ENPI FLEG ENPI FLEG ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 1 IN THIS ISSUE: OCTOBER 2009-MARCH 2010

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1 ENPI FLEG Improving Forest Law Enforcement and Governance in European Neighbourhood Policy Countries and Russia ENPI FLEG ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 1 IN THIS ISSUE: OCTOBER 2009-MARCH 2010 About FLEG FLEG Process in Armenia ENPI FLEG Program ENPI FLEG Armenia Program News Forest Sector News

2 Dear Reader, We are happy to present the first issue of our newsletter designed to inform the Armenian society on the European Neighborhood Policy Initiative Forest Law Enforcement and Governance (ENPI FLEG) program activities and forestry sector events in Armenia. The program contributes to legal and sustainable forest management and utilization practices and improved local livelihoods in the country through: advancing institutional and legal reforms by analyzing forest governance mechanisms, corruption and illegal logging and providing policy advice to the government; raising the public awareness on FLEG targeted at the public at large, civil society, businesses, government agencies and academia; involving private sector in the FLEG process by analyzing alternatives for forest use (non-wood forest products, ecotourism, etc) and marketing and supply channels for wood products, and introducing alternative markets for wood products to local construction and furniture companies. In Armenia the ENPI FLEG program is implemented by the World Bank, International Union for Conservation Nature (IUCN) and WWF (World Wildlife Fund) with funding support received from the European Union. Hope you will be interested in our activities. Sincerely, ENPI FLEG Armenia program team ABOUT FLEG The FLEG Forest Law Enforcement and Governance is an international, participatory process of formulation and implementation of policies and practices aimed at ensuring sustainable forest management, combating illegal logging and associated timber trade. This process has evolved into national, regional (EU-Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT), Europe and North Asia (ENA)-FLEG, East Asia FLEG and global (under G8 auspices) initiatives. The FLEG process was initiated in response to the growing need to combat the threats posed to forests by illegal logging, trade, poaching and corruption. The major event within the ENA-FLEG process was the St. Petersburg Ministerial Conference in 2005, which was attended by almost 300 participants from government, international organizations, research institutions, private sector and NGOs. One of the main outputs of this event was the St. Petersburg Ministerial Declaration which was signed by 44 governments from the ENA region, including Armenia, who committed to take actions to address illegal logging, associated illegal trade and corruption. Following this Declaration, each signatory state has developed a National Action Plan, with annual evaluation of the progress in its implementation. The Indicative List of Actions urged countries to identify development and implementation of national plans of action as priorities in national requests for assistance from international financial institutions and other international organizations and bilateral donor agencies. St. Petersburg Ministerial Conference Delegation Heads Photo by IISD 2

