Note 224 PC/100/ADD.16: Deforestation unced 2:22 am Jan 16, 1992 From: UNCED Subject: PC/100/ADD.16: Deforestation PC/100/ADD.16: DEFORESTATION Distr. General A/CONF.151/PC/100/Add.16 13 December 1991 Original: ENGLISH PREPARATORY COMMITTEE FOR THE UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT Fourth Session New York, 2 March - 3 April 1992 Item 2 (c) of Plenary Session Item 3 (a) of provisional agenda of Working Group I PREPARATIONS FOR THE UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT ON THE BASIS OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION 44/228 AND TAKING INTO ACCOUNT OTHER RELEVANT GENERAL ASSEMBLY RESOLUTIONS: CROSS-SECTORAL ISSUES LAND RESOURCES: DEFORESTATION Combating deforestation: options for agenda 21 (Section II, Chapter 3 of Agenda 21) Report of the Secretary-General of the Conference INTRODUCTION 1. The third session of the Preparatory Committee, following its discussions on Agenda item 3 (a) on Land Resources: Deforestation and having considered documents A/CONF.151/PC/64, A/CONF.151/PC/65, A/CONF.151/42/Add.3 and decisions 1/14 and 2/13 of the first and second sessions of the Preparatory Committee, respectively, in its decision ** (A/CONF/46-48/Decision 3/15/p. 3) < Invited Governments to submit to the secretariat of the Conference not later than 1 October 1991 further proposals for Agenda 21 on forests > **. The Preparatory Committee further decided that at the fourth session of the Preparatory Committee ** (A/CONF/46-48/Decision 3/15/ p. 4 (b)) < a decision be made on the contents of Agenda 21 with regards to forests against the background of the secretariat document... > **. 2. The present document has incorporated the above mentioned proposals as well as the decision of the Preparatory Committee on the Structure and Organization of Agenda 21 (A/CONF.151/PC/L.49) and the views expressed at the third session of the Preparatory Committee as reflected in the Chairman's summary (A/CONF.151/WG.I/CRP.13). It has also drawn upon the basic elements considered during the discussions on a non-legally binding authoritative statement of principles for a global consensus on the management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests (A/CONF.151/WG.I/CRP.14/Rev.1). It has considered the conclusions and recommendations of the 10th World Forestry Congress (Paris, France, September 1991) and counted upon the advice of its Working Party on Forests, as well as on the support of related International Organizations and Programmes1/. These latter include the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, (UNESCO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Bank (WB), the World Conservation Union (IUCN), the World Resources Institute (WRI), the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). In this respect the Secretariat wishes to express its appreciation to the organizations, and other collaborators for their support and, in particular, the substantial assistance given by the Forestry Department of FAO. 3. The proposed global objective of Agenda 21 on Forests could be ** (A/CONF.151/ WG.I/ CRP 13) < to achieve conservation and rational utilization of all forests and tree-based resources to increase their contribution to overall socio-economic development, environmental protection and people's quality of life, within the context of sustainable development. > ** 2/ 4. An important consideration, in the context of environment and sustainable development, is that the benefits to be derived from trees, forests and forest lands are closely linked to areas covered in other sections of Agenda 21 such as those related to agriculture, mountain ecosystems, human settlements, land resources management, desertification control, oceans and coastal areas, wildlife management, protection of fragile ecosystems, biodiversity, rural energy, freshwater resources, industrial needs and climate change. Neglecting trees, forests and forest lands will ultimately inflict serious negative impacts on the human environment and its already fragile ecological and economic balance. 5. The activities outlined in this document are very closely related to, and have implications for, many of the programme areas described in other chapters, so an overall integrated approach is therefore necessary: a. Securing the multiple roles of trees, forests and forest lands; b. Protecting forests. Promoting afforestation and reforestation; c. Promoting a better utilization and value of trees, forests and forest lands; d. Assessment and monitoring of forest related programmes and processes; e. International and regional cooperation. PROGRAMME AREAS A. SECURING THE MULTIPLE ROLES OF TREES, FORESTS AND FOREST LANDS Basis for Action 6. There are major weaknesses in the policies, methods and mechanisms adopted to support and develop the multiple ecological, economic, social and cultural roles of trees, forests and forest lands. In many countries, forest resources are being treated as free goods while in others they have been systematically depleted, impoverishing the quality of life of the people and restricting their options for development. Many developed countries are confronted with the effects of air pollution and fire damage on their forests. More effective measures and approaches are required at the national level to improve and harmonize policy formulation, planning and programming; legislative measures and instruments; development patterns; people's participation; involvement of women and youth; roles of the private sector, local organizations, NGOs and cooperatives; development of technical and multidisciplinary skills and quality of human resources; forestry extension and public education; research capability and support; administrative structures and mechanisms, including intersectoral coordination, decentralization, and responsibility and incentive systems; dissemination of information and public relations. This is especially important to ensure a holistic approach to a sustainable and environmentally sound development of forests. The need for securing the multiple roles of forests and forest lands through adequate and appropriate institutional strengthening has been repeatedly emphasised in many of the reports, decisions and recommendations by FAO, ITTO, UNEP, the World Bank, IUCN, and other organizations. Objectives 7. Strengthen forest related national institutions by the year 2000, to enhance the scope and effectiveness of activities related to conservation and development of forests, and to effectively ensure sustainable production of forests' goods and services in both developed and developing countries. 