Transcript Slide 1

Meeting of Consultative Group on Forestry Matters for
International Negotiations
(12.10.2006)
41st Session of International Tropical Timber Council
Presented by
Dr. Bipin Behari
Deputy Inspector General of Forests
Survey and Utilization Division
Ministry of Environment & Forests
41st Session of the International Tropical Timber Council (ITTC)
& Associated Sessions of its Committees
•
The Forty First Session of the International Tropical Timber Council (ITTC)
and the associated Sessions of the four Committees are scheduled to be held in
Yokohama, Japan from 6-11, November, 2006.
•
Normally, the ITTC Sessions take place twice a year once in November/
December at its head quarter at Yokohama, Japan and the other in any of the
producer/consumer countries during May/June/July.
•
The Forty First Session of the Council will be presided by the Chairperson of
the Council, Mr. Koichi Ito (Japan).
•
Executive Director, ITTO will present a report to the Council on activities of
the Organisation and other developments of relevance to the Organisation.
41st Session of the International Tropical Timber Council (ITTC) &
Associated Sessions of its Committees
•
The Forty First Session is significant as this is the first Session at its
Headquarter, Yokohama in Japan after the adoption of the new agreement
‘International Tropical Timber Agreement, (ITTA) 2006’.
•
The ITTA, 2006 is now open for ratification.
•
The Indian Delegation actively participated in the four rounds of the
Negotiations and contributed significantly in the adoption of this new
agreement.
•
It is expected that member countries will focus on the ITTA, 2006 during
the 41st Session of ITTC.
International Tropical Timber Agreement, 2006
ITTA, 2006 is a continuation of the previous agreement, focusing on world tropical timber
economy and Sustainable Management of tropical forest resources.
The main features of ITTA, 2006 are:
•
Encouraging timber trade and an improved management of tropical forests.
•
Provisions for information sharing, including non-tropical timber trade data.
•
Consideration of non-tropical timber issues as they relate to tropical timber.
•
Promoting Sustainable Management of tropical timber producing forests.
•
Focus on timber including soft-wood species.
•
Additional enfaces on non-timber
of the Environmental services.
•
Improved collection of statistics and its reporting.
•
Separate Sub-Account for thematic sub-programmes.
forest
produce
and
a
mention
India’s Views Expressed During Negotiations
•
The re-negotiated instrument should remain a commodity agreement focused on
trade of tropical timber and timber products.
•
It should not extend into trade in environmental services as this is being explored
in other international fora.
•
This commodity agreement under United Nations’ Conference on Trade and
Development (UNCAD) should not be converted into an environmental
agreement.
•
The change of name of ITTO to ITFO can not be agreed as it may give rise to
inclusion of items other than trade of tropical timber and timber products in its
ambit.
•
The new agreement should not include changes in the definitions or items other
than timber and timber products. It should not widen is scope on environmental
and other forest related issues.

Certification of forests and forest products is being discussed within the mandate
of World Trade Organization (WTO). The re-negotiated agreement should not
include any mention of forest certification and its procedure as it can not be
agreed under any international certification affecting the sovereign rights of the
member countries.
International Tropical Timber Agreement, 2006
Preamble: Contains 20 clauses recognizing the importance of:
•
Timber and related trade to the economics of timber producer
countries.
•
The multiple economic, environmental and social benefits
provided by forests, NTFP and environmental services in the
context of Sustainable Forest Management.
•
Noting the role of good governance, clear land tenure
arrangements and cross sectoral co-operation in achieving
Sustainable Forest Management and legally sourced timber
exports.
•
Recognizing the need to promote and apply comparable Criteria and
Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management as important tools for
all members to assess, monitor and promote progress toward
sustainable management of their forests.
•
Recognizes the need for increased investment in SFM, including
through reinvesting revenues generated from forests, including from
timber-related trade.
•
Recognizes the need for enhanced and predictable financial resources
from a broad donor community to help achieve the objectives of this
Agreement.
International Tropical Timber Agreement, 2006
Objectives (Article 1) : Contains a brief chapeau and 19 clauses stating the
objectives of the ITTA, 2006:
To promote the expansion and diversification of international trade in
tropical timber from sustainably managed and legally harvested forests and to
promote the sustainable management of tropical timber producing forests by:
• contributing to sustainable development and to poverty alleviation
• Promoting market intelligence and encouraging information sharing on
international timber market with a view to encouraging greater
transparency and better information on markets and market trends
• Strengthening the capacity of members for the collection, processing
and dissemination of statistics on their trade in timber and information
on the sustainable management of their tropical forests
•
Encouraging members to develop national policies aimed at sustainable
utilisation and conservation of timber producing forests and maintaining
ecological balance, in the context of the tropical timber trade
•
Strengthening the capacity of members to improve forest law enforcement
and governance, and address illegal logging and related trade in tropical
timber.
