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EarthNegotiationsBulletin(ENB)Volume13Number199|Tuesday,19May2015

SummaryoftheEleventhSessionoftheUnitedNationsForumonForests415MAY2015|NewYork,US

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TheeleventhsessionoftheUNForumonForests(UNFF11)tookplacefrom415May2015atUNHeadquartersinNewYork.Participants,includingMemberStates,internationalorganizations,theCollaborativePartnershiponForests(CPF)membersandMajorGroups,gatheredtoaddressarangeofissuesincluding:forests:progress,challengesandthewayforwardfortheinternationalarrangementonforests(IAF)meansofimplementationforsustainableforestmanagement(SFM)andforestlawenforcementandgovernanceandamultistakeholderdialogue.

Delegates,includingMinistersandHeadsofDelegation,tookpartinaHighLevelSegment(HLS)from1314May,whichwasconvenedunderthethemeTheFutureInternationalArrangementonForestsWeWant.TheMinisterialSegmentincludedahighlevelopeningsessionandgeneraldebateaswellasroundtablesonintegratingforestsintothepost2015developmentagendaandrenewedcommitmentstoimplementationoftheIAFbeyond2015.AhighlevelinteractivedialoguewiththeheadsoftheCPFmemberorganizationsalsotookplace.

AMultiStakeholderDialoguetookplaceon5May,whichprovidedanopportunityforMajorGroupstosharetheirthoughtsandsuggestionsontheIAFandUNFFbeyond2015.DiscussantsfromMajorGroupsrepresented:WomenFarmersandSmallForestLandownersForestWorkersandTradeUnionsScientificandTechnologicalCommunityNonGovernmentalOrganizations(NGOs)andChildrenandYouth.

WorkontheMinisterialDeclarationandtheUNFF11resolutiontookplaceundertwoworkinggroups(WGs).WorkingGroup1(WG1),whichmetfrom512May,dealtwiththeMinisterialDeclaration.WorkingGroup2(WG2),whichconvenedfrom515May,addressedtheUNFF11Resolution.

Despitelongnegotiatingsessionsoverthecourseofthetwoweeksthatoftenwentlateintothenight,delegateswelcomedtheadoptionoftheMinisterialDeclarationattheHLSon14MayandtheadoptionoftheUNFF11resolutionon15May.ManyfeltthatthetwodocumentscontainappropriatestepsforwardforaconstructivefuturefortheUNFFandthelargerIAF.

ABRIEFHISTORYOFUNFF

TheUnitedNationsForumonForestswasestablishedin2000,followingafiveyearperiodofforestpolicydialoguewithintheIntergovernmentalPanelonForests(IPF)andtheIntergovernmentalForumonForests(IFF).InOctober2000,theUNEconomicandSocialCouncil(ECOSOC),inresolution2000/35,establishedtheIAF,whichestablishedtheUNFFasasubsidiarybodyofECOSOC,withthemainobjectiveofpromotingthemanagement,conservationandsustainabledevelopmentofalltypesofforests.

TheUNFFsprincipalfunctionsareto:facilitatetheimplementationofforestrelatedagreementsandfosteracommonunderstandingonSFMprovideforcontinuedpolicydevelopmentanddialogueamonggovernments,internationalorganizationsandMajorGroups,aswellastoaddressforestissuesandemergingareasofconcerninaholistic,comprehensiveandintegratedmannerenhancecooperation,andpolicyandprogrammecoordinationonforestrelatedissuesfosterinternationalcooperationandmonitor,assessandreportonprogressandstrengthenpoliticalcommitmenttothemanagement,conservationandsustainabledevelopmentofalltypesofforests.

ORGANIZATIONALSESSION:TheUNFFsorganizationalsessiontookplacefrom1216February2001,atUNHeadquartersinNewYork.DelegatesagreedthattheUNFFSecretariatwouldbelocatedinNewYork,andmadeprogresstowardstheestablishmentoftheCPF,apartnershipof14majorforestrelatedinternationalorganizations,institutionsandconventionsecretariats.

UNFF1:ThefirstsessionofUNFFtookplacefrom1123June2001inNewYork.DelegatesdiscussedandadopteddecisionsontheUNFFMultiYearProgrammeofWork,aPlanofActionfortheimplementationoftheIPF/IFFProposalsforAction,andtheUNFFsworkwiththeCPF.Delegatesalsorecommendedestablishingthreeadhocexpertgroups(AHEGs)toprovidetechnicaladvicetoUNFFon:approachesandmechanismsformonitoring,assessmentandreportingfinanceandtransferofenvironmentallysoundtechnologies



(ESTs)andparametersofamandatefordevelopingalegalframeworkonalltypesofforests.

UNFF2:ThesecondsessionofUNFFtookplacefrom415March2002inNewYork.Delegatesadopteddecisionson,interalia,specificcriteriaforthereviewoftheeffectivenessoftheIAF.UNFF2agreedthatspecificcriteriarelatedtotheimplementationoftheProposalsforActionaretheextenttowhich:countries,theCPFandotheractorsprogressedinimplementingtheProposalsforActioncountriesdevelopedandstartedtoimplementnationalforestprogrammes(NFPs)orequivalentprocessestheIAFfacilitatedandpromotedcountriesimplementation,focusingonmeansofimplementation(MoI)andcountriesprogressedinassessingtheProposalsforActioninordertodeterminetheirrelevanceintheirnationalcontexts.Resolution2/3outlinedspecificcriteriarelatedtocontinuedpolicydevelopment,includingtheextenttowhich:theIAFenhancedforestpolicydevelopmentanddialogueandworkedinatransparentandparticipatorymannerCPFmembersrespondedtotheUNFFsguidanceandprogresswasmadeinreachingacommonunderstandingofforestrelatedconcepts,terminologyanddefinitions.

UNFF3:UNFF3metinGeneva,Switzerland,from26May6June2003,andadoptedsixresolutionson:enhancedcooperationandpolicyandprogrammecoordinationforesthealthandproductivityeconomicaspectsofforestsmaintainingforestcovertomeetpresentandfutureneedstheUNFFTrustFundandstrengtheningtheSecretariat.

UNFF4:UNFF4convenedinGenevafrom314May2004andadoptedfiveresolutionson:reviewoftheeffectivenessoftheIAFforestrelatedscientificknowledgesocialandculturalaspectsofforestsmonitoring,assessmentandreporting,andcriteriaandindicatorsandfinanceandtransferofESTs.OnthereviewoftheIAF,delegatesagreedtorequestthatMemberStatessubmitavoluntaryquestionnairebasedonthespecificcriteriaagreedtoatUNFF2.UNFF4attempted,withoutsuccess,toreachagreementonresolutionsonforestrelatedtraditionalknowledge,enhancedcooperation,andpolicyandprogrammecoordination.

