MINUTES OF THE MEETING

Transcription

1 MCPFE EXPERT LEVEL MEETING October 2004, Warsaw, POLAND MINUTES OF THE MEETING The MCPFE Expert Level Meeting (ELM) that took place, on October 2004 in Warsaw, Poland, was attended by 71 delegates representing 30 European countries and the European Commission, 17 observer organizations and one observer country (Canada). It was jointly chaired by Mr. Ingwald Gschwandtl, (Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management, Austria) and Mr. Piotr Borkowski (Liaison Unit Warsaw). 1. Opening the meeting The meeting was opened by Mr. Jerzy Swatoń, the Minister of Environment of Poland. Mr. Swatoń warmly welcomed the delegates and emphasized the importance of the pan-european Process for European forests. Mr. Gschwandlt outlined the main aim of the meeting that was to discuss the status of implementation of the MCPFE Work Programme - Pan European Follow up of the Fourth Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe adopted at the MCPFE ELM held in October 2003 in Vienna. Mr. Borkowski outlined the background documents of the meeting and presented the new team of the Liaison Unit that has been operating in Warsaw since January, Adoption of the agenda The proposed agenda was adopted by the participants. 3. Status of implementation of the MCPFE Work Programme Vienna Resolution 1 Mr. Tomasz Juszczak (Liaison Unit Warsaw) gave an overview on the role of national forest programmes in the international forest policy dialogue and recalled the commitments made by the MCPFE signatory states at the Vienna Conference in The participants were informed about the stage of organization of the workshop: Exchanging country experiences in the nfp processes on practical application of the MCPFE, planned for November in Gdańsk, Poland. The ELM endorsed the involvement of FAO and the Government of the Netherlands in organization of the workshop. Ms. Mette Wilkie (FAO) confirmed the participation of the NFP Facility in the workshop and likelihood of financial support for representatives from CEEC. Mr. Peter Schutz (the Netherlands) also confirmed the contribution of the Dutch Government for the participation of the three participants from Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. The ELM participants agreed that results of the workshop should be disseminated to other regional processes. Next discussed focus area concerned cross-sectoral activities. Mr. Christopher Prins (UNECE) informed the participants about the latest developments with regard to the EFSOS report. He emphasized that finishing this report was a precondition for the two subsequent

2 workshops scheduled in the MCPFE Work Programme. The participants were informed that the final version of the report would be ready by the end of this year. Mr. Prins pointed out that during the last joint session of the UNECE Timber Committee and FAO European Forestry Commission it was stated that cross-sectoral issues should be addressed in an open and proactive manner as fundamental to full comprehension of major trends in forestry. During the ongoing discussion on cross-sectoral approaches possible subjects for the Workshop on forest relevant cross-sectoral issues at he pan-european level and improved intersectoral policy co-ordination were pointed out, such as: promotion the sound use of wood, commercialization of forest environmental services and issue of water in relation to forest management. At the same time it was suggested that the issues to be discussed at this workshop should be prioritized, as well as the most relevant and influential sectors in relation to forests should be identified and invited to participate in this workshop. Mr. Janis Birgelis on behalf of the Government of Latvia kindly offered to host this workshop. Ms. Catalina Santamaria (UNFF) gave emphasis to the importance of the regional actions regarding forest related cross-sectoral activities and stressed that the discussed workshop would provide a strong input for UNFF. Vienna Resolution 2 The progress on the implementation of the Vienna Resolution 2 was presented by Mr. Roman Michalak. He informed the participants about the actions taken under the focus area: promoting wood use. Elaborating further, Mr. Gschwandtl informed the participants about the outcome of the meeting of the UNECE/FAO Forest Communicators Network (FCN), held on 1-4 June in Sofia, Bulgaria. It was the second preparatory meeting for the workshop on best practices concerning the sound use of wood and wood promotion campaigns, which is scheduled in the MCPFE Work Progamme for Mr. Gschwandtl briefly outlined the FCN activities and provided information about the stage of preparation of the report European consumers and their attitude towards wood and wood promotion campaigns. This report should be ready at the beginning of next year and its dissemination and publication will be carried out by the Liaison Unit Warsaw. The second focus area discussed was competitiveness and innovation. Mr. Edgar Kastenholz (ENFE) provided updated information regarding organization of the workshop on encouraging the establishment of and organization in associations for SMEs and workforce, including self-employed and informal workers. Subsequently, Mr. Christian Pinaudeau (USSE) provided additional details on the seminar on co-operation of private forest owners. Ms. Natalie Hufnagl (CEPF) confirmed the involvement of CEPF in the preparation of this workshop. The participants agreed that the role of private forest owners, especially in the context of issues, such as: rural development and Natura 2000 should be highlighted more often at the pan-european level. Mr. Christopher Prins (UNECE) explained that the activities planned by the former Joint FAO/ECE/ILO Committee on Forest Technology, Management and Training will be supported by the new Joint FAO/ECE/ILO experts network to implement SFM. Mr. Alain Chaudron (France) informed the participants about the 1 st international conference of forestry training centers, to be held in La Bastide des Jourdans on February Vienna Resolution 3 Ms. Marta Gaworska (Liaison Unit Warsaw) informed the participants about the stage of preparation for the seminar on the role of forest-related social and cultural aspects in sustainable development in Europe. This event, preliminary scheduled in the MCPFE Work Programme for 2004, is going to take place on June, 2005 in Sweden. The ELM thanked Sweden for hosting this event and appreciated the information about the possible involvement of additional actors, such as Finland and UK. In order to fulfill the multidisciplinary context of the Resolution V3 the Liaison Unit proposed to invite the representatives of UNESCO and the Council of Europe to present relevant achievements in 2

