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IN THE CORRIDORS

The question of whether to substitute the term “sustainable forest management” for “management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests” arose in both Working Groups and in the corridors, leading delegates and observers to ponder possible ramifications of such a change. Many who advocate the use of SFM believe that the term represents progress in the international forest policy dialogue since the time the Forest Principles were crafted in Rio. Those who wish to retain the Rio language say that it encompasses a broader range of social, economic and environmental values than does SFM. Others are concerned that replacing Forest Principles language could dilute related commitments to financial assistance for developing countries, and the application of IPF outcomes to all types of forests.