8. Develop and improve skills and capabilities to effectively formulate and implement policies, plans, programmes and projects on sustainable development and conservation of trees, forests and forest lands. Activities Management Related: 9. National governments and institutions, in cooperation, where necessary, with appropriate international and bilateral organizations, should secure institutional capability to promote the multiple roles of forests and forest lands in supporting environmental conservation and development. This should be done wherever possible by strengthening and/or modifying the existing structures and arrangements, and improving cooperation and the coordination of their respective roles. Some of the major activities in this regard are: a. Review, reform/reformulate policies and related legal measures relevant to trees, forests and forest lands and relate them to other land uses and development policies and legislation. b. Develop plans and programmes, including definition of national targets, strategies, allocation of new and additional funding, and standards, norms and guidelines for their implementation. c. Establish and/or improve facilities for forest education and training for developing an adequate cadre of trained, skilled and motivated staff at the professional, technical and vocational levels, with emphasis on youth and women. d. Establish and strengthen facilities and capabilities for research related to the different aspects of forests including, for example research on biodiversity, on the effects of, and relations with, climate change, traditional uses of forest resources by local populations, etc.3/ e. Develop and implement an effective system of forest extension and public education to ensure better awareness and appreciation about the multiple roles and values of trees, forests and forest lands. f. Promote participation of the private sector, labour unions, rural cooperatives, local communities, youth, women and NGOs in forest related activities, including clarification of rights, privileges and incentives. g. Rationalize and strengthen administrative structures and mechanisms including provision of adequate levels of staff and allocation of responsibilities, decentralization of decision making, provision of infrastructural facilities and equipment, intersectoral coordination and an effective system of communication. Data and Information: 10. The national governments, with the assistance and cooperation of appropriate international, regional and bilateral agencies should develop adequate database and baseline information necessary for policy formulation, planning and programme evaluation. The following are some of the more specific activities: a. Collect, compile and regularly update information on land classification and land use, including data on forest cover, biomass and productivity and correlate demographic, socio-economic and forest resources information at micro- and macro-levels, and undertake periodic analysis of forest policy and programmes. b. Generate data based on work studies and ergonomic research and job analysis for establishing norms to assess human resource requirements and training needs for the sector. c. Establish linkages with other data systems and sources relevant to supporting forest conservation and development while further developing or reinforcing Geographic Information Systems. International and Regional Cooperation and Coordination: 11. The international community, in general, should provide expertise and funds, promote international research efforts, facilitate transfer of appropriate technology and specialized training and ensure access to experiences and research results. There is need for strengthening the capacity of forest related international organizations to provide technical cooperation to interested countries. There is also a need for improving coordination among those organizations. Means of Implementation Financial and Cost Evaluation: 12. Annual estimated funding required to implement these activities is about US$ 2,500 million for the period 1993-2000. A major part required will need be financed from national governments, the private sector and in some cases, NGOs. 13. The estimated amount of international financing required, annually, for developing countries has been estimated at US$ 860 million, of which US$ 840 million are related to accelerating development and US$ 20 million for strengthening the capacity of international institutions. Accelerating development would consist of implementing management-related and data/information activities listed above 4/. Scientific and Technological Means: 14. The planning, research and training activities specified will form the scientific and technological means for implementing the programme, as well as its output. The systems, methodology and know-how generated by the programme will help improve efficiency. Some of the specific steps involved should include: a. Analysis of achievements, constraints and social issues for supporting policy analysis, formulation and implementation. b. Analysis of research problems and research needs, research planning and implementation of specific research projects. c. Assessment of needs for human resources, skill development and training. d. Development, testing and application of appropriate methodologies/approaches in implementing forest policies, programmes and plans. Human Resources Development: 15. The specific components of forest education and training will effectively contribute to human resources development. These include: a. Launching of graduate and post-graduate degree, specialization and research programmes. b. Strengthening of pre-service and in-service training programmes at the technical and vocational levels, including training of trainers/teachers, and developing curriculum and teaching materials/methods. c. Special training for staff of national forest related organizations in aspects such as project formulation, evaluation and monitoring. Capacity Building: 16. This programme area is specifically concerned with capacity building in the forest sector and all programme activities specified contribute to that end. In building new and improved capacities, full advantage should be taken of the existing systems and experience 5/. B. PROTECTING FORESTS. PROMOTING AFFORESTATION AND REFORESTATION Basis for Action 17. Forests worldwide are threatened by uncontrolled conversion to other types of land uses, influenced by increasing human needs; agricultural expansion; environmentally harmful mismanagement, which includes, for example, lack of adequate forest fire control, overgrazing and unregulated browsing, harmful effects of airborne pollutants, economic incentives and other measures taken by other sectors of the economy which leads to accelerated deforestation and anthropogenic changes in climate. The impacts of loss and degradation of forests are in the form of soil erosion; loss of biological diversity, damage to wildlife habitat and degradation of watershed areas, deterioration of the quality of life and reducing the options for development. 