3 the area of preservation of cultural heritage throughout Europe. The overall goal of this seminar will be gaining general knowledge and awareness of cultural values of forests at management and political levels. Additional information about the venue and the agenda of the meeting was given by Mr. Björn Merkell (Sweden). During the subsequent discussion the participants of the ELM suggested several topics to include into the agenda of this workshop, among others: traditional knowledge, utilization of forests, social aspects and educational approach. In the work area focusing on cultural sites the attention was drawn to indicator 6.11 on cultural and spiritual values. The possible problems concerning the collection of relevant data for indicator 6.11 that were pointed out by the Liaison Unit were recognized by the participants. These especially referred to a broad scope and variety of potential objects designated by indicator 6.11 and the most efficient way of obtaining the data. It was suggested to make the best possible use of exiting information on the cultural and spiritual values in forestry, such as studies conducted by the universities, information obtained from the museums of natural history and working groups on C&I. This could be used in preparation of an expertise or a study followed by the further development of pan-european recommendations on cultural and spiritual values. In terms of the form of this exercise a discussion via the Internet and/or the workshop in Sweden were suggested as sufficient media. All this should contribute to the task of elaborating a pan-european approach to the cultural sites in forestry. Vienna Resolution 4 Starting from the focus area on ecosystem approach, Ms. Małgorzata Buszko-Briggs (Liaison Unit Warsaw) provided the outline of the outcome of the workshop Development of Pan-European understanding of the linkage between the Ecosystem Approach and Sustainable Forest Management held on April in Kraków, Poland. The participants were informed that based on this outcome the Liaison Unit and PEBLDS/EfE prepared a statement on the Joint Position of the MCPFE and PEBLDS/EfE on the Pan-European Understanding of the Linkage between the Ecosystem Approach and Sustainable Forest Management. It is planned to submit this document to the CBD and UNFF Secretariats as stated in the MCPFE Work Programme. Next Ms. Ivonne Higuero (PEBLDS Secretariat) informed the participants about the role of PEBLDS in the preparation of the workshop and the outcome document. In the subsequent discussion, the participants expressed their support for this document. There was a strong agreement on the substance and content. Some editorial changes were suggested, for example the use of original language of the MCPFE (Resolution H2) or CBD. The contribution of this paper to the work of UNFF was also highlighted. Mr. Gschwandtl proposed to maintain the present form and style of this paper. He suggested that with some changes in wording this document should be sent to the PEBLDS Council for a possible approval, as the joint statement of PEBLDS and the MCPFE. Finally, the statement was adopted by the ELM. Illegal harvesting was introduced as the second focus area to discuss by the ELM. The participants were informed about the steps taken by the Liaison Unit Warsaw with regard to this issue. The Liaison Unit Warsaw hired international consultants to prepare a scientific analysis of information on illegal harvesting of forest products, and related trade at the pan- European level. The main goal of this report is to supply relevant information for clear guidelines on tackling this issue by the MCPFE. The report is currently under preparation and will be completed by the end of EFI acts as a coordinator of work. Mr. Andreas Ottitsch (EFI), being one of the contracted experts, provided additional information on the report. He informed the participants that the document consisted of available knowledge on illegal logging in Europe, compared different definitions as well as overviewed ongoing processes and activities. The report should provide the good basis for a discussion during the workshop on combating illegal harvesting of forest products, and related trade in Europe, scheduled in the MCPFE Work Programme for Furthermore, with regard to this the delegates 3