•
Encouraging information sharing for a better understanding of voluntary
mechanisms such as, inter alia certification, to promote Sustainable
Management of Tropical Forest, and assisting members with their efforts
in this area.
•
Promoting better understanding of the contribution of Non-Timber Forest
and environmental services to the Sustainable Management of Tropical
forests with the aim of enhancing the capacity of members to develop
strategies to strengthen such contributions in the context of Sustainable
Forest Management, and co-operating with relevant institutions and
process to this end.
•
Identifying and addressing relevant new and emerging issues.
International Tropical Timber Agreement, 2006
•
Sustainable Forest Management – ‘Sustainable Forest Management’ will be
understood according to the organizations relevant policy documents and
technical guidelines: (Article 2 – Definitions).
•
The definition of ‘producer member’ remained the same as it was in the
International Tropical Timber Agreement (ITTA), 1994.
•
The name of the organization remains International Tropical Timber
Organization (ITTO).
•
As a general rule, the council shall hold at least one regular session a year.
Administrative Account
•
The Administrative Account shall include :
(a) Basic Administrative cost such as
installations cost and official travel; and
salaries
and
benefits,
(b) Core operational costs such as those related to communication and
outreach, expert meetings convened by the council and preparation
and publication of studies and assessments pursuant to Articles 24
(Policy working of the organization), 27 (Statistics, Studies and
Information) and 28 (Annual Report and Biennial Review) of the
Agreement.
Contributions to the Administrative Account for each financial biennium
shall be assessed as follows:
a) The costs referred to in paragraph (a) above of this article shall be shared equally
among producer and consumer members and assessed in the proportion the number
of each member’s votes bears to the total votes of the member’s group;
b) The costs referred to in paragraph (b) above shall be shared among members in the
proportions of 20 per cent for producers and 80 per cent for consumers and
assessed in the proportion the number of each member’s votes bears to the total
votes of the member’s group;
c) The costs referred to in paragraph (b) shall not exceed one third of the costs
referred to in paragraph (a) above. The Council may, by consensus, decide to
vary this limit for a specific financial biennium;
d) The Council may review how the Administrative Account and the voluntary
accounts contribute to the efficient and effective operation of the Organization in the
context of the evaluation referred to in article 33 (Review); and
e) In assessing contributions, the votes of each member shall be calculated without
regard to the suspension of any member’s voting rights or any redistribution of votes
resulting therefrom.
Major Issues to be discussed during the 41st Session of ITTC
•
Discussion on projects and pre projects - approval of ITTC
and funding (Report of 32nd Expert Panel)
•
Submission of forest statistics through JQ-1 and JQ-2 etc.
•
Phased approaches to Certification
•
Report on the Status of Tropical Forest Management
•
Review of the resources in the Bali Partnership Fund
•
Working of the ITTO in the context of ITTA, 2006
•
Measures to improve & strengthen the ITTO Project Cycle
41st Session discussions . . . . Contd.
CITES - Listing proposals by members
An important issue would be the consultation on the listing of Internationally
traded tropical timber species in the CITES Appendices which have been reported to
ITTO since the last session. Emphasis is on effective implementation of the inclusion of
Ramin (Gonstylus spp.) in Appendix-II of CITES
India’s view point on this issue as outlined in COP-13, is given below, which
may be reiterated:
•
To support first time inclusion of a species in Appendix I or II
•
To support up gradation from Appendices II to I
•
To oppose deletion of species from Appendices
•
To oppose down listing from appendices I to II
•
To Support only decisions which are in tune with India’s pro-conservation
stand
•
To oppose dilution of CITES provisions
ITTC is supported by four committees open to member
countries. The committees advise and assist the council on policy and
project issues. These committees are:
• Committee on Reforestation and Forest Management
• Committee on Economic Information and Market Intelligence
• Committee on Forest Industry
• Committee on Finance and Administration. This committee advises
the Council on matters related to the budget and other funding and
administrative issues concerning the management of the
Organisation.
Committee on Reforestation and Forest Management
Main activities:
•
Ex-post evaluation of projects and discussion on projects and pre-projects for their
approval and funding.
•
Review and update the ITTO Guidelines for the conservation of biodiversity in tropical
timber producing forests.
•
The promotion of the ITTO Guidelines for the Management, Restoration and
Rehabilitation of Degraded and Secondary Tropical Forests. Two sub-activities will be
considered under this activity:
a. Contributed to the Global Partnership of Forest Landscape Restoration and the
implementation of the outcomes from the Petropolis workshop.
b. Continue to arrange National level Workshops to promote the ITTO Guidelines
for the Management, Restoration and Rehabilitation of Degraded and Secondary
Tropical Forests.