18. The present situation calls for urgent and consistent action for conservation and enhancement of forest and tree resources. Greening of suitable areas, in all its component activities, is an effective way of increasing public awareness and participation in protecting and managing forest resources. It should include the consideration of land use and tenure patterns and local needs and should spell-out and clarify the specific objectives of the different types of greening activities 3/. Objectives 19. Maintain and expand areas under forest and tree cover, in appropriate areas of both developed and developing countries through protection, afforestation, reforestation and tree planting, with a view to expand their contribution to human needs and welfare. 20. Achieve conservation and sustainable management of existing and new forest resources, by the turn of the century 6/. 21. Increase the ecological, biological, climatic, socio-cultural and economic contributions of trees and forests. Activities Management Related: 22. Governments, with the participation of the private sector, non-governmental organizations, local community groups and the public at large should act to expand the vegetative cover wherever ecologically, socially and economically feasible. The international community should provide technical cooperation and financial support for the programme. The following are some of the more urgent activities: a. Establish Sustainable Management of Natural Forest Ecosystems and woodlands through improved management, planning and timely implementation of silvicultural operations, including inventory and relevant research as well as rehabilitation of degraded natural forests to restore productivity and environmental contributions giving particular attention to industrial needs, wood-based energy, agroforestry, wildlife management, and forest genetic resources. b. Establish, Expand and Manage Protected Area Systems including National Parks for their environmental functions and values, including protection of forests representing typical ecological systems and landscapes, old growth forests, conservation and management of wildlife, conservation of genetic resources involving in situ and ex situ measures and undertaking supportive measures to ensure protection of biological diversity7/. c. Undertake and Promote Buffer and Transition Zone Management for ecosystem conservation and community benefits. d. Carry out Protective Revegetation in mountain areas, highlands, bare lands, degraded farm lands, arid and semi-arid lands and for controlling desertification and national programmes for rehabilitation of degraded lands, including community forestry, social forestry, agroforestry and silvopasture while also taking into account the role of forests as carbon sinks 8/. e. Expand Industrial Forest Plantations to support and promote national afforestation and reforestation programmes in suitable sites, including up-grading of existing plantations industrial and commercial needs. f. Increase Protection of Forests from fire, pests and diseases. g. Stimulate Development of Urban Forestry for greening of urban and peri-urban areas, for amenity, recreation and production purposes and for protecting old trees and groves. h. Launch or improve opportunities for involvement of youth, women and local communities in the formulation and development of forest related programmes and activities taking due account of the local needs and cultural values and i. Rationalize shifting cultivation, its social and ecological causes, processes and effects. Data and Information: 23. The management-related activities should involve collection, compilation and analysis of data/information, including baseline surveys. The following are some of the specific activities: a. Carry out surveys and land use plans to formulate and implement appropriate greening/planting/afforestation programmes. b. Consolidate and update land use and forest inventory and management information for management and land use planning of wood and non-wood resources including data on shifting cultivation. c. Consolidate information on genetic resources, including surveys and studies as necessary 9/. d. Compile and analyse research data on species/site interaction of species used in forest plantations and assess the potential impact on forests of climatic change, and initiate in- depth studies on the carbon cycle relating to different forest types. e. Establish linkages with other data/information sources that relates to sustainable management and use of forests and improve access to data and information. International and Regional Cooperation and Coordination: 24. Since greening of appropriate areas is a task of global importance and impact, the international community should provide technical and financial support for this programme. Specific activities of international nature, in support of national efforts, should include the following: a. Increase cooperative actions to reduce pollutants and trans-boundary impacts affecting the health of trees and forests. b. Co-ordinate regional research on carbon sequestration, air pollution and other environmental issues. c. Document and exchange information/experience for the benefit of countries with similar problems and prospects. d. Strengthen the capacity of international organizations such as FAO, ITTO, UNEP, UNESCO, ICRAF and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), to provide technical support in this programme area. Means of implementation Financial and Cost Evaluation: 25. The estimated annual financing required to implement these activities is about US$ 10 billion for the period 1993-2000. Of this amount about US$ 3.7 billion in international financing will be needed for developing countries. From that amount US$ 3,510 million are related to accelerating development; US$ 150 million are needed for global environmental issues and US$ 20 million for strengthening the capacity of international institutions. Scientific and Technological Means: 26. Data analysis, planning, research, transfer/development of technology and/or training activities form an integral part of the programme activities, providing the scientific and technological means of implementation. National institutions should: a. Develop feasibility studies and operational planning related to major forest activities. b. Develop and apply environmentally sound technology relevant to the various activities listed. c. Increase action related to genetic improvement and application of biotechnology for improving productivity and tolerance to environmental stress and including, for example, tree breeding, seed technology, seed procurement networks, germplasm banks, "in vitro" techniques, in situ and ex situ conservation. Human Resources Development: 27. Essential means for effectively implementing