UNFF5:UNFF5tookplacefrom1627May2005,inNewYork.ParticipantswereunabletoreachagreementonstrengtheningtheIAFanddidnotproduceaMinisterialStatementoranegotiatedoutcome.Theydidagree,adreferendum,tofourglobalgoalson:significantlyincreasingtheareaofprotectedforestsandsustainablymanagedforestsworldwidereversingthedeclineinofficialdevelopmentassistance(ODA)forSFMreversingthelossofforestcoverandenhancingforestbasedeconomic,socialandenvironmentalbenefits.Theyalsoagreedinprincipletonegotiate,atsomefuturedate,thetermsofreferenceforavoluntarycodeorinternationalunderstandingonforests,aswellasMoI.

UNFF6:UNFF6tookplacefrom1324February2006inNewYork.DelegatesgeneratedanegotiatingtextcontainingnewlanguageonthefunctionoftheIAF,acommitmenttoconveneUNFFbienniallyafter2007,andarequestthatUNFF7adoptanonlegallybindinginstrumentonalltypesofforests(NLBI).UNFF6alsosetfourglobalobjectivesonforests(GOFs)fortheIAFto:reversethelossofforestcoverworldwidethroughSFM,includingthroughprotection,restoration,afforestationandreforestationenhanceforestbasedeconomic,socialandenvironmentalbenefits,andthecontributionofforeststotheachievementofinternationallyagreeddevelopmentgoalsincreasesignificantlytheareaofprotectedforestsworldwideandotherareasofsustainablymanagedforestsandreversethedeclineinODAforSFM,andmobilizesignificantlyincreasednewandadditionalfinancialresourcesfromallsourcesfortheimplementationofSFM.

UNFF7:UNFF7washeldfrom1627April2007inNewYork.Aftertwoweeksofnegotiations,culminatinginanallnightsession,delegatesadoptedtheNLBIandaMultiYearProgrammeofWork(MYPOW)fortheperiod20072015.Delegatesagreedthatavoluntaryglobalfinancialmechanism/portfolioapproach/forestfinancingframeworkforalltypesofforestswouldbedevelopedandconsidered,withaviewtoitsadoptionatUNFF8.

UNFF8:UNFF8washeldfrom20April1May2009inNewYork.Delegatesdiscussed:forestsinachangingenvironment,includingforestsandclimatechange,reversingthelossofforestcoveranddegradation,andforestsandbiodiversityconservationandMoIforSFM.Afteranallnightsessiononthelastnight,delegatesadoptedaresolutiononforestsinachangingenvironment,enhancedcooperationandcrosssectoralpolicyandprogrammecoordination,andregionalandsubregionalinputs.DelegatesdidnotagreeonadecisiononfinancingforSFM,anddecidedtoforwardbracketednegotiatingtexttotheForumsnextsession.

UNFF9:UNFF9tookplacefrom24January4February2011inNewYorkandlaunchedtheInternationalYearofForests2011.TheForumadoptedbyacclamationaresolutiononforestsforpeople,livelihoodsandpovertyeradication,whichaddressed,interalia:proceduresforassessmentofprogressincreasedregionalandsubregionalcooperationenhancedcooperation,includingwithMajorGroupsandMoIforSFM,particularlytheAHEGprocessonforestfinancing.

UNFF10:UNFF10metfrom819April2013inIstanbul,Turkey.Amongotheritems,delegatesadoptedtheResolutiononEmergingIssues,MoIandtheUNFFTrustFund,whichdecidedthattheeffectivenessoftheIAFwouldbereviewedin2015,andestablishedanopenendedintergovernmentalAHEGtoreviewtheIAFsperformanceandeffectiveness.Theresolutionsetouttheelementstobeincludedinthereviewanddecidedthatitshouldhavethefollowingcomponents:submissionsbycountries,theCPF,itsmembersandotherrelevantorganizationsandstakeholdersanindependentassessmentoftheIAFandanAHEGontheIAFreview.

UNFF11SUMMARY

UNFF11openedMondaymorning,4May,withBureauMemberSrekoJurii(Croatia)welcomingdelegates.

ELECTIONOFOFFICERS:JuriirecalledBureaumemberselectedatthefirstsessionofUNFF11:MachariaKamau(Kenya),SrekoJurii(Croatia)andHeikkiGranholm(Finland).HenotedtheagreementtopostponetheelectionofremainingmemberstothesecondsessionofUNFF11,sayingthatVicenteBezerra(Brazil)andWuZhimin(China)hadbeenelectedtothesepositions.

JuriireportedtheendorsementofNolMessone(Gabon)bytheAfricanGroupfollowingKamausresignation.DelegateselectedMessoneasUNFF11Chair,BezerraandWuasViceChairs,andGranholmasrapporteur.



ADOPTIONOFTHEAGENDAANDOTHERORGANIZATIONALMATTERS:Delegatesadoptedtheagenda(E/CN.18/2015/1)andtheprovisionalorganizationofworkwiththeunderstandingthatitmaybeadjustedwherenecessary.

CPFFRAMEWORK20132014:EduardoRojasBriales,UNFoodandAgricultureOrganization(FAO)AssistantDirectorGeneralforForestryandChairoftheCPF,providedanoverviewoftheCPFFramework20132014(E/CN.18/2015/7),identifyingtheintegrationofforestsinthepost2015developmentagendaasitsmostimportantachievement.HeadditionallyaddressedthefunctionsoftheCPFinthepost2015IAF,proposingtoincludeintheCPFsmission:measuringprogressandsupportforimplementationofthepost2015agenda,inparticularforestrelatedSustainableDevelopmentGoals(SDGs)andincreasingtheCPFssupportofforestrelatedactivitiesinotherinternationalfora.

AHEG2REPORT:RaymondLandveld,Suriname,andCharlesBarber,US,CoChairsofAHEG2,presentedthemeetingsoutcomes(E/CN.18/2015/11).Landveldoutlinedareasofemergingconvergence,includingthat:theCPFandtheFacilitativeProcessshouldbestrengthenedUNFFshouldhaveclosertiestoexistingfinancialmechanismsandmultistakeholderengagementshouldbemaintainedandenhanced.Hehighlightedissuesneedingfurtherdiscussion,citing,interalia,whethermakingtheNLBIlegallybindingwouldbeofbenefittoSFMontheground,andtheneedforaglobalforestfund.

BarbersummarizedtheCoChairsrecommendations,sayingthat:theuniversalmembershipoftheUNFFshouldbereaffirmedthefutureworkingmodalitiesoftheUNFFmustbeaddressedtheUNFFSecretariatshouldbestrengthenedandthereisaneedtoensurecoherencewiththeSDGsandthepost2015developmentagenda.

IAFINDEPENDENTASSESSMENT:JorgeIllueca,Panama,andJuergenBlaser,Switzerland,reportedontheIAFindependentassessment.IlluecahighlightedtheneedtofindsynergiesbetweentheSDGs,theGOFsandtheAichiBiodiversityTargets.BlasernotedtheneedforincreasedMemberStatecommitmentandMajorGroupengagementandanimprovedsciencepolicyinterface.