•
Monitor and assess the environmental, social and economic costs and benefits of forest
plantation development and utilize that information to promote new plantations.
•
Contribute appropriately to national and international efforts in the area of prevention and
management of fire in relation to tropical timber producing forests (Colombia, Philippines
and Peru).
Committee on Economic Information and Market Intelligence
Main activities:
• Report on completed projects and pre-projects
• Ex-post evaluation of projects and discussion on projects and pre-projects for their approval and funding
• Market access
• Forest and Timber Certification
• Selected data and analysis from ITTO Annual Review and Assessment of the World Timber Situation - China.
• Market study on Tropical Plantation Timber Products
• Assist the Trade Advisory Group (TAG) in organizing and holding the ITTO Annual Market Discussion on the
world tropical timber trade during the 42nd session of the ITTC
• Review of the Timber Marketing in Two Significant Tropical Timber-importing Countries
• Study on subsidies effecting the tropical timber products
• Auditing of existing tracking systems in tropical forest industries
• Consider further work on forest law enforcement and illegal trade in timber and timber Products.
• Enhancement of statistical work and training workshops of statistics.
• Monitor progress being made regarding the comparability and equivalence of certification systems.
• Economic valuation of the forest sector with particular reference to the Amazon Basin.
Committee on Forest Industry
Main activities:
•
Report on completed projects and pre-projects.
•
Ex-post evaluation of projects and discussion on projects and pre-projects for
their approval and funding.
•
Promote wood based Bioenergy using wood residues and wastes in tropical
countries.
•
Promote private investment through facilitating information exchange on
investment opportunities - organization/convening of investment promotion
forum/seminar.
•
Assess opportunities for and promote development of non-timber forest
products and forest services, which can improve the economic attractiveness
of maintaining the forest resource base.
•
International conference on the transportation of timber products.
Status of Projects and Pre-Projects sent to International Tropical Timber
Organization (ITTO) for Financial Assistance
S.
No.
Name of the Project
Total Cost
(in US$)
ITTO
Assistance
(in US$)
State Govt.
Assistance
(in US$)
Present Status
1
ICFRE
project
"Establishment of a network to
facilitate collection processing
and dissemination of statistics
pertaining to tropical timber
and other forestry parameters
in India"
PD 291/04 Rev. 2 (M)
(Project)
241,478
216,378
25,100
by ICFRE
This project was authorized
financing by the ITTC during in its
39th Session. The MOU has been
signed and sent to ITTO on
28.3.2006. The Yearly Plan of
Action (YPO) has been finalised.
The first instalment of money has
been received & project activities
have started.
2
“Sustainable & multi-purpose
forestry to settle the tribal
shifting cultivators of Tripura
State in India by providing
viable economic activities”
PPD 111/ 05 Rev. 2 (F)
(Pre-project)
58,114
48,114
10,000
by TFDPC
Tripura
Government
This pre project proposal has been
approved by the ITTC in it’s 38th
Session at Brazzaville, Republic of
Congo but the funding is still
awaited. It is likely to be funded
this time.
3
“Productivity enhancement of
tropical forests of Uttar Pradesh
State using colonal technology”
submitted by SFRI, Kanpur, Uttar
Pradesh.
9,96,939
6,41,922
3,55,017
by UP
Government
32nd Expert panel of ITTO has
given comments which have been
forwarded to the Principal Chief
Conservator of Forests, U.P. for
needful.
4
“Durability enhancement and utilisation
of plantation, grown Eucalyptus and
Popular Wood for solid and
biocomposite” industry submitted by FRI,
Dehradun.
1,13,300
85,300
28,000
by FRI,
Dehradun
This project has been examined by the
31st Expert Panel and the comments of
the 31st Expert Panel were communicated
to Director, FRI, Dehradun on 14.3.2006.
Revised project proposal as per 31st
Expert Panel was received and examined.
Accordingly it has been sent to Director,
FRI for further improvement.
5
“Sustainable Forest Management through
Community
Development
for
manufacture of Bamboo based composite
in the state of Orissa”, submitted by
Indian Plywood Research & Training
Institute (IPRTI), Bangalore, India.
35,70,465
21,17,965
14,52,500
The observation of 32nd Expert Panel of
ITTO was communicated to Director,
IPRTI and he has submitted the
improved/revised pre-project proposal
recently. It is under examination/
processing.