the activities include training and development of appropriate skills, working facilities and conditions, public motivation and awareness. Specific activities include: a. Provide specialized training in planning, management, environmental conservation, biotechnology, etc. b. Establish demonstration areas to serve as models and training facilities. c. Support local organizations, communities, NGOs, private land owners, in particular women, youth, farmers and indigenous people/shifting cultivators, through extension, provision of inputs and training. Capacity Building: 28. The national governments, the private sector, local organizations/communities, labour unions and NGOs should develop capacities, duly supported by relevant international agencies, to implement the programme activities. Such capacity should be developed and strengthened in harmony with the programme activities. Capacity building activities include policy and legal frameworks, national institution building, human resource development, development of research and technology, development of infrastructure, enhancement of public awareness, etc. C. PROMOTING A BETTER UTILIZATION AND VALUE OF TREES, FORESTS AND FOREST LANDS. Basis for Action 29. The vast potential of forests and forest lands as a major resource for socio-economic development is not yet fully realised. Improved management of forests can increase the production of goods and services and in particular the yield of wood and "Non Wood Forest Products", thus helping generate additional employment and income, addition of value through processing and trade of forest products, increased contribution to foreign exchange earnings, and increase return on investment. Forest resources, being renewable, can be sustainably managed in a manner that is compatible with environmental conservation. It is also possible to increase the value of forests through "non-damaging" uses such as eco-tourism and managed supply of genetic materials. There is need for concerted action in order to increase people's perception of the value of forests and of the benefits they provide. The survival of the forests and their continued contribution for human welfare depends highly on succeeding in this endeavour 10/. Objectives 30. Improve recognition of the social, economic and ecological values of trees, forests and forest lands and ensure their sustainable management in a way which is consistent with land use, environmental considerations and development needs. 31. Promote efficient and rational utilization of trees and forest resources, including the development of forest-based processing industries, value-adding secondary processing and trade in forest products based on sustainably managed forest resources. Activities Management Related: 32. Governments, the private sector, cooperatives and entrepreneurs should undertake these activities, properly coordinated at the national level along with financial and technical cooperation from international agencies: a. Carry-out detailed investment studies, supply-demand harmonisation and environmental impact analysis to rationalise and improve trees and forest utilization and to establish appropriate incentive schemes, including tenurial arrangements, for attracting investment and promoting better management. b. Improve Methods and Practices of Forest Harvesting which are ecologically and economically viable, including planning and management, improved use of equipment, storage and transportation to reduce waste, and improve value of both wood and non- wood forest products. c. Improve Management of Forest Plantations wherever possible through appropriate and environmentally and economically viable silvicultural practices. d. Promote/Popularize Non-Wood Forest Products (e.g. medicinal plants, dyes, fibres, gums, resins, fodder, cultural products, etc.) including research on their uses. e. Expand and/or Improve Efficiency of Forest-Based Processing Industries both wood and non-wood based, involving such aspects as efficient conversion technology and improved utilisation of harvesting and process residues; promotion of lesser known species (LKS) in natural forests through research, demonstration and commercialisation; promotion of value-adding secondary processing for improved employment, income and retained value; and promotion/improvement of markets for, and trade in, forest products through relevant institutions, policies and facilities. f. Promote and Support Wildlife Farming, (e.g. for food, hides and skin, bones and horns, eco-tourism, etc.), for improved rural income and employment, ensuring economic and social benefits without harmful ecological impacts. g. Promote Appropriate Small-Scale Forest-Based Enterprises for supporting rural development and local entrepreneurship. h. Improve and promote methodologies for the comprehensive assessment of forest values. i. Harmonize Sustainable Management of Forests with International Trade Policies and vice versa. Data and Information: 33. The objectives and the management related activities presuppose data and information analysis, feasibility studies, market surveys and review of technological information. Some of the relevant activities include: a. Undertake Analysis of Supply and Demand for forest products and services, to ensure efficiency in their utilization, wherever necessary. b. Carry out Investment Analysis and Feasibility Studies, including environmental impact assessment, for establishing forest-based processing enterprises. c. Conduct Research on the Properties of Lesser Known Species (LKS) for their promotion and commercialization including tolerance to changes in climate and other factors. d. Conduct Market Surveys of Forest Products for trade promotion and intelligence. e. Document and Disseminate Technological Information as a measure to promote better utilization of forest resources. International and Regional Cooperation and Coordination: 34. Cooperation and assistance of international agencies and the international community will be required in technology transfer, specialization, ensuring favourable terms of trade, concessional financing and incentives for activities related to global environmental concerns. Strengthening of the capacity of international organizations and in particular FAO, UNIDO, Unesco, UNEP, ITC/UNCTAD/GATT, ITTO and ILO for providing technical assistance and guidance in this programme area is another specific activity. Means of Implementation Financial and Cost Evaluation: 35. Estimated annual financing required to implement the programme activities is about US$ 18 billion, for the period 1993-2000. The bulk of it is expected to be invested by the private sector. Part of it will also be invested by the national governments. Smaller investments will come from cooperatives and households. International assistance will, however, act as a catalyst and stimulant to promote development. 