INTERGOVERNMENTAL WORKING GROUP ON FORESTS (IWGF) REPORT
Challenges ahead
The criteria and indicators are useful not only as a guide for government action, but also for the forestry sector, forest researchers and as a demonstration to consumers and the general public about the level of sustainability of the forest management. It is important that sustainability is understood in the same way by all parties.
The characterization of sustainable forest management is a challenging task from scientific as well as national and international policy perspectives. We should be aware that countries are at different stages in their development. Progress will be made step by step, as countries gradually work within their own policies and opportunities to define the concept and measure the implementation of sustainable forest management.
In general, indicators should be verifiable and quantifiable, but qualitative or descriptive indicators are also important. The issue of systematic observation and implementation requires substantial further work. Without the specification and commitment of resources to appropriate assessment systems, it will not be possible to evaluate whether forest management is moving towards or away from sustainability. Criteria and indicators will need to be reviewed and revised over time to reflect new research and improved understanding of forest management.
The issues of scale, transparency, participation and inter-linkage of all socio-economic, cultural and environmental aspects need to be considered. Forests, and the socio-economic systems that rely on forests could be evaluated at the local, national, regional or global levels. We should also recognize that different countries have different capacities to specify and apply criteria and indicators. Having sustainable development as an overall framework for criteria for sustainable management of all types of forests, specific indicators for diverse economic, social, cultural and environmental conditions could be developed, taking into account the diversity of conditions of different regions and countries.
A holistic approach is needed so that all the stakeholders are involved in establishing criteria and indicators. Incentives have to be related to the maintenance of social, economic and cultural values for people who depend on the forests. When evaluating sustainability, the objectives include a whole variety of different components including not only marketable products, but also cultural diversity, and the health, well-being and effective participation of indigenous people and local communities who depend on the forest.
The establishment of internationally agreed, scientifically based criteria and indicators could help provide a basis for:
- systematic observation of the progress made towards management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests;
- promotion of international cooperation in management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests;
- clarifying ongoing dialogues on international trade in forest products from sustainable sources, including discussion on certification schemes; and
- common understanding of what is meant by the management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests world wide.
While national forest plans and policies will reflect national needs, the establishment of internationally agreed criteria and indicators may assist in the implementation of the objectives of the management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests.