Summary of IPF Report on low forest cover

The Intergovernmental panel on Forests (IPF) discussed the special needs and requirements of LFCCs as one of the programme elements. The IPF pointed out that the restricted area of forests in countries with low forest cover results in reduced capacity for the production of timber and for the provision of goods and services, including the protection of watersheds, the supply of fuelwood, the maintenance of biological diversity and endemic species, and recreation and amenity. National protective measures and international support "for many of the forest types in those countries which are" distinctive or even rare" was also emphasized. the panel recognized the seriousness of problems faced by lFCCs in satisfying their needs for forest goods and services, and that "owing to economic factors and circumstance, the impact of the problem in developing countries in much more sever than in developed countries. "Furthermore, the panel recognized ' the needs of low income and middle- income countries with low forest cover are likely to differ from those of high- income countries, and consequently, different sets of action to address those needs will apply"

While emphasizing the need for actions under this programme element with actions under CBD , UFCCC, and CCD. the panel noted that national forest programmes (NFPs) provide a good vehicle for addressing the needs and requirements of LFC. Furthermore, the necessity of additional information as a basis for national forest programmes was highlighted.

The importance of international cooperation, particularly through and technical assistance and the transfer of environmentally sound technology, as well as through the establishment, conservation and sustainable development of forests in LFCCs, was emphasized.

The IPF also made a number of proposals for action. in this regard, the panel "called upon FAO, in consultation with relevant organizations and countries, as appropriate, to develop a workable and precise definition of low forests cover." The panel urged the countries with low forest cover to develop national forest programmes; to plan manage forest plantations, where appropriate, to enhance production and provision of goods and services. to involve indigenous the related social, economic and environmental implications and costs and benefits, when considering non- wood substitutes or imports of forests products; to establish and expand networks of protected areas, buffer zones and ecological corridors; to embark and expand networks programmes at various levels; to take full advantage of the wealth of traditional knowledge; and , and to develop adequate research and information systems.

The panel also urged the developed countries to assist developing LFCCs to expand their forest cover through " the provision of financial resources and transfer of appropriate technology, as well as through the exchange of information and access to technical know - how and knowledge." Furthermore, countries and international organizations are urged to improve the efficiency of and procedure for international cooperation to support the management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests in developing countries with low forest cover and the donor countries and multilateral and international organization to facilitate and assist these countries in building capacity for data gathering and analysis so as to enable them to monitor their forest resources.

[Contents] [Introduction] [Low Forest Cover] [Current Trends]
[Information Requirements] [Approaches and policy Options]
[Summery Of IPE Report On Low Forest Cover] [Proposals For Action]