36. The amount of international financing, required annually by developing countries has been estimated at US$ 880 million of which US$ 660 million are related to accelerated development; US$ 200 million for global environmental issues and US$ 20 million for strengthening the capacity of international organizations. Scientific and Technological Means: 37. The programme activities pre-supposes major research efforts and studies as well as improvement of technology. This should be coordinated by national governments in collaboration with, and supported by, relevant international agencies and institutions. Some of the specific components include: a. Research on properties of wood and non-wood products and on their uses, to promote improved utilization. b. Development and application of environmentally sound and less-polluting technology for forest utilization. c. Models and techniques of outlook analysis and development planning. d. Scientific investigations on the development and utilization of non-timber forest products. e. Appropriate methodologies to comprehensively assess the value of forests. Human Resources Development: 38. The success and effectiveness of the programme depends on availability of skilled personnel. Specialized training is an important factor in this regard. New emphasis should be given to the incorporation of women. Human resource development for programme implementation, in quantitative and qualitative terms should include: a. Develop the required specialized skills to implement the programme, including establishment of special training facilities at all levels. b. Introduce/strengthen refresher training courses, including fellowships and study tours, to update skills and technological know-how and improve productivity. c. Strengthen capability for research, planning, economic analysis, monitoring and evaluation, relevant to improved utilization of forest resources. d. Promote efficiency and capability of private and cooperative sectors through provision of facilities and incentives. Capacity Building: 39. Capacity building, including strengthening of existing capacity, is implicit in the programme activities. Improving administration, policy and plans, national institutions, human resources, research and scientific capabilities, technology development, and monitoring and evaluation are important components of capacity building. D. ASSESSMENT AND MONITORING OF FOREST RELATED PROGRAMMES AND PROCESSES Basis for Action 40. Assessment and monitoring are essential components of long-term planning, for evaluating effects, quantitatively and qualitatively, and for rectifying inadequacies. This mechanism, however, is one of the often neglected aspects of forest resources conservation and development. In many cases, even the basic information related to the area and types of forests, volume of harvest etc. is lacking. In many developing countries, there is a lack of structures and mechanisms to carry out these functions. There is an urgent need to rectify this situation for a better understanding of the role and importance of forests and to realistically plan for their effective conservation and management. Objectives 41. Strengthen or, establish new systems for assessing and monitoring forest and forest lands with a view to assess the impacts of programmes, projects and activities on the quality and extent of forest resources, land available for afforestation, land tenure, and to integrate the systems in a continuing process of research and in-depth analysis, while ensuring necessary modifications and improvements for planning and decision making process. 42. Provide operators, planners and decision makers with sound and updated adequate information on forest and forest land resources. Activities Management Related: 43. Governments and institutions in collaboration with appropriate international agencies and organizations, should undertake assessments and continuous monitoring of programmes and processes with a view to their continuous improvement. This should be linked to related activities of research, and management, and wherever possible, be built upon existing systems. The following are some of the important activities: a. Assess and Monitor the Quantitative and Qualitative Situation and Changes of Forest Cover and forest resource endowments, at the national level, including status updates, and link this activity, as appropriate, with regional or global systems of forest cover monitoring. b. Establish National Systems of Monitoring and Evaluation of programmes and processes, including establishment of definitions, standards, norms, and intercalibration methods, and capability for initiating corrective actions as well as improving formulation and implementation of programmes and projects. c. Make Estimates of Impacts of Forest Developments, in terms of key variables such as developmental goals, benefits/costs, community welfare, environmental conditions and biological diversity and their impacts at the local, regional and global levels to assess the changing technological and financial needs and needs of countries. d. Carry Out Studies and Investigations Regarding Influence of Forests on carbon storage, climatic changes, greenhouse gases, etc., and on the effects of those processes on trees and forests. e. Develop National Systems of Forest Resource Accounting, including necessary research and data analysis and incorporate results in national accounting and planning. f. Establish Necessary Inter-Sectoral and Programme Linkages including improved access to information in order to support a holistic approach to planning and programming. Data and information: 44. Reliable data and information are vital to this programme. The national governments in collaboration with appropriate international agencies should undertake to continuously improve data and information. Some of the specific activities envisaged are the following: a. Collect, Compile and Consolidate Existing Information and establish baseline information on aspects relevant to this programme. b. Harmonize the Programmes Involving Data and Information Activities to ensure accuracy and consistency. c. Undertake Special Surveys on for example land available and suitable for afforestation in order to improve data, information and action. d. Enhance Research Support and improve access to research results. International and Regional Cooperation and Coordination: 45. The International Community should provide technical and financial support for implementing this programme including the following: a. Establish global criteria, norms and definitions for monitoring and assessment of forest resource situation. b. Set-up an institutional mechanism to coordinate forest assessment and monitoring activities. c. Establish regional and global networks for exchange of relevant information. d. Strengthen the capacity of international organizations such as FAO, ITTO, UNEP, UNESCO and UNIDO to provide technical support and guidance in this programme area. Means of Implementation Financial and Cost Evaluation: 46. Estimated annual financing required to implement the activities is about US$ 750 million for the period 1993-2000. About 70 per cent of the required financing will come from national governments and from the private sector. The amount of annual international financing required, by developing countries has been estimated as US$ 230 million, of which US$ 180 million are related to accelerating development, US$ 30 million for global environmental issues and US$ 20 million for strengthening the capacity of international organizations. 