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WEDNESDAY, 13 SEPTEMBER 1995

Discussion on the programme of work continued on Wednesday. Before discussions began, Co-Chair Krishnan introduced document E/CN.17/IPF/1995/L.1, on participation of intergovernmental organizations in the work of the Panel, which was adopted. UNIDO described plans to participate in the analytical work in support of the Panel, especially on technology transfer and enhancing capabilities of forest-based industry. The work will cover, inter alia, increasing value added from secondary forest products, assisting small enterprises and creating funds for conserving and managing forests.

The FAO stated that it produces a report every ten years that emphasizes forest cover and reasons for deforestation by gathering information from countries and by satellite remote sensing. He said the FAO wants to give increased attention to assessment, preferably producing a study every two years, and is currently preparing for the year 2000. The FAO is planning consultations with technical agencies to achieve better and more widely accepted definitions and is attempting to include environmental factors. He hopes to build strong partnerships with other UN agencies and will continue to incorporate capacity building so that countries can assess their own forests. He added that while the Panel should be clear on assigned tasks, it should allow flexibility in order to continue partnerships. He also asked delegates to "rethink" their contributions regarding professional staff in light of the amount of work and the close deadlines.