6
Pre-Project Proposal – ‘Regional
Workshop on Processing, Marketing and
Trade of Quality Wood Products of Teak
Plantations’ submitted by KFRI, Peechi,
Kerala
151,269
1,06,539
44,730
by
KFRI
The Pre-project was approved by IITC
and ITTO has communicated for its
funding. The MOU has been received
which is under process in this Ministry.
The clearance from FCRA (MHA) is
awaited which is being pursued
personally.
Extension of project and pre-project
7.
“Operationalizing
of
Sustainable
Forestry Development with Community
Participation in India”, being executed
by IIFM, Bhopal.
5,15,850
2,75,500
2,40,350
The extension has been given to this
project during the 39th Session of ITTC
without any additional funds for a period
of 2 years starting from January, 2006.
8.
“Sustainable Management Of NonTimber Forest Produce (NTFP) in
Maharashtra State, India”.
82,672
64,522
18,150
The extension was given to this preproject upto 31.12.2005 during the 39th
Session of ITTC at Yokohama, Japan.
Forest Department of Maharashtra is
facing problem regarding Auditing.
ITTO’s other activities in India
•
ITTO sponsored a National level workshop on Criteria & Indicators for
Sustainable Forest Management of Tropical Forests, which held at IIFM, Bhopal,
from 24 – 28, April, 2006
•
Another National level workshop held on the Implementation of the ITTO
Guidelines for the Restoration, Management and Rehabilitation of degraded and
secondary tropical forests, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu from 22-25, August, 2006.
•
National level report is to be prepared on the status of implementation of the
Criteria & Indicators for SFM in tropical forests in India. Ministry has given this
job to IIFM for which ITTO’s financial assistance for US $ 10,000 has been
provided.
•
An ITTO Diagnostic/Technical Mission visited India in September, 2006 to
identify the limiting factors in achieving ITTO Objective 2000 and recommend for
financial support for relevant thematic areas to further strengthen SFM in India.
Recommendations of National Workshop on
Criteria & Indicator for Sustainable Forest Management
(held at IIFM, Bhopal from 24-28, April, 2006)
1.
Bhopal-India (B-I) Process of SFM has taken inputs from different international
processes / initiatives including the overall framework of ITTO set of C&I. It is therefore
recommended that the reporting format of C&I of B-I process should be used for
reporting to Government of India and international agencies. For reporting to ITTO the
information
gathered
under
B-I
reporting
format
could
appropriately
be
converted/transferred into ITTO reporting format 2005 (ITTO and MoEF).
2.
The framework of C&I for SFM evolved under Bhopal-India Process needs to be
implemented in all forest types of India with appropriate adaptations (MoEF/SFDs).
3.
JFM/PFM is recognized as most potential strategy for Sustainable forest management.
Therefore, it is recommended that periodic monitoring of C&I for SFM should be done
in collaboration with the participating communities (MoEF/SFDs).
4.
There is a need to have SFM Cell functional at state and national level for
compilation, collation and reporting the progress of SFM to SFDs, Government of
India and international agencies.
5.
Periodic monitoring, evaluation and research would require financial resources,
which should be made available through budgetary provisions in SFD/GoI and
ITTOs budget.
6.
MoEF/IIFM should provide necessary policy guidelines for implementations of
SFM. ICFRE, SFDs and state forestry institutions should be appropriately involved
in the work.
7.
Forest Certification is an important market driven tool to support responsible
forest management. In order to make it happen effectively & practical, capacity
building and institution development would be desirable. ITTO should support
the forest certification related activity in India. It is recommended to have national
forest certification council in place as soon as possible.
8.
An independent body at national level for accreditation and setting standards and
process for phased certification (ITTO/MoEF).
Recommendations of the National Workshop on
ITTO Guidelines for the Restoration, Management and Rehabilitation of
Degraded and Secondary Tropical Forest in India
(held at Chennai, India from 22-25, August, 2006)
1.
The guidelines for the Restoration, Management and Rehabilitation of
Degraded and Secondary Tropical Forests may be suitably modified so as to
suit the requirements of all the stakeholders in any given landscape in the
Indian context.
2.
The ITTO – IUCN may consider assisting the development and
implementation of a Pilot Project for Forest Landscape Restoration of degraded
forests in India.
3.
The document “Restoring Forest Landscapes: An Introduction to the Art and
Science of Forest Landscape Restoration” may be replaced with an actual ITTO
manual specifying the steps for forest landscape restoration in tropical forests.
4.
The concept of Forest Landscape Restoration may be linked with the existing
programmes like JFM/FDA in the country.
5.
The guidelines for Forest Landscape Restoration may also be
incorporated into the Ministry’s other guidelines e.g., guidelines for
National Afforestation Programme, Greening India etc.
6.
There is an emergent need for training and capacity building
especially for the field level staff for implementing such projects.