4 expressed a view that UNECE should be among the leading actors organizing this meeting. The ELM confirmed that a common pan-european definition on illegal logging was missing and that this workshop could provide basis and frames for elaborating such term. During the discussion several participants pointed out cross-sectoral nature of illegal logging, especially its connection with the social and economic aspects in the Resolution V2. It was suggested that this should be reflected in the MCPFE Work Programme. The ELM agreed on putting this issue under the focus area of the Resolution V1 with references to the commitments made in the Resolutions V2 and V4. Subsequently, Mr. Prins (UNECE) informed the participants about the outcome of the workshop on illegal logging and trade of illegally derived forest products, which took place on of September, 2004 in Geneva, Switzerland. Ms. Stefanie von Scheliha (Germany) outlined the outcome of the workshop on illegal logging and the measures to combat money laundering that was held on 30 September -1 October, 2004 in Berlin, Germany. Next discussed subject concerned protected areas. Mr. Georg Frank (Austria), the chairman of the COST Action E27 Protected forest areas in Europe, presented the stage of development of this action, its mandate and the current state of work. The aim of the Action E27 is to analyze and harmonize a wide range of categories of protected forest areas used in the European countries within the context of existing international systems of protected forest areas. The representatives of countries that have not yet been involved in this action were encouraged to join this activity.the IUCN declared willingness to be included among the actors involved in the implementation of this action. Under the focus area on forest genetic resources, Mr. Jarkko Koskela (IPGRI) informed that the European Forest Genetic Resources Programme (EUFORGEN) has developed Technical Guidelines for genetic conservation and use for 16 tree species. These guidelines are specifically targeted for practical forest managers and a template is made available for countries to translate them for their own languages. He also informed the ELM regarding the outputs of the 4 th meeting of the EUFORGEN Steering Committee held on May in the Czech Republic. The Steering Committee discussed the implementation of Vienna Resolution 4 and subsequently endorsed Phase III of EUFORGEN ( ). The new objectives of EUFORGEN Phase III are to 1) promote practical implementation of gene conservation and appropriate use of genetic resources as an integral part of SFM, 2) facilitate further development of methods to conserve the genetic diversity of European forests, and 3) collect and disseminate Päivinen reliable information on forest genetic resources in Europe. He also highlighted that currently 32 countries are participating in pan- European collaboration on forest genetic resources through EUFORGEN. Furthermore, Mr. Koskela informed that IPGRI and the Austrian Federal Office and Research Centre for Forests (BFW) have initiated an international capacity building programme on forest biodiversity with financial support from the Government of Austria. On behalf of the PEBLDS Council Ms. Ivonne Higuero (PEBLDS) proposed some amendments to the MCPFE Work Programme. These amendments are in brackets in PEBLDS Forest Action Plan Proposal. The ELM could not see any added value in updating the MCPFE Work Programme at this stage of implementation. It was concluded that most of issues addressed by PEBLDS have already been incorporated into different actions within the MCPFE Work Programme. Finally, the ELM decided not to make any changes in this regard. Additionally, Ms. Higuero provided information on the Symposium on the Pan- European Ecological Network (PEEN) by the Government of Poland and the Council of Europe which took place on 7-8 October, 2004, in Krakow, Poland. Vienna Resolution 5 Under the focus area: SFM and greenhouse gas management, Mr. Roman Michalak gave an outline on the draft ToR for Advisory Group on the elaboration of a proposal of pan-european recommendations for afforestation and reforestation in the context of UNFCCC. The information about the scope of the work and work modalities of 4