3 FLEG PROCESS IN ARMENIA It is widely believed by local and international experts that the current laws and institutional setting in Armenia do not work effectively to stop illegal logging. Armenia launched its FLEG agenda prior to St. Petersburg Declaration. The forest sector reforms were started due to intense public and international donor pressures in late 90s, to stop the degradation of the country s scarce forest resources. As such a considerable progress has been made, and key legislation and framework strategies have been adopted. In spite of this, the forest institutional reforms lag behind, and the corruption and uncontrolled logging continue to thrive, while at a lower rates than before. National Forest Policy and Strategy In September 2004 the Government of Armenia adopted the National Forest Policy and Strategy which aimed at developing a framework for long-term and sustainable management of forests, implementing institutional and legal reforms for sustainable forest management and introducing international forest management standards for forest management and certification and evaluation criteria for forests. The mainstream actions in the Forest Policy were the adoption of the Forest Code and establishment of the Illegal Logging and Timber Removal Monitoring System. Illegal Logging Action Plan In parallel to the Forest Policy, the RA Government adopted its Illegal Logging Action Plan (ILAP), which identified key actions to help tackle the problem of illegal logging. This Action Plan was largely consistent with the St. Petersburg Declaration and set forth the basis for the government policy to control illegal logging ahead of the formal FLEG process start in the region. While ILAP was not realistic enough, it played an important role in stimulating a broad discussion on addressing illegal logging. Government Decree #1152-N The Decree was adopted on July The Government committed to control illegal logging and monitor the removal of forest products from forests. Thus, the State Forest Monitoring System was established. The founding decree of the System called for establishing the State Forest Monitoring Center SNCO (State Non-Commercial Organization) responsible for monitoring illegal logging and timber removal and preventing illegal activities in forests. The decree also called for developing monitoring indicators for controlling illegal logging and timber removal. Structurally, the Center functions within the RA Ministry of Agriculture. However, this structure needs continuous strengthening and institutional development. There is a great deal of uncertainty with the current institutional structure on what agency should deal with monitoring of illegal logging Ministry of Agriculture or the Ministry of Nature Protection through its Environmental Inspectorate. Currently duplication of controlling illegal logging contributes to problems while controlling illegal logging in the country. There is a general consensus among international advisers and local forest stakeholders, that controlling of the illegal logging should be the responsibility of the agency in charge of managing and protecting the resource (in this case Ministry of Agriculture). The Environmental Inspectorate should monitor logging activities in order to ensure all operations are in compliance with environmental provisions of the forest management plan and that no environmental damage occurs as a result of the activity. 3

4 ENPI FLEG PROGRAM The regional ENPI FLEG Improving Forest Law Enforcement and Governance in the European Neighbourhood Policy East Countries and Russia program is aimed at putting in place improved forest governance arrangements through effective implementation of the main priorities set out in the St. Petersburg Ministerial Declaration and Indicative Plan of Actions on the Europe and North Asia Forest Law Enforcement and Governance (ENA-FLEG). The program covers seven countries of the ENA Region, including Russian Federation, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. The ENPI FLEG Program addresses the growing problem of illegal logging, timber theft and smuggling, trade of illegal wood, unauthorized forest conversion, unclear legislation, and lack of enforcement of forest regulations due to corruption. Funded by the European Union, the program supports governments of participating countries, civil society and the private sector in the development of sound and sustainable forest management practices, including prevention of illegal forestry activities. ENPI FLEG ARMENIA PROGRAM NEWS Introducing the Program to Stakeholders In October 2009 ENPI FLEG Armenia Program Coordination Team organized an introductory meeting with stakeholders interested NGOs and state structures to introduce the program and crystallize major forestry issues and priorities in the country. As a result, the following specific items were included into the country s workplan: analysis of perception of corruption and governance issues concerning the forestry sector; analysis of alternatives for forest use (non-wood forest products, ecotourism etc.); analysis of private sector/local population access to wood and non-wood resources; evaluation of the role of the private sector in the sustainable use of forest wood products and recommendations on responsible use of forests by private sector; introduction to forest certification and chain of custody systems; assessment of two forest sanctuaries in the structure of Hayantar SNCO (the body responsible for forestry-related activities in Armenia); development of a program to help integrate forest law and governance issues in the academic curricula of the Armenian State Agrarian University. Research Activities Analytical Study on Illegal Logging. Within the framework of the ENPI FLEG Program, IUCN started assessment of the social and economic impact of unsustainable forest practices and illegal logging on the rural population of Armenia. This study will assess the current social and economic situation in forest dependent communities and the volume of wood lost as a result of poor utilization and illegal logging. Qualitative Research (Knowledge, Attitude and Practice/KAP). IUCN conducts in-depth analysis of information about existing knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding illegal logging. 4

