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ITEM II — COORDINATION OF BILATERAL AND MULTILATERAL ASSISTANCE

The Co-Chair then turned to Item II, concerning improvements to the efficiency and coordination of bilateral and multilateral assistance, and also referred to paragraph 13(f) in the list of Secretariat inputs, concerning preparation of a study on possible ways and means of enhancing efficiency in delivering forest programmes and possible meetings sponsored.

MALAYSIA stated that financial resources and technology transfer are being dealt with at other CSD meetings, and suggested that the Panel only address these issues as they relate to forestry.

VENEZUELA stated that priority should be given to discussing additional financial resources and technology transfer because these issues are closely linked with plans countries may have for sustainable forest development. GUATEMALA supported statements made by the Philippines regarding the need to recognize the importance of finding funding for developing countries to participate in intersessional activities. The GLOBAL FOREST POLICY PROJECT stated the importance of addressing the issue of additional financial resources as they will play a critical role in enabling interested countries to engage in sustainable forest management. He encouraged the Panel to make this issue a priority.

The Co-Chair stressed that the issues of financial resources and technology transfer were cross-cutting and would surely resurface. He suggested that workshops on these issues be hosted, while noting the need to examine and synthesize work already completed. He suggested that the CSD may be able to conduct a case study on these issues as they relate to forestry.

SWEDEN expressed the need for an assessment of biodiversity issues as they relate to forestry and suggested that a working group on science and technology transfer be undertaken with the advice of the Biodiversity Convention. FINLAND proposed that the FAO report on matters related to biodiversity and technology transfer as they are in the process of organizing a meeting on this issue to be held next summer. The UK said that the FAO has completed substantive work on this issue and stressed the need to consider relevant scientific data.

UGANDA stated that UNEP and the GEF should be consulted with regard to this issue and cautioned the Panel against limiting itself in terms of consulting with other international organizations. The Co-Chair responded by stating that the topic needed further clarification before agencies can be selected for expert consultation.

The US endorsed paragraph 13(f), and suggested that the UNDP undertake the proposed study on enhancing efficiency in delivering forest programmes. He also suggested that the German experts' group meeting examine ways to improve assistance for coordination, unimpeded markets, and mobilization of finances as well as ways to establish an international capability to respond to national requests for assistance.

AUSTRALIA stated that NGO inputs are necessary, that existing institutions can be used to promote cooperation and coordination, and that lead agencies in each region should be designated to avoid duplication. He said that the Panel should give priority to assisting developing countries and supported the Secretariat and US proposals.

The PHILIPPINES, on behalf of the G-77 and China, reiterated that the Panel should consider this item during both sessions. She reminded delegates that in Rio the international community committed itself to helping developing countries and that national resources are not enough. She said that consultations would focus on national government action and assistance was needed so that all countries could attend.

SWEDEN said that this issue must be discussed at both the second and third sessions and must involve the ITTO. He added that the IPF must start discussing the transfer and development of environmentally sound technology and develop policy guidance on this "important, but sensitive" issue. UGANDA stressed that any proposed meeting should discuss how to mobilize additional funds, and added that the question is not one of efficiency, but whether enough resources have been mobilized to measure up to the task at hand. The UK stated that this demonstrates the need for an integrated approach, because the flow of aid money is small in comparison to all sources of funding and there are many examples of coordination mechanisms for donors. He said the Panel must examine existing mechanisms to determine why and where they worked. The World Bank and the ITTO could contribute to this.

CO-CHAIR'S SUMMARY: The Co-Chair said that many delegates noted that Item II is a cross-cutting issue, which will come up again under Items III and IV. There is a need to review the efficiency with which existing systems are working, and specific workshops might be encouraged in this field. Several delegates noted that in this area the Panel needs to deal with these crucial issues as they relate to forestry, which could illuminate wider issues, and added that this item may be discussed at both the second and third sessions. He stated that the IPF must allow at least some debate at the second session, but it will not end there. UNDP might be able to contribute to the documentation.