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Forty-second Session of the International Tropical Timber Council (ITTC-42) and Associated Sessions of the Committees
7-12 May 2007, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB)

Summary Report

English

May 2007
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ITTC-42 Highlights: Thursday, 10 May 2007

On Thursday, May 10, 2007, the Forty-Second Session of the International Tropical Timber Council continued deliberations in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. In the morning, Producer and Consumers met in their respective caucuses to discuss the process of selecting the new ITTO Executive Director. This issue was subsequently discussed in plenary, and the controversial option of holding a special vote on the matter was raised as a real possibility, with ballot boxes conspicuously present at the front of the room.

In the afternoon, delegates met in concurrent sessions of the Committees on Economic Information and Market Intelligence, Forest Industry, and Reforestation and Forest Management. The Committee on Finance and Administration continued deliberations, and all items in the report were approved without comment except those relating to Liberia’s request for debt relief. On this item, Liberia noted that the misuse of its forest resources led to conviction of the former president and to its recent war which cost 250,000 Liberian lives. However, it remains undecided whether Council will agree to waive all off its debt to ITTO.

In an evening session, delegates met in plenary and heard a number of presentations, including one by the Foundation for People and Community Development (FPCD), on a successful civil society - private sector partnership, sponsored by ITTO, that resulted in FSC certification. Delegates also heard a presentation on developments in UNFCCC/IPCC discussions regarding reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD).

In the evening, delegates attended a reception by the Governor of the National Central District of Papua New Guinea.

Morning Plenary

Cameroon reported that the informal group, comprised of 15 countries, had agreed that the new ED should not be viewed as a “producer” or “consumer”, but as the leader of the ITTO as a whole.

Brazil, with Mexico, indicated that it would prefer an executive director candidate to be elected during the current council session, even if a special vote would be necessary.

Malaysia maintained a preference for choosing the ED via consensus.

Steven Johnson, ITTO Secretariat, noted that a number of species had been proposed for listing with CITES by ITTO member states without consulting ITTO, as required.

The Netherlands said it was hosting a ministerial roundtable before the meeting to increase political awareness of CITES and its role within the broader political agenda.

Hugh Blackett, Tropical Forest Trust, reported on a civil society partnership that seeks to link business with responsible and low-impact forest management

On Thursday afternoon the CFA reviewed the draft report of the 21st session of the CFA to the ITTC.

Afternoon Plenary

Yati A. Bun, Foundation for People and Community Development (FPCD), reported on a successful civil society - private sector partnership, sponsored by ITTO, between FPCD and Madang Forest Owners and Timber Producers, that resulted in FSC certification being granted.

Carmenza Robledo, Switzerland, presented on developments in UNFCCC/IPCC discussions regarding reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD). She highlighted that ITTO could help make SFM a realistic approach in REDD discussions while the UNFCCC could provide additional funds for SFM.

Around ITTC-42

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