5 Possibilities of Alternatives for Forest Use and Improved Livelihoods Dsegh, Lori One of the components of WWF Armenia s FLEG activity is the assessment of local population s access to forest resources and development of pilot projects on sustainable forest use and improved livelihood. Within the framework of this activity, on 27 and 28 March 2010 WWF Armenia organized meetings with Koghb (Tavush marz) and Dsegh (Lori marz) community stakeholders to discuss possibilities of alternative livelihood related to sustainable use of forests, perspectives of cooperation and future plans. Representatives of community members and leaders, NGOs, state and private structures, as well as experts participated in the meetings. The development of ecotourism was discussed as an opportunity for alternative use of forests and improvement of livelihood in Dsegh community. Dsegh area has rich biodiversity, beautiful landscapes and cultural heritage. It is also an Important Bird Area and attracts tourists from Armenia and abroad. The Armenian Society for Protection of Birds initiated establishment of an Information and Visitor Center in Dsegh as the first important step towards development of ecotourism. The territory has a big potential for creation of nature trails with signs and information boards, birdwatching facilities, a camp-site in the forest (near a natural lake) and others. The local population may become involved in these activities, specifically in service provision, such as working as guides, providing horses, selling local products and handicrafts, etc. Eventually, this may contribute to the reduction of human pressure on natural resources and more sustainable use of forests. As for the Koghb area, it is rich in wild fruits, nuts, berries, and other plants. At present they are used by private companies (also outside Tavush marz) for production purposes. The proposal is to introduce a mechanism for coordinated and regulated collection of non-wood forest products in cooperation with forest enterprises. This will contribute to the sustainable use of forest resources, provision of alternative livelihood to communities and reduction of pressure on natural resources with possibilities for natural regeneration. The proposals were well supported by the community and other stakeholders, who expressed willingness to participate in further project development and implementation. FOREST SECTOR NEWS Discussion on Institutional Changes in the Forest Sector On December RoA Ministry of Agriculture organized a stakeholder meeting to discuss proposed institutional changes in the forest sector. Representatives of state structures, scientific and academic institutions and NGOs participated in the meeting. During the meeting Mr. M. Matevosyan, Director General of Hayantar State Non-Commercial Organization (SNCO), presented the current situation and proposed institutional changes aimed at upgrading the status of the state forest management body Hayantar SNCO - and its branches, which do not have status of legal body. During the past years, this proposal has been made by a number of local and international experts, as a result of various analytical studies. At present it is proposed to establish a Forest Committee deals with the forest policy, programs, legislation and other relevant issues with two structures. The first will deal with the forest use and include the current forest enterprises (Hayantar SNCO branches) with the status of a legal body, probably SNCO. The second will be the Forest Service, dealing with the competences set forth in the Forest Code. It was stated that at present there was a political will to implement the proposed institutional reform. The idea of upgrading the status of the forest management structure was not new for stakeholders as it had been discussed many times during different forest related meetings. The views expressed by the meeting participants were to support the proposed change with establishment of the high status Committee, as the change will improve significantly the situation in the forestry sector, protection of forests, working procedures in forestry institutions, economic effectiveness, and facilitate the work with donors and others. It was also stated by a representative of the Ministry of Agriculture that the process of the Forest Code revision is still ongoing and it will probably take several months before finalization and stakeholders will be provided with an opportunity to contribute to the revision process. 5