IAFBEYOND2015WORKSHOPREPORT:WuZhimin,China,andPeterBesseau,Canada,reportedontheWorkshopontheIAFbeyond2015heldinOctober2014inBeijing,China(E/CN.18/2015/9).Wusaidthattheworkshopdiscussedbothlegallyandnonlegallybindingscenarios,andhighlightedtheneedfor:aneffectivefinancialmechanismflexibilitywithinUNFFtoenableinnovationandadaptationandbetteruseofmultistakeholderprocesses,includingprivatesectorinvolvement.Besseaureportedthekeymessagethatbusinessasusualisnotacceptable.

INTERLAKEN+10REPORT:ChristianKuechli,Switzerland,reportedonthecountryledinitiative(CLI)onlessonslearnedintenyearsoftheIAF(E/CN.18/2015/12).HeconcludedthatforestgovernanceisthekeyenablingconditionforSFMandemphasizedtheimportanceofanchoringforestgovernance,rightsbasedapproachesandforesttenureinthefutureIAF.ChildrenandYouthRepresentativeAnnaStembergernotedthattheuniqueinsightsandhandsonexperienceyoungpeoplehavemustbeincorporatedintoUNFF.

MAJORGROUPINITIATIVEONADVANCINGCONSERVATIONANDSFMINPARTNERSHIPS:ShatrudhwanPokharel,Nepal,presentedareportoftheMajorGroupInitiativeheldinsupportoftheUNFF(E/CN.18/2015/13)inKathmandu,NepalinMarch2015entitledSFM:designingthevehiclesforsecuringtheMoI.

FORESTSINTHEECEREGIONREPORT:RomanMichalak,UNEconomicCommissionforEurope(UNECE)/FAOForestryandTimberSection,presentedonajointUNECE/FAOstudyForestsintheECEregion,whichshowedtheregionhasseen:anetincreaseofforestareaoverseveraldecadesareductioninincomegeneratedbytheforestrysectorandafivefoldincreaseintotalannualODAin20112012comparedto20052007.

CIFOR/ICRAF/IUFROSTATEMENT:PeterHolmgren,CentreforInternationalForestryResearch(CIFOR),andJohnParrotta,InternationalUnionofForestResearchOrganizations(IUFRO),inajointstatementonbehalfofCIFOR,IUFRO,andtheWorldAgroforestryCentre(ICRAF),announcedthedevelopmentofaforestrysciencepolicyplatformandinvitedUNFFMemberStatestoconsideritspotentialopportunities.

GENERALSTATEMENTS

GeneralstatementsweredeliveredonMondayafternoon,4May.

SouthAfrica,fortheGroupof77andChina(G77/China),theAssociationofSoutheastAsianNations(ASEAN)andtheEuropeanUnion(EU)presentedregionalstatements.Theregionalgroupscalledfor,respectively:establishinganadequatelyresourcedglobalforestfundtoachievetheIAFmandatesidentifyingacommondefinitionforSFMandincreasedlinkageswithsectorsthathaveimpactsonforests,suchasagricultureandmining.

MemberStates,UNagenciesandMajorGroupsspokenext.TheyhighlightedtheroleandfunctionsfortheUNFFandtheIAFbeyond2015,forestfinancingarrangements,andastrategicplan.Theyalsodiscussedimplementationchallenges,nationalactionandtheCPF.

Switzerlandsaidthepost2015IAFshouldbestrengthenedtoenableUNFFtobecomeahubthatsetsforestsinawiderpolicylandscape.IransupportedtheroleofUNFFinmonitoringandreportingontheforestrelatedSDGs.RussianotedthatachievingSFMwithinthesustainabledevelopmentagendaliesincoordinatedcooperationbetweenUNFFandallrelevantpartners.

Japanrecognizedthemultifunctionalityofforests,includingtheirroleindisasterriskreduction.Colombianotedthatdespiteprogressindiscussions,hugelacunaeonimplementationoftheIAFremain,underliningtheneedforaclear,resultsorientedroadmapworkingtowardsmeasurableGOFs.

FAOunderscoredsupporttoUNFFthroughstatisticsonforestsandpublicationsincludingtheStateoftheWorldsForests.TheInternationalNetworkforBambooandRattanhighlightedthevastreforestationandcommunityempowermentopportunitiesfrombamboo



andrattan.

Asummaryofthegeneralstatementsisavailableonlineat:http://www.iisd.ca/vol13/enb13190e.html

MULTISTAKEHOLDERDIALOGUE

Tuesdayafternoon,5May,featuredtheMultiStakeholderDialogue.UNFFDirectorManoelSobralFilhointroducedtheNotebytheSecretariatontheMultiStakeholderDialogue(E/CN.18/2015/6andAdd.1).LambertOkrah,MajorGroupsPartnershiponForests(MGPoF),forNGOs,moderatedthedialogue,sayingthatdiscussionswouldfocusonMajorGroupsviewsonthefutureoftheIAF.HecalledonregionalgroupstoprovidetheiropinionsonMajorGroupsrecommendations.

TheMajorGroupspresentationsdiscussedtheneedforUNFFto,interalia:shiftfromnegotiationoftexttofacilitatingpolicydialogueexpandtheGOFstoincludeForestLawEnforcementandGovernance(FLEG)andsetupspecificWGstoensurethatmomentumondecisionsismaintainedandemergingthematicissuesareaddressed.TheyalsoemphasizedshortcomingsofthecurrentIAFrecommendationsforglobalfinancialmechanismsforSFMandtheroleofMajorGroupsinimplementation.

Intheensuingdiscussion,delegates:urgedMGPoFmemberstoimprovecooperationandcoordinationatalllevelsunderscoredtheneedfortheinvolvementofbusinessandindustryMajorGroupssaidtheMGPoFdoesnotrequireaformalizedrelationshipwiththeUNFFtobeeffectivequeriedthemeritinhavingtheMGPoFasanofficialgroupandhighlightedtheimportanceofmultistakeholderparticipationatcountrylevelandinthedevelopmentofcountrypositionsatUNprocesses.

Asummaryofthedialogueisavailableonlineat:http://www.iisd.ca/vol13/enb13191e.html

HIGHLEVELSEGMENT

TheHLSconvenedWednesdayandThursday,1314May,underthethemeTheFutureIAFWeWant.

UNFF11ChairNoelMessonewelcomeddelegates,sayingthissegmentprovidesanopportunityforrenewedcommitmentsforastrongerIAFbeyond2015.

ECOSOCPresidentMartinSajdik(Austria)highlightedreformsinECOSOCthataimtocreatesynergiesamongitssubsidiarybodies,includingUNFF.HenotedthattheJune2015HighLevelPoliticalForumonSustainableDevelopment(HLPF)willfocusonwaystoimplementitsfunctionsinreviewingtheimplementationofthepost2015developmentagenda,inwhichforestsplayanimportantrole.

UNFF11ChairMessonethenopenedthefloorforgeneralstatements.Statementslargelyfocusedon:constraintstoeffectiveSFMimplementation,includingalackoffundingforestsroleinachievingtheSDGsthefragmentedforestpolicylandscapeastrategicplanforUNFFsgoingforwardandthefutureoftheIAF.

