ENB:13:12
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FRAGILE ECOSYSTEMS
The draft Co-chair’s text recognizes, regarding desertification: relevance to both northern boreal forests and arid and semi-arid areas; action to address underlying causes; prevention over restoration; and bottom-up approaches. Regarding air-borne pollution, the text notes: the effect on many parts of the world; action is required outside the forest; the Critical Loads approach; and increased monitoring.
The EU stated that, under the section on desertification: the reference to Northern boreal forest should be deleted; “secure rights and access to land action” are important; initiatives should come from affected countries, and conclusions should focus on fragile ecosystems, LFC, and underlying causes. Under the section on air-borne pollution, he stated the priority of this issue, that it cannot be addressed by forestry, and stressed language on international action. The UN ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE UK on behalf of the NGO working group suggested: addressing specific problems of boreal ecosystems; considering root causes of poverty; stressing equal partnerships including those with private businesses; emphasizing regeneration linked to community access control; identifying actions for local capacity building and mechanisms for implementation. He highlighted restoration and reforestation.
The G77/CHINA added references to the desertification section on: air-borne pollution, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe; the merits of bottom-up approaches “along with top-down approaches;” “every interested party” rather than “stakeholder;” the IPF mandate, Agenda 21 and the Forest Principles; “development of those areas with fragile ecosystems” rather than “development of countries with fragile ecosystems”; and carrying out programmes under the Desertification Convention “within the broader mandate of IPF.” He deleted the entire reference to management of forests and “traditional production systems.” Under the section on air-borne pollution, he suggested: the Critical Loads approach for parties to the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution, while others should “consider” this approach; transferring “the best available, as well as future, technology;” evaluating how countries address forest decline; and studying biomass, management, regeneration and silviculture of native species and historical levels of sulfur dioxide emissions.