, in his note verbale, of 21 June 1995, requested
contributions to the trust fund for the Panel. Governments and organizations
are encouraged to consider making voluntary contributions to ensure adequate
support for the work of the Panel. These contributions will be needed to:
(a) support meetings and participation by developing country representatives
and major groups from developing countries; (b) meet the requirements for
substantive support and servicing of the Panel by the Department; and
(c) organize studies and expert consultations as well as for consultancy.
28. Generous contributions to supporting the work of the Panel were recently
made by the Government of Switzerland, which has also offered to host the
meetings of the Panel, while the ITTO Council has decided to provide funding
for the Coordinator and UNDP has agreed to second human resources for the work
of the Panel secretariat. However, additional resources will still be
required to support the work of the Panel.
29. Immediately after the establishment of the Panel, the Department
initiated inter-agency consultations with a view to mobilizing the active
involvement of all relevant organizations in the preparations for the first
meeting of the Panel. In that context, an inter-agency meeting was convened in
Geneva on 20 and 21 July 1995 to discuss specific organizational arrangements
for supporting the work of the Panel as well as to review proposals to
implement its programme of work; the proposals contained in the present report
are largely based on the outcome of that meeting.
30. The Inter-Agency Commission on Sustainable Development (IACSD), at its
sixth session, expressed strong support for the work of the Panel. The
Committee underscored the fact that support for the Panel would require a
consistent system-wide approach and active collaboration among the
organizations of the United Nations system. Furthermore, the Committee felt
that meetings of the organizations most directly concerned with forest issues,
particularly FAO, UNEP, UNDP, the World Bank, the secretariat of the
Convention on Biological Diversity, and ITTO, should be held as required by
the work programme of the Panel and should serve as a mechanism for providing
and mobilizing substantive support for the work of the Panel and its
secretariat. The Committee encouraged all interested organizations to
consider supporting the secretariat through secondment and/or through
assigning competent staff members who would support the secretariat while
operating from within their own organizations. In that context, the Committee
expressed its appreciation to UNDP for taking early steps in that direction.
VI. CONCLUDING REMARKS
31. The Panel may wish, during its first meeting, to give consideration to
the nature and form of its progress report and final report with conclusions
and policy recommendations, to be submitted to the Commission in 1996 and
1997, respectively; this would help guide the scheduling of its work programme
on various categories and issues. Some suggestions on the nature of the final
report and on the scheduling of issues for discussion are provided in
paragraphs 7 and 11 above in the table. In addressing this issue, the
attention of the Panel is drawn to the following considerations:
(a) The Panel must address a large number of issues in a limited time-
frame: these issues are at different levels of maturity, i.e., some need a
greater degree of analysis and synthesis than others;
(b) There is a need to formulate a consensus or preliminary conclusions
and policy recommendations on the issues deliberated at each meeting of the
Panel;
(c) It is important for the Panel to ensure the scheduling of the issues
for its deliberation and of the supporting inter-sessional activities, such as
meetings of experts and the preparation of background/discussion papers.
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Date last posted: 6 December 1999 16:48:34
Comments and suggestions: DESA/DSD