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UNFF-2: Second Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests
UN Headquarters || 4-15 March 2002
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Day 2: Tuesday, 5 March

On the second day of UNFF-2, delegates spent the morning discussing possible elements for a ministerial message from UNFF-2 to WSSD. In the afternoon, participants resumed the debate on the draft terms of reference of the ad hoc working groups.

Left: Jag Maini, Head of the UNFF Secretariat; Patricia Chaves (Costa Rica), Chair of the discussions on the draft terms of reference of the ad hoc working groups; and Mia Soderlund, UNFF Secretariat; at the dais of the UN General Assembly Hall during the afternoon session.
Ministerial message from UNFF-2 to WSSD
< Ositadinma Anaedu, (Nigeria) presided over the discussions on input to the WSSD.
 
< The US stated that the message to WSSD should be made of two basics parts: general conclusion and recommendations based on international experiences in forestry since UNCED, and a second part addressing partnerships being proposed as initiatives and actions which will be announced and showcased in Johannesburg.
Listen to the US's statement
 
Spain, for the EU, stated that the current text was not ambitious enough, nor broad enough in scope. He expressed his strong preference that the statement be political in nature and should contain strong commitments. He then went on to describe the specific points and commitments that he would like to see included.
 
Canada said that the ministerial message should request that the WSSD pay attention to the consequences of current consumption and production patterns on sustainable development; and use concepts such as "ecological footprints" to help address the consequences of current patterns.
 
China said the message should reiterate Chapter 11 of Agenda 21, and highlight the important role of forestry in poverty alleviation and economics development. .
 
< India said that the only outcome of WSSD should be the general "Johannesburg Declaration" and not several declarations to specific agreements.
Listen to India's statement
 
Turkey noted that no country could face the problems of sustainable forest management alone, and called for more partnerships and enhanced cooperation.
 
Ghana emphasized the need for special attention to forestry issues in Africa, and noted that illegal logging and law enforcement represent important opportunities for capacity building.
 
Knut Øistad (Norway) has a quick word with Jag Maini, Head of the UNFF Secretariat (above center) while Ivan Šimonovic, ECOSOC President shakes hands with Anaedu (far right of the photo on the right).
 
 
 
< Venezuela, on behalf of the G-77/China, said that the ministerial declaration should endorse the plans of action adopted at regional forums, and reiterated the Group's desire for emphasis on implementation.
Listen to the G77-China's statement
 
New Zealand also believed the ministerial message at UNFF-2 should be comprised of two parts: one which provides direction to the UNFF, and a second which should constitute an input to WSSD. He noted that there will likely only be two or three paragraphs available for forests issues in the Johannesburg Declaration, and urged for concisiveness and elegance.
 
Switzerland enumerated its four desired elements for the ministerial declaration: multiple dimensions of forestry for sustainable development, the need to address forests comprehensively (cross-sectoral approach), highlighting progress since UNCED, and receiving a "boost" from WSSD to UNFF process.
 
< Indonesia said that the message should deal with political strategy, which can boost commitment to implementation, and should not mention technical issues. He urged delegates to resist the temptation to address all issues related to forestry, and said controversial issues should be avoided.
Listen to Indonesia's statement
 
< Greenpeace, in conjunction with the members of the Global Forest Coalition, said there was a need to emphasize conservation as a basis for sustainable use, address the underlying causes and cross-cutting issues responsible for forest loss, and focus on primary forest. Noting participants' agreement that forestry does not figure high on the international political agenda, she called for closer cooperation with the CBD.
Listen to the NGOs' statement
 
 
 

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