47. Accelerating development consists of implementing the management-related and data/information activities cited above. Activities related to global environment issues are those which will contribute to the global information for assessing/evaluating/addressing environmental issues on world-wide basis. Strengthening the capacity of international institutions consists of enhancing the technical staff and their executing capacity several international organizations in order to meet the requirements of countries. Scientific and Technological Means: 48. Assessment and monitoring activities involve major research efforts, statistical modelling and technological innovation. These have been internalized into the management-related activities. The activities in turn will improve the technology and scientific content of assessment and monitoring. Some of the specific scientific and technological components included under the activities are: a. Development of technical, ecological and economic methods and models related to monitoring and evaluation. b. Development of data systems, data processing and statistical modelling. c. Remote sensing and ground surveys. d. Development of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). e. Assessment and improvement of technology. 49. These are to be linked and harmonized with similar activities and components in the other programmes. Human Resources Development: 50. The programme activities foresee the need, and include provision for human resource development in terms of specialization (e.g. the use of remote sensing, mapping, statistical modelling), training, technology transfer, fellowships, and field demonstrations. Capacity Building: 51. The national governments in collaboration with appropriate international agencies and institutions should develop the necessary capacity for implementing this programme. This should be harmonized with capacity building for other programmes. Capacity building should cover such aspects as policies, public administration, national level institutions, human resource and skill development, research capability, technology development, information system, programme evaluation, intersectoral coordination and international cooperation. E. INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL COOPERATION Basis for Action 52. The impacts, both positive and negative, of forest management are felt beyond the forest sector and often outside the national boundaries. Some of the global impacts, such as the influence of forests on climatic changes, carbon release and assimilation, etc., are insufficiently researched and understood. At the same time, several of the problems presently being faced by the forest sector in developing countries have parallels in developed countries. International, bilateral and regional cooperation can provide the necessary framework to channel and exchange technical and financial cooperation. This is especially important considering that financial resources for research and investigation are limited. The long-term nature of investment in forests and forest related activities is often an added problem in attracting funds. Furthermore countries could benefit by the exchange of information and experience and by undertaking collaborative and cooperative projects to address common problems and issues. A properly coordinated and harmonized programme of international cooperation between developed and developing countries and among developing countries, establishment of regional and global networks covering collaborative aspects of forestry, and increasing the capability and coordination of international and bilateral agencies to provide assistance to the forest sectors, can help to redress the situation. Objectives 53. Facilitate timely and adequate flow of regional and international assistance and cooperation for conservation and sustainable development of forests through reinforcing existing mechanisms or, if necessary, establishing new ones. 54. Provide developing countries with favourable terms of trade for sustainably produced forest products. 55. Facilitate early negotiations on a global instrument on the management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests 11/. Activities Management related: 56. Most of the activities should be initiated, implemented and coordinated by appropriate international organizations with active collaboration, cooperation and involvement of national governments and NGOs. Some of the more urgent activities are: a. Revamp existing Regional and International mechanisms for funding, coordinating and guiding forest development, such as the Tropical Forestry Action Plan (TFAP). b. Establish an International Fund (Green Fund) for Forest Conservation and Sustainable Development to facilitate the timely and adequate flow of international funding assistance for conservation and development of forests, with a special facility for developing countries and provision for emergency assistance. c. Reinforce existing and, when necessary, establish new, regional and international networks/mechanisms for promoting collective efforts in areas of common interest (e.g. fire protection, shifting cultivation, biotechnology, forestry education, etc.) and undertaking sub-regional, regional and inter-regional forestry projects in support of national efforts. d. Promote Forest Related Research at International Level, including establishing a new international forest research entity and strengthen forest research in international research institutions, both within and outside the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) System. e. Promote Technical and Economic Cooperation among Developing Countries in forests related action and promote international technology transfer related to forests and its sustainable management. f. Establish World Heritage and other Protected Areas in selected forests representing different eco-geographic regions and ensure appropriate administration and protection of those areas. g. Support Negotiations on a Global Instrument on the management, conservation, and