7.
There is a need for outreach/dissemination of the concept of Forest
Landscape Restoration through regular workshops/training courses
meant for field level functionaries.
8.
Increased Public-Private-Panchayat Partnership may be encouraged
to facilitate and develop Forest Landscape Restoration projects.
Important Thematic/Thrust Areas for
further strengthening the Sustainable Forest Management in India
(as an outcome of the National Workshop held at Amity, Noida on 23rd September, 2006)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Development of National Forestry Database Management System
• Support for information technology.
Development of Forest Certification Mechanism in the country.
Institutionalization of Criteria and Indicators at the National level towards
Sustainable Forest Management (SFM).
Strengthening of Research and Development to increase the productivity in
forest areas.
Establishment of a National Forestry Policy Analysis Facility for speedy
implementation of SFM.
Support for promoting Public-Private Panchayat Partnership (PPPP) in
sustainable forestry development.
Development of Integrated Forest Fire Management System / Mechanism in
the country.
Support for promoting high-tech/Clonal plantations in forest areas and
private sectors.
Establishment of facility for research and development of Non-Timber Forest
Products to address the issues of rural poverty and employment.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
Training and Human Resource Development for implementation of SFM.
• Promotion of traditional knowledge to provide livelihood opportunities
to the tribals.
Capacity building for Regulating Timber Trade.
Establishment of forest extension centre, one in each District / Division in
phased manner.
Support for strengthening the wood based industry, value addition and
marketing etc.
Development of community based Sustainable Forest Management model for
timber and NTFPs.
Development of comprehensive monitoring system for Sustainable Forest
Management and the removal of impediments.
Development of code of conduct and processes for different sectors in forestry
such as logging, sawmilling etc.
Support for bio-diversity research and conservation systems.
Support for strengthening VSS institutions.
Conservation and management of Mangroves.
Measures to improve and strengthen the ITTO Project Cycle
•
At its 40th Session, the Council authorized the Expert Panel (EP) to
proceed during its 32nd meeting along the lines described below:
“In the case of new projects, the EP is authorized to use the new
appraisal system as its primary decision tool in the 32nd Panel meeting
while reserving the option to provide decisions counter to those
indicated by the appraisal system.
In such instances, explicit
justification will be supplied. The results from this experience will be
used to provide further amendments and enhancements to the system
as appropriate”.
•
The mandate also included a provision that the Panel will continue to
use the old appraisal system to evaluate revised projects.
Experience
•
The Panel members appreciated the use of the Scoring tables and
accompanying Table of Award Criteria as it proved to promote:
• A more systematic, complete and uniform approach towards
the analysis of project and pre-project proposals
• Objectivity of appraisal
• Focussed discussion on the individual aspects and award
criteria
• Consensus on the decision of the rating category
•
The Panel members experienced some constraints in applying the
new appraisal system. There was sometimes a great difference,
upto 20 points, on the scores between the two evaluators for the
same project. Further analysis is needed to understand the causes
of these differences.
International Tropical Timber Council – 41st Session
6-11 November 2006,Yokohama, Japan
Agenda
Items
Serial No.
Provisional Agenda Items
Annotations
Comments
1
2
3
4
1.
Opening of the Session
The Forty-first Session of the Council will be opened by the Chairperson
of the Council, Mr. Koichi Ito (Japan).
No Comments
2.
Ascertainment of the Quorum
The Executive Director will report to the Council on the state of the
quorum requirement for the start of the Session.
No Comments
3.
Adoption of Agenda and
Organization of Work
[Document ITTC(XLI)/1]
The Council may decide to consider and adopt its Agenda. On the
schedule of meetings, the Council may consider the draft schedule
distributed under Decision 5(XXII), and the advice of the Informal
Advisory Group (IAG) and undertake due consultations in the
Chairperson's Coordinating Bureau, issuing the time-table daily and at
more frequent intervals as necessary.
No Comments
4.
Report on Membership of the
Council
The Executive Director will report on the status of membership of the
Council
No Comments
5.
Report of the Credentials
Committee
[Document ITTC(XLI)/3]
The Council may consider and adopt the Report of the Credentials
Committee and approve the credentials of delegations.
The forms in respect of
Indian delegation are to
be sent urgently for this
purpose.
6.
Distribution of Votes for 2006
[Document ITTC(XLI)/1
Annex]
The distribution of votes for the year 2006 which was adopted by the
Council, in accordance with Article 10(6) of the ITTA, 1994, at its
Fortieth Session, is shown in the Annex to these Annotations. In
accordance with Article 19(4) of the ITTA, 1994, the approved
distribution of votes will be used for the assessment of the contribution of
each Member to the Administrative Budget for 2007.