SouthAfrica,onbehalfoftheG77/China,saidthegroupstronglyadvocatesforestablishingaglobalforestfundtocatalyzeSFMimplementation.TheEUhighlightedmilestonesachievedthroughthecurrentIAF,includingtheNLBIandincreasedawarenessofforestsmultifunctionalityandtheirroleintheinternationaldevelopmentagenda.

SenegalcalledforastrengthenedUNFF,notingtheimportanceofadoptingspecificmeasuresto:addressillegalloggingimprovelocalgovernmentsaccountabilityandpromoteparticipatoryforestmanagementtobuildsustainablelivelihoods.GaboncalledonUNFFMemberStatestocooperateinacommonvisionforthefutureIAF,includingsupportingSFMimplementationthroughthestrengtheningoffinancialmechanisms.

TheRussianFederationreaffirmedtheneedforalegallybindingagreementonalltypesofforests.Malaysiacalledforestablishingaglobalforestfund.Slovakiaemphasizedthevalueofregionallevelprocessesinconnectingnationalandgloballevelefforts.NorwaynotedthattheUNFFandCPFhavethepotentialtoimprovetheirrelevanceandeffectivenessby,interalia:addressingemergingissuesreachingouttosectorsbeyondforestryandtakingintoaccountthevaryingconditionsacrossdifferentregions.

SwedennotedtheirpriorityistofacilitateSFMthatpromotesgenderequalityandsecureforesttenureforthemostvulnerablegroups.Turkeyhighlightedthattheirnationalpoliciesprovidegrantsandsoftloansforincomegeneratingactivitiesamongforestdependentcommunities.GrenadaemphasizedthatSFMneedstobeachievedbycrossingboundariesandbuildingallianceswithallstakeholders.

MoroccohighlightedthequestionofhowbesttocreatesynergiesbetweenUNFFandtheRioConventions.SamoanotedthatforestsandSFMprovidewinwinsolutionsformanydevelopmentchallengesinthetransitiontoagreeneconomy.SurinamecalledforstrengtheningtheUNFFSecretariatatalllevels.Uruguayhighlightedtheroleofeducationinensuringtheconservationofnaturalresources.

KenyaemphasizedUNFFasaforumforensuringSFMimplementation.PapuaNewGuineanotedthatcustomarylandtenureinhiscountryisaconstrainttoSFM.TanzaniaemphasizedtheneedfortechnologytransfertoachieveSFM.BrazilaffirmedtheimportanceoftheIAFandUNFFinenhancingnationalforestpolicy.

FAOsaidensuringforestbenefitsinsustainabledevelopmentrequiresputtingpeopleatthecenterofforestmanagement.TheConventiononInternationalTradeinEndangeredSpeciesofWildFaunaandFlora(CITES)expressedtheirinterestinjoiningtheCPF.Ecuador,fortheCommunityofLatinAmericanandCaribbeanStates,notedtheimportanceofafullyoperationalCPFandFacilitativeProcesstobridgethegapbetweenMemberStatesneedsandtheresourcesavailabletopromoteSFM.

SummariesoftheHLSgeneraldebateareavailableonlineat:http://www.iisd.ca/vol13/enb13197e.htmlandhttp://www.iisd.ca/vol13/enb13198e.html



ROUNDTABLEONINTEGRATIONOFFORESTSINTHEPOST2015DEVELOPMENTAGENDA:ThisroundtablewascochairedbyUNFF11ChairMessoneandChristianSchmidt,GermanMinisterofFoodandAgriculture,onThursday,14May.

RoundtableCoChairSchmidtcalledondelegatestoprovideviewsonhowUNFFcanbealignedwiththepost2015sustainabledevelopmentagenda.

Roundtablediscussionsgenerallyfocusedonhowforestsareanimportantcomponentofsustainabledevelopment,identifyingthreatsthatcouldreducesustainabledevelopmentgainsandstepstobolsterforestsroleinthepost2015developmentagenda.

MalaysiasaidfundingforSFMiskeytosafeguardingthemultiplebenefitsofforests.Iranstressedtheimportanceofdiversifyingforestrelatedlivelihoodopportunities.LithuaniasaidthedeclarationandresolutionshouldstressUNFFsroleinpromotingforestsinthepost2015developmentagenda.Guineasaidthethreatsofurbanizationtoforestsindevelopingcountriesshouldbeaddressed.

ChinaexpressedhopethatsocialandeconomicindicatorscanbeincludedtohelpfacilitatefollowupofforestrelatedSDGs.CameroonandZambiaurgedtheUNFFtoprovideclear,costeffectiveandpracticalsolutionsforconservingandmanagingforests.Ghanasaidforestsneedtobemorestronglyintegratedintonationaldevelopmentplans.GabonsaidthatforestsimportancecannotbeoveremphasizedwhensendingamessagetotheHLPF.

FranceurgedtheIAFtobetterutilizeforestexpertiseinCPFmemberorganizations.FijiurgedtheUNFFtostrengthentheSecretariatinordertoreallymakethingshappenforSFMinthepost2015developmentagenda.

CoChairSchmidt,inclosing,saidforestsmultifunctionalityishighlightedintheSDGs.Heurgedforafocusonintegrationandcooperationwithotherforaandinstitutionsatbothglobalandlocallevels.

ROUNDTABLEONRENEWEDCOMMITMENTSTOTHEIAFBEYOND2015:ThisroundtablewascochairedbyUNFF11ChairMessoneandIvanValentik,DeputyMinisterofNaturalResourcesandEnvironmentandHeadoftheFederalAgencyforForestry,RussianFederation,onThursday,14May.

ThisroundtableoutlinedanumberofactionstoengagewithandstrengthentheIAFbeyond2015.Issuesspecifiedincluded:cooperationandcoordinationatalllevelscriteriaandindicatorsthepost2015sustainabledevelopmentagendacapacitybuildingandSFM.

FijicalledforincreasedSFMfinancingcommitments.TheNetherlandsunderscoredpartnershipwithprivatesectorandNGOsforonthegroundactions.Spainsaidtheincreaseddemandforforestresourcesneedsconsideration.NorwaysaidthefuturesuccessoftheIAFdependsonourabilitytolookoutsidetheforestcommunity.FAOsaidtheycanprovidetechnicalassistancetocountriesthroughtheirregionalforestrycommissions.SwedenurgedtheUNFFtoshiftitsfocustosharinglessonslearned.SouthAfricacalledforcapacitybuildingtoestablishbaselinesforimplementation.CITESurgedcollaborationwithUNentitiesonsharedprioritiesandobjectivesforforests.

HIGHLEVELDIALOGUEWITHTHEHEADSANDSENIORREPRESENTATIVESOFREGIONALANDCPFMEMBERORGANIZATIONSANDMAJORGROUPS:ChairMessoneopenedthehighleveldialogueonThursday,14May,sayingeffectivepartnershipsarekeytoachievingthefutureIAFwewant.