sustainable development of all types of forests, including woodlands, and other negotiations relevant to trees, forests and forest lands for example the renegotiation of the International Tropical Timber Agreement of 1983 due in 1992/1993. h. Refine and Expand International Law relevant to international cooperation related to forests including, among others, on trade in forest products on the role of transnational corporations in forestry. Data and Information: 57. Data and information-related activities are an important component of international and regional cooperation in forestry. The national data bases, surveys and studies provide an important source for regional information. Data gaps will have to be filled by regional and global surveys. The following are some of the more specific activities which should be implemented by the United Nations system: a. Establishment of a global and easily accessible information system with subject-specific and regional components and capability for global updates on the State of Forests. b. Reinforcement of documentation and dissemination of information for the benefit of the countries. c. Performance evaluation of internationally assisted forest related projects in developing countries. d. Review of global funding needs in the forest sector in collaboration with other regional and international institutions and agencies. International and Regional Cooperation and Coordination: 58. Activities listed as management-related imply international and regional cooperation and coordination. An added dimension is to strengthen the capacity of the main international organizations involved with conservation and development of forests, to facilitate their enhanced role, through addition of staff and infrastructure and supplementary funding. Means of Implementation Financial and Cost Evaluation: 59. The estimated investment required annually to implement the activities is about US$ 750 million, for the period 1993-2000. Nearly 70 per cent of the required financing would come from international sources. The amount of international financing required annually has been estimated to be US$ 530 million of which US$ 430 million are related to accelerating development; US$ 80 million for global environmental issues and US$ 20 for strengthening the capacity of international organizations. 60. Accelerating development consists of implementing management-related data and information activities cited above. While all these activities are global, inter-country and inter-regional in nature, some of them are relevant to global environment matters. Strengthening the capacity of international organizations should consist of enhancing the infrastructure, facilities, staff, coordination mechanisms and budgetary situation of the several organizations involved 12/. Scientific and Technological Means: 61. Planning and coordination international research, establishment of international networks on forest matters, data and problem analysis, documentation and dissemination of information and discussions at international fora are some of the activities forming the scientific and technological means of implementing the programme. Collaboration and continued interaction with leading research and educational institutions and universities in areas related to forest (i.e environmental science, agriculture, biology, meteorology, hydrology, pedology, etc.) is also an important activity. Human Resource Development: 62. Those who are involved in implementing the programme, and those who collaborate with it, should be exposed to the latest developments in science and technology as well as on the complexity of problems at the field level, especially in the developing countries. Conducting seminars, symposia and workshops related to the problems, issues, methods and plans, and close collaboration with universities and educational institutions to update on technology and know-how, are envisaged. Capacity Building: 63. Effectiveness of the programme depends on its capacity to address the major forest related problems plaguing the developing countries some developed countries and to provide technical assistance in solving these problems. This presupposes a critical mass of infrastructure, expertise, policy framework, means of communication and capacity for regular planned actions and, in addition, emergency responses. Wherever possible, this can be built upon the existing international and regional facilities. EXPLANATORY NOTES 1. Conservation and development are closely interrelated aspects of forestry and forest management. The multiple roles of forests, spanning the whole spectrum of environmental conservation and rational utilization of forest products (goods and services), are vital for human welfare and socio-economic development. They influence, and are influenced by, related development issues such as development patterns,alleviation of poverty, generation of employment and income, provision of rural energy, supply of essential forest products and earning of foreign exchange, and conservation issues such as soil and water conservation, control of desertification, sustainability of agriculture, protection of wildlife, amelioration of habitat conditions, maintenance of biodiversity and climate change. They can make important contributions in slowing the global warming, saving of water for life and agriculture, feeding the world, holding back the sea, cleaning the air and reducing poverty. In spite of their vital importance forest resources are being depleted at an alarming rate. Some 17 million hectares of tropical forests alone are lost annually, mainly due to continuing people's pressures on forest lands and demands from other sectors resulting in improper land use changes. Solutions to the problems facing forests and land use are mostly to be found through a holistic approach to conservation and development (see document A/CONF./151/PC/64). Programmes for conservation and development of forests cannot achieve desired success in isolation, without appropriate measures to alleviate demographic pressures and to rationalise the process of development, industrialisation and related technology. While conversion of forests into other forms of land uses in some areas in developing countries can be linked to demographic pressures this is not necessarily the only factor. Unsustainable practices, land tenure and employment opportunities, external debt and un-coordinated policies are also among the main causes of forest degradation and depletion. Dying forests in many developed countries bear testimony to some adverse impacts of industrialization. The global objectives and programmes areas proposed for Agenda 21 on Forests are based on the orientations given in the UN Resolution 44/228 which has reaffirmed the principle of sovereignty as well as the need to prevent further deterioration of land resources while ensuring protection and enhancement of environment, and on the need to address the major environmental issues in the overall development context for restoring the global ecological balance, conserving biological diversity and promoting sustainable and environmentally sound development. 