No Comments
7.
Admission of Observers
[Document ITTC(XLI)/Info.3]
The Council may decide to admit those States and Organizations
which request admission to the Session as Observers. Two lists of
such applicants will be submitted at the Session for consideration
and decision. The first such list shall contain the names of all
States and Organizations which have previously been admitted to
the Council Sessions and the second those States and
Organizations applying for admission for the first occasion at this
Session.
8.
Statement by the Executive
Director
The Executive Director will address the Council and report on
activities of the Organization and other developments of relevance
to the Organization.
9.
Report of the Informal
Advisory Group (IAG) –
Decision 5(XXVI)
[Document ITTC(XLI)/2]
Pursuant to Decision 5(XXVI), and in order to organize its
work for the Session, the Council may consider the report of the
Nineteenth Meeting of the Informal Advisory Group (IAG), to be
convened on Sunday, 5 November 2006.
The report of the Nineteenth Meeting of the IAG will be
presented by the Chairperson.
CITES Listing Proposals by
Members – Decision 3(XVI)
Pursuant to its Decision 3(XVI) the Council may arrange
consultations on Members’ proposals to list internationally traded
tropical timber species in the CITES Appendices which have been
reported to the Secretariat since the last Session.
10.
No Comments
Important
activity
highlighting
the
achievements and focusing
on future plan of the
organization.
No Comments
India’s viewpoints are same
as specified above. Emphasis
here is more on the effective
implementation
of
the
inclusion
of
Ramin
(Gonstylus
spp.)
in
Appendix –II of CITES.
11.
Annual Review and
Assessment of the
International Timber
Situation
[Document ITTC(XLI)/4]
The Council may wish to base its discussion on this item on the
following:
(a)
Elements for the 2006 Annual Review and Assessment of the
International Timber Situation
This is prepared by the Secretariat and comprises
statistics and available data on production, imports and exports of
timber products, emphasizing tropical timber products, and an
analysis of economic and market developments. The Elements for the
2006 Annual Review will be partly based on information extracted
from national responses to the ITTO/UNECE/FAO/EUROSTAT Joint
Forest Sector Questionnaire and partly from other sources.
ICFRE has submitted
JQ-I
and JQ-II on
11.10.2006.
After
examination, it will be
sent to ITTO by
20th October, 2006.
India’s data position is
criticized due to lack of
proper forestry Nonspatial database.
(i)
A General Introductory Statement by the Secretariat
Using various sources of information including the
Elements for the 2006 Annual Review, the Statement will give an
overview of the world timber situation, focusing on tropical timber,
including recent developments and the short-term outlook based on
available forecasts.
The Council may also decide after due discussions the type of
statistics and information and the format of presentation Members
shall furnish on timber, its trade and the activities aimed at achieving
sustainable management of timber producing forests as stipulated in
Article 29(2) of the ITTA, 1994.
12.
Preparations for the Entry
into Force of the ITTA, 2006
[Document ITTC(XLI)/5]
The Secretariat will inform the Council on preparations for the entry
into force of the ITTA, 2006
This is all about
ratification
of
renegotiated
agreement
ITTA, 2006. The main
areas of discussion will
be thematic approach
and funding provisions.
13.
ITTO Objective 2000 –
Decisions 2(XXIX) and
9(XXX)
[Documents ITTC(XLI)/6
and ITTC(XLI)/7]
(a)
Pursuant to its Decision 2(XXIX), which requested the Executive
Director to render assistance, on request, to producer countries to identify, in
each country, those factors which most severely limit progress towards
achieving Objective 2000 and sustainable forest management and to
formulate an action plan to overcome these, the Council will receive the
report on the assistance provided to the Governments of Thailand and
India; and
(b)
The Council will also be updated on progress towards
implementation of national workshops to train officials, forest managers and
forest concessionaires on the effective use of ITTO formats for reporting on
forest management.
1.
Report on ITTO
Technical Mission to
Thailand
will
be
presented in the Session.
2.
Similarly, report on
ITTO Technical Mission
to India will also be
presented.
14.
Progress Report on the
Implementation of the
ITTO Biennial Work
Programme 2006-2007
[Document ITTC(XLI)/8]
The Council will receive the progress report on the implementation of
the Biennial Work Programme for 2006-2007;
This is the action plan
for next year. Active
participation is required
in this to take more
projects
and
other
activities in India.
15.
ITTO Guidelines for the
Restoration,
Management and
Rehabilitation of
Degraded and Secondary
Tropical Forests–
Decision 3(XXXII)
[Document ITTC(XLI)/9]
The Council will receive the final report on the implementation of the
national training workshops to promote the understanding and use of the
ITTO Guidelines for the Restoration, Management and Rehabilitation of
Degraded and Secondary Tropical Forests.