AssistantSecretaryGeneralThomasGass,UNDepartmentofEconomicandSocialAffairs(DESA),emphasizedsharedresponsibility,sayingforeststranscendboundariesandthusinstitutionsandstakeholdersmustengagefullytoachievetransformativechangeatalllevels.BraulioFerreiradeSouzaDias,ConventiononBiologicalDiversity(CBD)ExecutiveSecretary,reportedthatseveralAichiBiodiversityTargetsareexplicitlyforestcentered,notingthatCBDCOP13tobeheldinNovember2016willaddressstrategicactionsincludingthoseintheforestsector.

EmmanuelZeMeka,InternationalTropicalTimberOrganization(ITTO)ExecutiveDirector,saidtimberproductionintropicalforestsisanimportanteconomicactivityinmanycountries,addingthattheSDGscanmobilizenewresourcesforsustainableforestuseandmanagement.ElliottHarris,UNEnvironmentProgramme(UNEP),saidreducingemissionsfromdeforestationandforestdegradationindevelopingcountriesandtheroleofconservation,sustainablemanagementofforestsandenhancementofforestcarbonstocksindevelopingcountries(REDD+)hasthecapacitytoachieveglobalgoalsforforestprotection.GustavoFonseca,GlobalEnvironmentFacility(GEF),highlightedforestfinancingavailablethroughGEF6toenablecountriestoaddressthedriversofdeforestation.

EvaMller,FAO,highlightedtheirroleinCPFandsaidthatMemberStateshaveencouragedFAOtoengagemorestronglyintheforestarena.JohnParrotta,IUFRO,highlightedtheirrecentassessmentForests,TreesandLandscapesforFoodSecurityandNutrition.StanNkwain,UNDevelopmentProgramme(UNDP),notedtheurgencyofaddressingdeforestationandforestdegradationtomitigateclimatechange.

NarinderKakar,InternationalUnionfortheConservationofNature(IUCN),highlightedthemultipliereffectthatiscreatedwhenCPFmemberorganizationsworktogether.NandhiniIyerKrishna,UNConventiontoCombatDesertification(UNCCD),emphasizedthatdeforestationandlanddegradationarecloselylinkedandneedtobeaddressedtogether.TiffanyHodgson,UNFrameworkConventiononClimateChange(UNFCCC),saidforestsarecriticalforanymeaningfulactiononclimatechange.JosephCobbinah,ForestryResearchNetworkforSubSaharanAfrica,onbehalfofMajorGroups,pointedtotheexistingknowledgebaseofallMajorGroupsthatcouldbebetterharnessedtostrengthenthefutureIAF.

Intheensuingdiscussion,CITESexplainedthatitsworkasalegallybindinginstrumentplaysasignificantroleincontrollingillegaltradeinprotectedwildlife,includingtreespecies.TheMontrealProcesshighlighted20yearsofexperienceindevelopingcriteriaandindicatorsforSFM.



CoChairMessoneclosedtheHighLevelDialogue,callingonallpresenttorespondtotheurgentcallsforpartnership,collaborationandcooperationtoachievesustainablemanagementofalltypesofforests.

FORUMTRUSTFUND

ThisitemwasaddressedonMonday,4May,whentheSecretariatsUNFFtrustfundreport(E/CN.18/2015/8)wasintroduced.UNFFDirectorSobralsummarizedcountriesfundingcontributionsandpledgestotheTrustFundandlamentedthatUNFFishighlydependentonvoluntaryfundsforstaffing.

MINISTERIALDECLARATION

UNFF11firstaddressedtheministerialdeclarationinplenaryonMonday,4May,underAgendaItem8(HLS).ThedeclarationwasthenthefocusofdiscussionsinWG1,CoChairedbyWuZhiminandSrekoJurii.

OnTuesday5MayinWG1,delegatessharedinitialthoughtsonanddiscussednewandadditionalsubstantiveissuestobeincludedinthenonpaperPossibleElementsforInclusionintheDraftMinisterialDeclarationofUNFF11,circulatedpriortothesession,toinformthezerodraft.TheCoChairssaidthatthisdocumentprovideselementsforfurtherelaborationbasedonintersessionalworkincludingtheindependentassessmentoftheIAFandCLIs.

Manycitedageneralneedforintroductorytextcommunicatingoverarchingconcernssuchasthecontinuingalarmingdeforestationrateandpolicyfragmentation.Theyalsohighlightedarticulatingaclearvisionforprotecting,restoringandsustainablymanagingalltypesofforests.Delegatescalledforrecognizing,amongotherthings:theUNFFasapolicyforumforSFMpromotionthesocialandeconomicbenefitsofSFMforsustainabledevelopmentenvironmentallysoundtechnologies(ESTs)technologytransfersciencepolicydialogueandclearlandtenurerights.DelegatesalsounderscoredSFMfinancingissuesandtheneedforenhancedUNFFcollaborationwithotherforestrelatedconventions.

Thezerodraft(E/CN.18/2015/L.1)wasintroducedinplenaryonWednesday,whereChairMessonestressedthatitisintendedtobeaconcisedocumentprovidingkeypoliticalmessagesonasharedvisionrecognizingforestsbenefitsandthecollectivecommitmentofministerstothefutureIAF,aswellasacalltoactionforforestrelatedconventionstorecognizethedeclaration.

OnThursday,7May,WG1begandiscussingthezerodraft.Intheirgeneralviews,delegateshighlightedmissingelements,includinglanguageregarding:areaffirmationofministerscommitmenttoSFMastrongerstatementonforestscontributiontotheSDGsandclearermentionsofSFMchallenges.SomedelegatesstressedthatUNFFisataturningpointandshouldsendaglobalmessagestressingtheimportanceofforestsandtheirmultifunctionality.

Therewasdisagreementonthescopeofthedrafttext,wheresomearguedforkeepingtheoutcomeapoliticaldeclarationratherthanadetaileddocument.Similarlyonfinances,somedelegatesremarkedthatbudgetaryandadministrativeissuesshouldnotbeincludedinthedeclaration,whileotherssaidexistingfinancialmechanismsshouldbeprioritizedoveranewmechanism.

OnFriday,8May,delegatesundertookafirstreadingofthedrafttext.

Onthepreamble,therewasgeneralsupportforstressingtheimportanceofforests.OnwelcomingalleffortstoadvanceSFM,manycountriescalledforacknowledgingtheroleofindigenouspeoplesandlocalcommunities.Regardingpressuresonforests,viewsweresplitonwhether,andhow,toincludeagriculturalexpansion,inadequatefinancingforSFM,andillegalharvestingandassociatedtrade.

OnrecognizingUNFFsroleinpromotingpolicycoordination,somedelegatessupportedareferencetoglobalforestpolicyfragmentation.Newparagraphswereproposedtoemphasize,interalia:SFMsroleineconomicandsocialdevelopmentandtheneedforUNFFtocooperatewithotherforestrelatedprocesses.