6 Developing Community Forestry in Armenia Photo by ATP ATP Forest Specialist with members of the three communities On 8 February 2010, the partners of the Community Forest Management Program in Armenia RA Ministry of Agriculture, represented by Hayantar State Non-Commercial Organization, and the Norwegian Forestry Group presented results of the Program activities for the year 2009 to the forest sector stakeholders. Funded by the Norway Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Program has been implemented since 2006 with focus on three pilot communities: Koghb in Tavush marz and Margahovit and Lernapat in Lory marz. The Program aims at enhancing the community forest management with an emphasis on preventing illegal logging and improving the local environment. The bottom line issue pursued by the Program is to seek ways of engaging local communities in sustainable forest management and create opportunities for alternative income sources. During 2009, within the framework of the Program, the Forest Research Experimental Center developed forest management plans for the previous kolkhoz forests in Margahovit and Lernapat communities (the plan for Koghb was developed early in 2008). Further, the Armenian Tree Project conducted training courses for the local population on proper planting procedures. Hayantar and the communities started establishing demonstration areas for planting trees. The Norwegian Forestry Group also provided technical assistance to Hayantar on establishing a State Forest Extension Unit, and to the communities on sustainable forest management. Forest Days were organized in all the three communities. The February 8 seminar participants discussed the current state and perspectives of the community forestry development in Armenia. Conclusions and suggestions of the seminar participants will be reflected in the follow-up project proposal. Reviewing of the Forest Code in the Focus of the Seminar Photo by GTZ On February , the Sustainable Management of Biodiversity (SMB) Program of German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) organized a seminar with participation of stakeholders of the forest sector of Armenia, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Nature Protection, Ministry of Territorial Administration, other state bodies, as well as local and international organizations. The seminar was framed around the presentation on findings, conclusions and recommendations from independent analysis of the RA Forest Code. The analysis was carried out by Dr. Stefan Mann, International expert in forestry and environment, and Ayser Ghazaryan, GTZ- SMB Expert by the request of the RA Ministry of Agriculture, based on the GTZ-SMB program s Enforceable Consistent Legal Framework for the Management/Use of Natural Resources component activity. GTZ-SMB commissioned an independent analysis of the RA Forest Code by way of a desk-study. The purpose of this study was to assess the alignment of the Forest Code with both, internationally recognized principles and protocols of Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) and key objectives of Armenia s Forest Policy and Strategy (2004), as well as to provide recommendations for the Code s improvement. The aforementioned seminar was followed by a round of clarifications and remarks regarding the presentation. The seminar participants thereupon proceeded, in plenary discussion, to focus on four salient topics of forest legislation in support of SFM: Principles of SFM; Regulation of multiple uses; Institutional set-up and structure; Community-based forest management. As a result, Dr. Mann concluded that the Forest Code does not contribute to the effective transition into the sustainable management of all types of forests and there is a need to revise it. The consultant s recommendations mainly referred to revision of legal definitions, forest classification system, priority functions for the forest management and provisions for ownership of non-state forests, and providing a comprehensive definition of the sustainable forest management. The report has been submitted to the RA Ministry of Agriculture for its official feedback and suggestions. At present, GTZ-SMB is in the process of establishing a legal working-group for revising the RA Forest Code based on the received comments and recommendations. This newsletter was prepared by the ENPI FLEG Armenia program team. For your comments and feedback please contact: arshaluys.muradyan@enpi-fleg.org To submit your paper/news, to subscribe or unsubscribe, please contact arshaluys.muradyan@enpi-fleg.org 6

7 About ENPI FLEG Program The ENPI FLEG project supports governments of participating countries, civil society and the private sector in the development of sound and sustainable forest management practices, including the prevention of illegal forestry activities. Participating countries include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine. This project is funded by the European Union. Project Partners World Bank The World Bank is one of the world s largest sources of funding for the developing world. Its primary focus is on helping the poorest people and the poorest countries. It uses its financial resources, its staff, and extensive experience to help developing countries reduce poverty, increase economic growth, and improve their quality of life. IUCN IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature, helps the world find pragmatic solutions to our most pressing environment and development challenges. IUCN works on biodiversity, climate change, energy, human livelihoods and greening the world economy by supporting scientific research, managing field projects all over the world, and bringing governments, NGOs, the UN and companies together to develop policy, laws and best practice. IUCN is the world s oldest and largest global environmental organization, with more than 1,000 government and NGO members and almost 11,000 volunteer experts in some 160 countries. IUCN s work is supported by over 1,000 staff in 60 offices and hundreds of partners in public, NGO and private sectors around the world. WWF WWF is one of the world s largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF s mission is to stop the degradation of the earth s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world s biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. This publication has been produced with the assistance of the European Union. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of IUCN and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the Implementing Organisations.