One such workshop has
taken place at Chennai
in India from 24-28,
August,
2006.
The
Report
has
been
received and is being
improved to send to
IUCN and ITTO as early
as possible.
16.
Measures to Improve
and Strengthen the
ITTO Project CycleDecision 3(XXXVII)
[Document
ITTC(XLI)/10]
The Council may wish to consider the report (document ITTC
(XLI)/10) on the implementation of work approved under Decision
3(XXXVII) to review the ITTO Project Formulation Manual and related
materials. The Council also agreed to review Decision 3(XXXVII) after a
period of two years with a particular focus on the limitation on submission
of project proposals with a view to assessing its effectiveness and impact
on improving the Project Cycle and the delivery of quality projects.
The experience of 32nd
Expert Panel regarding
the implementation of
new scoring system will
be shared for further
strengthening the same
and final adoption.
17.
Matters Related to Article
16 of ITTA, 1994 –Decisions
3(XXV), 3(XXVII) and
5(XXXIV)
Pursuant to ITTC Decision 3(XXV) the Council may wish to consider
matters related to Article 16 of 1TTA, 1994. The Council may recall that
at its Fortieth Session in Meridá, Mexico, it decided that delegations
requesting amendments to ITTC Decision 3(XXV) Annex titled “The
Selection Procedures for an Executive Director” should provide the
Council with specific text. The Council also decided that Countries
wishing to propose amendments should make such amendments
available to Members on the first day of the Session and that it would
only consider amendments related to the revision of the job description
of the Executive Director and the composition of the Selection Panel.
This will be an
important topic for
discussion
with
great
heat
and
diplomatic
lobbying.
18.
Enhanced Cooperation
Between ITTO and CITES
for Ramin and Mahogany–
Decision 2(XXXVII)
Pursuant to ITTC Decision 2(XXXVII) the Council will be informed on
the outcome of the ITTO Expert Meeting on the effective
implementation of the inclusion of Ramin (Gonstylus spp.) in
Appendix II of CITES.
We have to watch
our interests in view
of our stand in this
context.
19.
Promotion of Sustainable
Forest Management in the
Congo Basin–Decision
10(XXXII)
[Documents ITTC(XLI)/11 &
ITTC(XLI)/12]
The Council may wish to consider the reports on the implementation of
certain activities added to Decision 10(XXXII) on the “Promotion of
Sustainable Forest Management in the Congo Basin” in support of the
COMIFAC sub-regional Convergence Plan and 2015 COMIFAC
Objectives:
No Comments.
(i)Report on a Study on the achievement of synergies between the
African Timber Organization (ATO) Action Plan on the Further
Processing of Tropical Timber in Africa and the COMIFAC sub-regional
Convergence Plan; and
(ii)Report on a Feasibility Study for the Implementation of the Revised
Training Programmes in Forest Management and Forest Concession
Management in the Congo Basin.
20.
Forest Law Enforcement in
the Context of Sustainable
Timber Production and
Trade– Decision 6(XXXI)
[Documents ITTC(XLI)/13
&ITTC(XLI)/14]
Pursuant to its Decision 6(XXXI) which authorized the Executive
Director, upon request by Producing Countries, to conduct studies and to
assist those countries in devising ways to enhance forest law
enforcement, taking into account, when necessary, illegal timber trade
and its impacts, the Council will receive the reports on assistance
provided to the Governments of Brazil and Ecuador.
No Comments.
21.
ITTO Fellowship
Programme – Decision
4(XXVII)
[Documents ITTC(XLI)/15 &
ITTC(XLI)/16]
The Council may consider: (a) the progress report prepared by the
Secretariat on implementation of the ITTO Fellowship Programme, as
called for in Decision 4(XXVII) [Document ITTC(XLI)/15]; and (b)
the report of the Fellowship Selection Panel to be presented by its
Chairperson [Document ITTC(XLI)/16]. The Council will announce
the final selection of awards based on the Chairperson’s report.
No Comments.
22.
Special Account and Bali
Partnership Fund
[Document ITTC(XLI)/17]
(a)Pledges to the Special Account and the Bali Partnership Fund
The Council may invite Members and Observers to
announce any new contributions they may wish to pledge to the
Special Account and the Bali Partnership Fund.
(a)Review of the resources in the Bali Partnership Fund
The Council may conduct a review of the adequacy of
the resources in the Bali Partnership Fund to meet the needs of
Producing Members to achieve the purpose of the Fund, as called for
in the ITTA, 1994, Article 21. [Information on the resources of the
Bali Partnership Fund are contained in Document CFA (XX)/5].