Therewascontinueddisagreementregardingtextonimplementationandfinancing,includingwhetherto:leavefinancialcommitmentsoutofthedeclarationemphasizemobilizingfundsfromallsourcesandenhancingaccesstoexistingforestrelatedfundscommittoanewglobalforestfundspecificallyforSFMimplementationorfocusonbettercoordinationacrosstheplethoraofnewandexistingfinancingmechanisms.

Delegatesalsodiscussed:howtoworkwithCPFmembersgoverningbodiesinimplementingtheNLBIwhether,orhow,torefertotheIAFsoriginalgoalofestablishingapotentialUNconventiononforestsandwhethermonitoring,assessmentandreporting(MAR)shouldfocusontheNLBIorencompassestheGOFsandotherforestrelatedtargets,bothinsideandoutsidetheUN.

OnengagingrelevantstakeholdersintheworkoftheIAF,thereweresuggestionstoincludementionof,interalia,smallfarmersandlandowners,internationalfinancialinstitutions,lowforestcovercountries(LFCCs),smallislanddevelopingstates(SIDS),womenandyouth.Onwhethertoholdaministerialmeetingin2020,manyquestionedtherationalebehindthechoiceofyear,andthepurposeofsuchameeting.Allacceptedthatthedateshouldbeleftopen,addingthatsuchameetingshouldinvolveallkeystakeholders.

AsecondreadingofthedraftdeclarationcommencedonMonday,11May.CoChairWunotedsomedelegatesconcernthatseveralissuesunderdiscussionwerelinkedtotheresolutionnegotiationsinWG2.Delegatesthenbrokeintoacontactgrouptocontinuedeliberationsparagraphbyparagraphtoresolvebracketedtext.

ACoChairsproposalwaspresentedonTuesday,12May.Anumberofdelegatesdisagreedonlanguageforpromotingimplementationandfinancing.Manycalledforlanguagereflectingacommitmenttotakeactiontomobilizenewandemergingresources,whileothersfeltthattheirrespectiveforestministersdidnothavesuchamandate,andthereforethetextshouldratherrecognizetheimportanceofmobilizingforestrelatedfinance.



Onenhancingcapacitybuilding,somedelegatespreferrednotincludingtechnicalandscientificcooperation.SeveraldelegatesobjectedtotextonstrengtheningtheUNFFanditsSecretariat,sayingitisnotappropriateforthedeclarationtoaddresssuchadministrativeissues.

TextwasalsodiscussedonthecollaborationbetweenUNFFandtheCPFandotherforestrelatedconventions.DelegatesagreedontextinvitingtheCBD,UNCCDandUNFCCCtoactivelycollaboratewiththeCPFandUNFF,whereappropriate.TherewasgeneralagreementtoinvitedelegatesatthethirdInternationalConferenceonFinancingforDevelopment,tobeheldinJuly2015,toconsiderSFMasoneoftheirpriorities.Delegatesalsoagreed,adreferendum,toinviteexistingandemergingforestrelatedfinancinginitiativesincludingtheGEFandGreenClimateFund(GCF)tosupportSFMimplementation,consistentwiththeirmandates.

Ontextcallingforministerstomeetagainin2020,somedelegatessaidtheparagraphshouldcontainavisionforthemeeting,suggestingthatministersmeettoexploreotheroptionstofurtherstrengthenforestmanagementattheinternationallevel,includingtheconclusionofaninternationalconventiononforestsbeyond2030.Manyobjected,sayingthisprecludestheoutcomesofthatmeeting.SomesuggestedthatthefuturemeetingbeheldinconjunctionwiththereviewofthefutureIAF,whileothersstressedthatministersdonotneedtocommittomeetagain.

WG1reconvenedlateTuesdayafternoon,wheredelegateswerepresentedwithasecondCoChairsProposalcontainingcompromisetextonmanyconcernsthattheyhadhighlighted.Afterfurtherinformalconsultations,CoChairWuinviteddelegatestopresentmajorconcernsonly,notingtheCoChairsreluctancetoreopenthetextforfurthernegotiation.Unresolvedconcernshighlightedbydelegatesincluded:astatementthataministerialdeclarationneedstocontainactionablecommitmentsacalltopromoteratherthanadvanceacommonunderstandingofSFMadisagreementonwhetherornotministersshouldcommittoconsideringalegallybindinginstrumentonalltypesofforestsandacalltodeletereferencetoMotherEarthasacommonexpressionforplanetearth.Itwasnotedthatthemorningscontactgroupmadeprogressonmanyparagraphs,andthatitwouldbetimeefficienttoincludesuchchangesintheCoChairsproposedtext.DiscussionscontinuedlateintothenightwheredelegatesagreedonafinaltextforadoptionattheHLS.

AttheHLSonThursday,14May,UNFFChairMessonepresentedthedraftMinisterialDeclarationonTheforestswewant:beyond2015,whichwasadoptedbyacclamation.

FinalOutcome:Inthedeclaration(E/CN.18/2015/L.1/Rev.1),theMinistersresponsibleforforests:

stressthevitalroleandsignificantcontributionofalltypesofforestsandtreesoutsideforestsinachievingsustainabledevelopment,includingeconomicandsocialdevelopmentandenvironmentalprotection

alsostressthatover1.6billionpeopledependonforestsforsubsistence,livelihoods,employmentandincomegeneration

underscorethatforestsandSFMprovidemultiplebenefitsforthelivesandwellbeingofpeopleacrosstheplanet,recognizingtheimportanceoflivingwellinharmonywithnature

reaffirmtheirstrongcommitmenttoforestsandthesustainablemanagementofalltypesofforests,whichtheyrecognizeasvitaltofacilitatetransformativechangeandaddressmajorchallengessuchaspovertyeradication,economicgrowthandsustainablelivelihoods

aredeeplyconcernedaboutthecontinueddeforestationanddegradationofforestsinmanyregionsandunderscoretheneedtoreversethistrend

stresstheneedtocontinuetopromoteacommonunderstandingoftheSFMconceptandcontinuecollaboratingtopromoteSFMandaddressdriversofdeforestationandforestdegradation

welcomeeffortsbycountriesandstakeholderstoadvancethesustainablemanagementofalltypesofforests,includingtheroleofcollectiveactionbyindigenousandlocalcommunitiesandcommunitybasedSFM

alsounderscoretheessentialroleofMajorGroupsandotherstakeholdersinachievingtheGOFs

recognizeUNFF,withitsuniversalmembershipandcomprehensivemandate,playsavitalroleinaddressingchallengesandissuesrelatingtoforestsinaholisticandintegratedmanner,andinpromotingpolicycoordinationandcooperationtoachievethesustainablemanagementofalltypesofforests

recognizethevalueoftheForumasapolicyforumforpromotingSFManddecidetocontinuetheIAF

welcomeforestrelateddevelopmentsinotherfora,inparticulartheRioConventions,theircontinuedcontributiontoSFMandtheimportanceofcooperationandsynergiesbetweentheseforaandtheIAF

affirmthattheIAFbeyond2015shouldplayakeyroleinpromotingtheachievementofforestrelatedSDGsand

underscoretheneedtoaccelerateeffortsatalllevelstoachievetheobjectivesoftheIAFbeyond2015andestablishastronger,moreeffectiveandsolidarrangementfortheperiod2015to2030.