2. This global objective is to be realized through five interrelated programmes areas. The estimated total average annual investment required in the developing countries during the period 1993-2000 to implement these programmes and activities (excluding the routine maintenance and running costs) will be in the order of US$ 32 to 33,000 million. This compares with the estimated current investment of about US$ 15,000 million per year, a figure which may not be totally based on sustainable forestry practices. The annual average international funding required has been estimated at US$ 6,180 million for the period 1993-2000. The actual Official Development Assistance (ODA) for forests in 1990 amounted to US$ 1,354 million (FAO, 1991. Secretariat Note to the 10th Session of the FAO Committee on Forest Development in the Tropics). A level of about four and a half times the present level of ODA will therefore be necessary to bridge the gap. Since the amount represents the average of steadily increasing needs during 1993-2000, the figures needed at the beginning of the period will certainly be smaller. These estimates are consistent with the requirements of some of the major programmes being initiated (e.g. the 5 year, US$ 1,500 million Pilot Programme for the Conservation of the Brazilian Amazon Forests). They do not include any international funding which Eastern European Countries may need in the near future. If the world would decide to counter act the present rate of deforestation of 17 million hectares of tropical forests alone through new plantations and considering a standard cost of US$ 1,000 per hectare this would represent around US$ 17,000 million per year. The Noordwijk Declaration recommended a net growth of forest cover of over 12 million hectares by the beginning of next century which if added to the current deforestation in developing countries located in the tropics and the temperate belts this figure could represent planting close to 30 million hectares. An estimated 80 per cent of the required future investment will come from the national budgets, private sector, communities and households. The actual situation will however vary between countries and regions, depending on a number of factors; and this will lead to varying reliance on international cooperation. These differences, between countries and regions, have been taken into consideration in drawing up the Agenda 21 and particularly in estimating the needs and costs for international assistance. Loss and degradation of forests are not confined to the tropical countries. Updates of forest resource situation are lacking for developed countries in the temperate and boreal zones. Little is know on the situation of developing countries in the temperate areas of Asia, Africa and South America. However, studies have indicated that fire and overgrazing are a significant problem in the temperate forests of the Mediterranean zone. A most significant factor of temperate forest degradation in Europe is the local and transboundary air pollution (Ref. The 1989 Forest Damage Survey, Economic Commission for Europe, Geneva, 1990). In 1989, the areas affected by moderate to severe defoliation and dieback has been in the range of 12 to 67 per cent in Eastern Europe and Russia, while in Western Europe it ranged between 3 and 28 per cent. In those countries, about 25 per cent of the total standing volume of conifers and 18 per cent of all non-coniferous species are estimated to be at risk. The boreal forests constituting 25 per cent of world's closed forests are also subjected to damage by fire and air pollution. These trends will have serious environmental and economic repercussions and urgent remedial measures are needed. In estimating the financial needs, a large number of sources including the FAO, the UNDP and the World Bank, were consulted to obtain costs used by these organizations for several forest operations and average unit costs for specific activities; data on population, land area, GNP, employment, etc; details of forest cover, production and trade and details on needs for training and research. Totals of figures obtained were also compared with other similar regional or global calculations produced, for example, by FAO, the World Bank and IUCN/UNEP/WWF. 3. See also sections on Biodiversity and Biotechnology as well as on Protecting the Atmosphere. 4. Accelerating development consists of implementing management-related and data/information activities listed. Activities related to global environmental issues are those which are undertaken over and above the national needs, for their transboundary environmental effects - i.e. activities related to carbon sequestration, conservation of biodiversity, regional/subregional watershed and flood control etc. Strengthening the capacity of international institutions consists of enhancing the technical staff and programming capacity of several organizations including FAO, UNEP, UNESCO, ICRAF and ICIMOD in order to be able to meet the requirements of countries for international technical support. 5. Capacity building should be given a very high priority in all programme areas. 6. Due consideration should be given to existing recommendations, principles and guidelines related to forest issues such as those made or issued by ITTO, the TFAP and the Nordjvik Declaration. 7. See also section on Biodiversity and Biotechnology. 8. See also sections on Combatting Desertification; Sustainable Mountain Development and on Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development. 9. See also section on Biodiversity and Biotechnology. 10. While forests in developing countries are often mined for their economic value, there is a lack of adequate action for promoting the non-market values and services of forest - such as conservation of ecosystems, enhancement of food production and food security, maintenance of genetic resources and biodiversity, protection of soil and water, provision of habitat for wildlife, carbon sequestration and beneficial influence on micro-climate - due largely to national preoccupations with immediate economic problems, lack of funds, lack of technology, distortions of policy, and the urgent need to redress or counterbalance the effects of the international debt, etc. 11. Specific proposals towards these approach were submitted by Governments at the third session of the Preparatory Committee as well as during the lapse given in Decision 3/15. 12. For example FAO, ICIMOD, ICRAF, ILO, ITC/UNCTAD/GATT, ITTO, UNEP, UNESCO, UNIDO. END OF DOCUMENT