(a)Report of the Panel on Sub-Account B of the Bali Partnership Fund
The Council will have before it the report of the Panel
on Sub-Account B of the Bali Partnership Fund established under
Decision 4(XXX) to consider actions/activities, pre-projects and
projects that are eligible for funding under Sub-Account B. The
Council may consider and adopt the recommendations contained in
the report [Document ITTC (XLI)/15].
No Comments.
23.
Reports of the Associated
Sessions of the Committees
The Council will have before it the Reports of the Associated Sessions
of the Committees presented by the respective Chairpersons. The
Council may consider and adopt the recommendations contained in
each of the Reports.
This is the most
important item of the
Session specifying the
outcome of each of the
four
Committees,
meetings
and
discussions.
24.
Election of Chairperson and
Vice-Chairperson of the
Council for 2007
The Council may decide after due consultations, to elect a
Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson for 2007. Under Article 8 of the
ITTA, 1994, the Council is required to elect a Chairperson and ViceChairperson for each calendar year. Under Article 8, paragraph 2,
the Chairperson and the Vice-Chairperson, one from among the
representatives of producing countries, and the other from among
the representatives of the consuming countries, are required to
alternate each year between the two categories of Members,
provided, however, that this shall not prohibit the re-election to
either or both under exceptional circumstances by Special Vote of
the Council.
No Comments.
25.
Dates and Venues of the
Forty-second, Forty-third
and Forty-fourth Sessions of
the Council and the
Associated Sessions of the
Committees
The Council may wish to confirm the dates and venues of
the Forty-second Session proposed to be held in Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea from 8 to12 May 2007 and the Forty-third
Session, scheduled in Yokohama, Japan from 5 to 10 November
2007. For the Forty-second Session, the Council may also wish to
consider and decide on the financial resources to organize and
convene the Session.
In order to maintain the established practice of setting
Session dates and venue eighteen months in advance to facilitate
logistical arrangements, the Council may wish to set the dates and
venue of the Forty-fourth Session of the Council.
42nd Session: Port
Moresby, Papua New
Guinea
(8-12, May, 2007)
43rd Session: Yokohama,
Japan
(5-10 ,November, 2007)
44th Session: To be
decided
(Africa’s turn)
26.
Other Business
The Council may consider any matters raised under this item.
No Comments.
27.
Decisions and Report
of the Session
The Council shall consider the proposed decisions and adopt them accordingly. In accordance with Rule
33 of the Rules of Procedure, a report on the proceedings shall be prepared by the Executive Director and shall be
circulated to all Members as soon as possible.
Through Decision 7(XXXIII) the Council adopted the following procedures for the Council decision
making:
(a)
The Council will give guidance to the Executive Director through the Council Chairperson on routine or
non-controversial matters not having financial implications. This guidance will be included in the Report of the
Session, not reflected as decisions of Council;
(b)
In order for draft decisions by Members to be considered by Council, the following procedures will be
adopted:

In relation to the Provisional Agenda, Members submit proposals for Council decisions to the Executive
Director for circulation to all Members not less than two weeks prior to Council. Each proposal contains three
elements: the subject, the purpose of the decision, and the proposed action, including any financial implications.
The Executive Director will not circulate incomplete proposals.

Minus Day 1: The IAG considers the proposals for Council decisions from Members, as well as proposals
from the Executive Director.

Council Day 1: The Chairperson presents the proposals to Council as part of the IAG report and identifies
which, if any, can be handled per item (a) of the decision.

Day 2: The proposals for draft decisions are discussed in Caucuses and via informal consultations.

Day 3: The Council decides the topics it will consider for decision; then the Chairperson, assisted by a
small group and the Executive Director, develops preliminary draft decisions for circulation to and consideration
by all Members.

Day 4+: The Chairperson’s Open-Ended Drafting Group convenes to discuss and finalize draft decisions.

Noon, Penultimate Day: Final decisions are submitted for translation. Decisions still under negotiation
are deferred to the next Council Session.
The above procedures were adopted for a six-day Council Session. The Council may wish to review its
decision-making procedures.
The Council may wish to recall its discussions at the Fortieth Session on the proposal for
Decision submitted by the United States of America on “The Participation of ITTO in the Coalition against
Wildlife Trafficking”. The Council decided to resume consideration of the proposal at the Forty-first Session in
light of additional information relating to illegal trade in wildlife from tropical forests, to be provided by the
Secretariat. The Council may wish to consider the information paper contained in document ITTC (XLI)/18.
No
Comments.
28.
Closing of the Session
Following any final statements by Delegates, the Chairperson will close the Forty-first Session of the Council.
No
Comments.