TheMinisterscommitthemselvesto:

implementSFMasdefinedintheNLBI,takingintoaccountdifferentvisions,approaches,modelsandtools,includingbystrengtheningNLBIimplementationbynational,regionalandglobalactionstoachievetheGOFs



affirmtheircommitmentstoastrongerandmoreeffectivepost2015IAFwithaviewtoprovidingleadershiptopromotethevitalsignificanceofforestsintheglobalsustainabledevelopmentagenda,enhancingimplementationofSFM,advancingforestpolicydialogue,andfosteringcollaboration,cooperationandsynergieswithallforestrelatedorganizations,conventionsandprocesses

promoteintegrationofSFMandcommitmentscontainedintheNLBIintopovertyreductionstrategies,nationalsustainabledevelopmentstrategiesandsectoralpolicies

supporttheCPFsworkasastrategyforimprovingcoherenceandsynergyonforestissuesatalllevelsandtopromoteintegratingSFMintotheCPFmemberorganizations,strategiesandprogrammes

adoptcrosssectoralapproachesandfostercollaborationtoaddressthedriversofdeforestationandforestdegradationinacoherentandcoordinatedwayandtoincreasethevaluationandrecognitionofthefullvalueofforestgoodsandservices

reviewandimproveforestrelatedlegislation,strengthenforestlawenforcementandpromotegoodgovernanceatalllevelsinordertosupportSFM,createanenablingenvironmentforforestinvestmentandcombatanderadicateillegalpractices,aswellaspromotesecurelandtenure

continuetotackledeforestationandforestdegradationandpromotetradeinforestproductsfromsustainablymanagedandlegallyharvestedforests

promotethesustainablemanagementofalltypesofforestsincludingbystressingtheimportanceofnewandadditionalresourcesfromallsourcesforSFM,continuetoenhancecapacitybuilding,andstrengthentheIAFanditscomponentstoperformtheirfunctionseffectively

strengthencoordinationandcollaborationonallissuesrelatingtoforestsandpromotecomplementarityandcoherencebetweentheIAFandotherforestrelatedcrosssectoralprocesses

fullyengageallstakeholdersintheworkoftheIAFand

strengthennationalMARandtheabilityoftheIAFtoassistcountriesinregardtoachievingtheobjectivesoftheIAF,includingimplementationoftheNLBI,GOFsandforestrelatedSDGsandtargetstobeconsideredforadoptionattheUNsummitinSeptember2015.

TheMinistersinvite:

thethirdInternationalConferenceonFinancingforDevelopment,tobeheldinJuly2015,togiveappropriateconsiderationtotheissueoffinancingforforestsandSFMasoneofitspriorities

forummembers,financinginstitutionsandtheprivatesectortoaimtoensureinvestmentanddevelopmentfinancetakeaccountofforestsinpovertyeradicationandsustainabledevelopment

theUNFCCCCOPtoconsidertheimportanceofforestsandSFMinbothclimatechangemitigationandadaptation,inaccordancewithitsmandates

COPstotheCBD,UNCCDandUNFCCCtoconsideroutputsofthefutureIAF,andalsoinvitetheirsecretariatstocontinuetoactivelyparticipateintheCPFandcontinuetheirinvolvementintheworkoftheForumandthePartnership

existingandemergingforestrelatedfinancinginitiatives,includingGEFandGCF,tosupporttheimplementationofSFMand

abovementionedforumsandconferencesandtheUNsummitfortheadoptionofthepost2015developmentagendatoconsiderthepresentdeclarationtobethecontributionoftheForumtotheoutcomesofthoseevents.

TheministersresolvedtomeetagaintofurtherstrengthentheForum,reviewprogressofimplementationoftheIAFbeyond2015andexploreoptionsforstrengtheningSFMatalllevels.

UNFF11RESOLUTION

TheUNFF11resolutionaddressedagendaitems3(Forests:progress,challengesandthewayforwardfortheIAF),4(MoIforSFMandFLEGatalllevels),5(enhancedcooperationandpolicyandprogrammecoordination),6(regionalandsubregionalinputs),7(multistakeholderdialogue),and9(ForumTrustFund).

PLENARYSESSION:Forests:Progress,ChallengesandtheWayForwardfortheIAF:OnMonday,4May,UNFF11ChairMessonehighlighteddiscussionsonthisagendaitemasanopportunitytoraisetheprofileofforests,includingthroughintegratingforestsintoothermajorprocesses.UNDeputySecretaryGeneralJanEliassonemphasizedtheroleforestsplayinpovertyeradication,climateresilienceandrenewableenergy,sayingthatameaningfulIAFwillprovidearoadmaptoagreeneconomyandasustainablefutureforall.

ReviewingtheeffectivenessoftheIAFandconsiderationofallfutureoptionsandReviewingthecontributionofforestsandtheIAF,includingtheNLBI,totheinternationallyagreeddevelopmentgoals:UNFFDirectorSobralpresentedtheSecretaryGeneralssummaryreportreviewingtheeffectivenessoftheIAFandconsideringallfutureoptions(E/CN.18/2015/2),whichemergedfromareviewprocessledbytheUNFFBureau.Thereport,hesaid,addressespastperformance,theNLBI,theUNFFSecretariat,theCPF,MoIandthepost2015developmentagenda.HerecommendedthattheIAFsfuturebeguidedbythreekeyareas:catalyzing



implementationandfinancingintegrationintothebroaderpost2015developmentagendaandstrategicplanning,andfosteringcollaborationandparticipation.

ReviewingtheprogresstowardstheachievementoftheglobalobjectivesonforestsandtheimplementationoftheNLBI:OnthereportontheprogressmadeintheForestInstrumentimplementationandtheGOFs(E/CN.18/2015/3),UNFFDirectorSobralnotedthatnationalreportinghasincreased,withatotalof181reportsfrom100countriessince2007,encompassing72%oftheworldsforests.

MoIforSFMandFLEGatallLevels:Introducingthereport(E/CN.18/2015/4),UNFFDirectorSobralnotedthatthefacilitativeprocesshasraisedlimitedfunds,andreporteddisbursementconstraintsinseveralforestfinancingfunds,particularlyinthoserelatingtoclimatechange.

EnhancedCooperationandPolicyandProgrammeCoordination,includingtheProvisionofFurtherGuidancetotheCPFandRegionalandSubregionalInputs:UNFFDirectorSobralintroducedthereport(E/CN.18/2015/5),highlightingtheinterestoftheCITESandtheWorldTradeOrganizationincooperatingwithUNFF.

ZeroDraftoftheResolution:Thezerodraft(E/CN.18/2015/L.2)wasintroducedinplenaryonWednesday,6May.UNFF11ChairMessonenotedthatintersessionalactivitieshavehighlightedtheneedfortheIAFtoharnessitsfullpotential,underscoringthattheUNFFprocessisatthecrucial,finalstageofdevelopingasolidIAFbeyond2015.