5 this group was provided. The participants raised many questions with regard to the purpose and scope of this group. The delegates of several countries wondered about the constitution of this group. The participants agreed that this was a very complex issue with many dimensions. The Liaison Unit was suggested to reconsider modalities for elaboration of pan- European recommendations for afforestation and reforestation, including the content and scope of the possible advisory group. Finally, the ELM decided to postpone the establishment of this group until the next ELM. Subsequently, Mr. Jarkko Koskela (IPGRI) provided some information on the preparations of the workshop on the role of forest genetic diversity on improving the adaptability of forests to climate change and in maintaining the productivity of forests under changing environmental conditions. The workshop aims to provide recommendations for the MCPFE process and implementation of SFM in Europe. IPGRI and IUFRO have scheduled the workshop for March/April Finally, Mr Alain Chaudron (France) drew attention of the participants to the work undertaken by the CBD on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS). 4. MCPFE regular work Research and knowledge transfer was the first topic discussed under regular work of the MCPFE. With regard to this Mr. Risto Päivinen (EFI) provided information on the preparatory workshop held on 13 October, 2004 in Warsaw, Poland, that aimed at prioritizing issues for the conference on strengthening science/policy interface which is scheduled in the MCPFE Work Programme for Mr. Libor Jansky (UNU) provided information on the most recent publication on forest policy Forests in transition, which focuses on countries of Central and Eastern Europe. The importance of research and science in the implementation of international commitments related to forests was stressed in the discussion. The next issue discussed was SFM related monitoring, assessment and reporting through C&I. This topic was introduced by Mr. Roman Michalak, who gave an outline on reporting on forests under the MCPFE and UNECE/FAO agendas. He informed that the GCC suggested the Liaison Unit to perform the reporting for the Warsaw Conference in cooperation with the secretariat of UNECE/FAO supported by the Team of Specialists on Monitoring Forest Resources for SFM in the UNECE region. This work should be done according to the set of the MCPFE Indicators for SFM endorsed in Vienna in In the following discussion it was agreed that the reporting should be harmonized with all relevant international processes. The need for further development of co-operation among the MCPFE and other C&I processes, in particular the Montreal Process, was expressed. It was underlined that regional processes should fit the global frame, which at the same time should consider specific regional conditions. The ELM agreed that both qualitative and quantitative indicators should be taken into account when preparing the report on SFM for Warsaw Conference. In order to have this report completed on time and to be able to make the best use of existing networks and expertise involved partners should be working together in a rather informal and flexible way Regular work of the MCPFE includes public relations activities presented by Ms. Marta Gaworska. The ELM was presented a new logo, a brochure promoting the MCPFE process and a new design of the MCPFE website. The Liaison Unit Warsaw declared its efforts towards maintaining all existing information channels, such as: continuation of issuing the Newsletter Forest Europe and dissemination of the existing and future publications by the MCPFE. Additionally, several activities on enhancing the synergies with signatory countries towards common promotion of the MCPFE achievements were proposed. The new MCPFE website includes an interactive platform News from countries, that will allow authorized parties insert information on activities relevant to the implementation of the MCPFE commitments at a country level. Full technical assistance as well as security undertaking will be provided by the Liaison Unit. Subsequently, a possibility of delivering an editable version of Forest Europe to all signatories as well as an electronic version of the MCPFE brochure was discussed. The idea 5

6 of translating these materials into other languages was introduced. The delegates endorsed this proposal with positive remarks. It was also suggested that a calendar of up-coming meetings should be included into the new website. 5. Pan-European exchange of information on up-coming international meetings The participants of the ELM exchanged information about various up-coming international meetings, among others the Fifth Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests, to be held on May, 2005 in UNHQ in New York, USA and the Tenth Meeting of SBSTTA to CBD, scheduled for 7-11 February, 2005 in Bangkok, Thailand. Complementary information about the up-coming UNFF-5 as well as other meetings within the UNFF agenda was given by Ms. Catalina Santamaria (UNFF Secretariat). Ms. Taina Veltheim (Finland) informed about the meeting of the Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group on the Review of Implementation of the Programme of Work on Forest Biological Diversity (under the CBD) to be convened on July 2005 in Germany. Additional information on up-coming meetings related to forestry was provided by CEPI, FAO, Canada, Italy, ILO and PEBLDS Secretariat. 6. Other matters The Liaison Unit Warsaw proposed to convene the next ELM on September, 2005 in Warsaw. The proposal was accepted by the ELM. The Netherlands raised the issue of water in relation to forests. The attention was drawn to the meeting organized by UNECE to be held in December, 2004 in Geneva, Switzerland. The ELM agreed that the issue of water in relation to forests should not be underestimated by the MCPFE. The ELM suggested the Liaison Unit to provide the next ELM with updated information on international developments regarding this issue. Finland informed about the expert workshop on Forest Landscape Restoration in Central and Northern Europe held in Hämeenlinna, Finland on 6-8 October, The workshop was organized as a contribution to the Global Partnership on Forest Landscape Restoration launched by IUCN, WWF International and the Forestry Commission of Great Britain. The ELM also agreed that the MCPFE Work Programme Pan-European Follow-up on the Forth Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe would be edited by the Liaison Unit Warsaw with respective amendments that were discussed and endorsed during this meeting. 7. Closure of the meeting Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Environment of Poland, Mr. Edward Lenart thanked the delegates for participation in this ELM. Mr. Ingwald Gschwandtl expressed his gratitude to Poland for political commitment to lead the Process. He also thanked the Liaison Unit Warsaw for good preparation of this meeting. On behalf of the ELM Mr. Gschwandtl thanked Mr. Peter Schutz (the Netherlands), who is to retire, for his long work for the MCPFE process. Mr. Borkowski thanked the delegates for their active participation and comments made in the discussions. Then he closed the meeting. 6