ENB - 3rd Session of the Intergovernmental Forum on Forests

IFF-3

THIRD SESSION OF THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL
FORUM ON FORESTS
Geneva, 3-14 May 1999

Briefing for Thursday, 06 May

In the morning, delegates convened in Plenary to begin substantive discussion on international arrangements and mechanisms to promote the management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests. While some delegations called for negotiation of a legally binding instruments (LBI) on forests, several delegations opposed such a step, noting a LBI would be premature and preferring exploration of other options. Delegates agreed that there is a need for a continuing international dialogue on forests with wide participation and called for a focus on SFM and action in implementing the IPF proposals for action. In the afternoon WG1 revisited issues needing further clarification, including underlying causes of deforestation, traditional forest-related knowledge, and forest conservation and protected areas. These discussions were based on Co-Chair Reports summarizing elements of discussions held earlier in the week. The contact groups on trade and environment and transfer of ESTs also reconvened in the afternoon.

Photos and RealAudio fromThursday, 06 May

Co-Chair Asadi talking with Anny Wong, ENB, before the opening of thePlenary.
	IFF Secretariat at work during the Plenary.
Jagmohan Maini, IFF, introduces history of IFF to the Plenary.
	Luis Rojas Bolanos, Costa Rica, reports on the result of the consultations of the various groups
Malaysian delegate highlights issues of compensation for forest countries.
A delegate from Japan makes a general and forward-looking statement to contribute to constructive discussions on Category 3
	India delegate stressed poverty as a cause of deforestation.
	Germany, on behalf of the European Union underlines the holistic and comprehensive management of Forests
The ENB team covering the Plenary.
	Guyana, representing the G77 /China, raises the issues of commitment to legally binding instrument.
	China expresses its views for the need for a holistic approach to forest management
The Contact Group on Trade and Environment continued its deliberations in the afternoon.
	Ralph W. Roberts, Senior Advisor Forestry & Conservation, Canada, Chairs the Contact group on the transfer of environmentally sound technologies.
Meeting of the Contact group on the transfer of environmentally sound technologies.
	A peacock wanders the grounds of the UN. The peacock is known as the bird with one hundred eyes. The eye-like patterns in its tail cause it to represent the stars, the universe, the sun, the moon, and the vault of heaven.

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