WORKINGGROUPDISCUSSIONS:OnTuesday,5May,delegatesconvenedinWG2,cochairedbyHeikkiGranholmandVicenteBezerra,toprovidetheirviewsonthedocumenttitledNonpaperonpossibleelementsforinclusionintheUNFF11draftresolutionontheIAFbeyond2015.

Delegatesgenerallyexpressedsatisfactionwiththenonpaperasabasisforfurtherdiscussion.Issuesraisedincluded:theIAFbeyond2015theUNFFbeyond2015theNLBIbeyond2015FLEGMARsynergiesamongCPFmembersstrengthenedmultistakeholderinvolvementandimprovedsupportforregionalandsubregionalinitiatives.

OntheIAFbeyond2015,somedelegatescalledforextendingtheIAFto2030.Manyalsostressedtheimportanceofintegratingitintothepost2015developmentagenda.

AddressingthestatusoftheUNFFbeyond2015,somecautionedthatestablishingastandingsubsidiarybodyorcommitteeonimplementationundertheUNFFmayduplicatetheworkofotherforestrelatedbodies.OnedelegatesaidthatstrengtheningUNFFreliesonimprovingitsfinancingframework,andsomecautionedthatrenamingUNFFwithoutaddingsubstancecouldbeconsideredcosmetic.

OntheNLBIbeyond2015,manystatedthattheywouldnotreopennegotiationsontheinstrumentssubstanceandwouldratherexploreopportunitiesforstrengtheningitsimplementation.

Oncatalyzingimplementationandfinancing,severaldelegatessupportedthecallforestablishingaglobalforestfund.Otherssaidtheydonotsupportestablishingsuchafund,notingthatSFMfinancingshouldcomefromarangeofcomplementarysources.Theyalsounderscoredthatalthoughglobalforestfundinghasincreasedsignificantly,manycountrieslackcapacitytoaccessit.TheroleofFLEGinmobilizingresourceswasalsohighlighted.

DelegateswerefurtherheardcallingforreplacinglanguageonMARwithreferencetofollowupandreview.Othersurgedforspecific,measurableandtimeboundtargetsforUNFF,withsomesuggestingthisbesupportedbyastrategicplan.ManycalledforstrengtheningtheUNFFSecretariat.

OnThursday,7May,WG2CoChairBezerraopeneddiscussionsonthedraftresolution.Heinviteddelegatestoexpressgeneralviewsonthedraftasawhole,followedbystatementsondifferentsectionsoftheresolution.

Somedelegateswelcomedthedraftresolution,sayingitwasagoodbasisforgoingforward.Othersexpressedstrongreservationsabouttheproposedresolutionslengthandscope,sayingitmaybedifficulttocompleteitsnegotiationinlessthantwoweeks,andurgingforamorefocused,highleveldocument.

OnIAFbeyond2015,UNFFbeyond2015,andtheNLBIbeyond2015,therewassomeconcernthattheproposedexpandedUNFFfunctionsweretoofocusedonimplementation.SomedelegatessuggestedthatadditionalaspectsnecessaryfortheIAFsimplementationcouldbementioned,suchasgovernanceandenablingenvironments.ManystatedtheywouldnotsupportreopeningandrenegotiatingthetextoftheNLBI.Additionally,whilesomeexpressedsupportforrenamingtheNLBItheForestInstrument,othersqueriedthemeritofrenamingit.

Onestablishingacommitteeonimplementationandtechnicaladvice(CITA)asasubsidiarybodyoftheForum,diverseviewswereexpressed,including:alackofsupportforitsestablishmentarequestforclarificationonitsroleandacallforitsestablishmentsothattheUNFFcanremainrelevantinachanginglandscape.

SomeurgedforincreasedreferencetoSFMandcapacitybuilding.Manystatedthatwhiletheysawvalueinholdinghighlevelsessions,theseshouldbeheldaspartofregularUNFFsessions.

Oncatalyzingimplementationandfinancing,MAR,andtheSecretariatoftheForum,somedelegatessaidupgradingtheFacilitativeProcess,amechanismestablishedattheSpecialSessionofUNFF9toassistdevelopingcountriesinmobilizingforestfunds,shouldbecautiouslyaddressed.Manyquestionedwhetheritwasnecessarytoupgradeittoanentity.Otherssuggestedthatupgradingitwouldnotnecessarilyrequirethis.Viewsonthemeritoftheproposedglobalforestindicatorspartnershipweresplit.



Delegatesalsostatedthat:establishingaglobalforestfundandavoluntarystrategictrustfundarenotmutuallyexclusiveUNFFcannotassumetobetheprimarybodyresponsibleformonitoringforestrelatedSDGsestablishingaforestfinancingwindowintheGEFshouldbeviewedwithcautionandanchoringtheroleoftheSecretariatinastrategicplanwillhelpprioritizeUNFFsstrategicrole.

OntheCPF,regionalandsubregionalinvolvement,andMajorGroupsandotherstakeholderinvolvement,severaldelegatessaidtheydidnotsupporttheproposaltotransformtheCPFintoaUNForest.OnedelegatesawmeritinreaffirmingtheUNFFsrelationshipwiththeCPF,andinprovidinginputtoenhanceitsaccountability,transparencyandcommunicationwiththeUNFFandothers.AnotherdelegatenotedthattheroleofMemberStatesinstrengtheningtheNLBIanditscomponentsshouldnotbediminishedbyemphasisontheCPF.ItwassuggestedtheCPFcouldbeinvitedtodevelopitsownmodelforfurtherformalization.

Manynotedthatlanguageonregionalandsubregionalorganizationsandprocessesshouldbemaintainedthroughoutthesectiononregionalandsubregionalinvolvement.ItwasmentionedthissectioncouldcapturesomeofthespecificchallengesfacedbyLFCCs,LeastDevelopedCountries(LDCs)andSIDS.

SomenotedthesectiononMajorGroupsandotherstakeholderinvolvementtobeofcriticalimportance.TheneedtoconsiderhowconcretesuggestionsfromMajorGroupscouldbeintegratedunderECOSOCregulationswascited.Thekeyimportanceoftheprivatesectorwasalsounderlined.OtherdelegatessaidtheSecretariatshouldstrengthenparticipationofall,ratherthanspecific,MajorGroups.

Onthepreamble,generalcommentsincludedstatementsonwhatprominenceshouldbegiventotheCPFandotherIAFcomponents.Onedelegatesuggestedrecognizingallsignificantforestrelateddevelopmentsoverthelastdecade.TherewasdisagreementonwhetherthepreambleshouldmakespecificreferencetoRioPrinciples2(countriessovereignrighttoexploittheirownresources)and7(commonbutdifferentiatedresponsibilities).Somesaidthatsinglingouttheseprincipleswouldtakethemoutofcontext,whileanotherpointedoutthattheyarealreadyspecificallycitedintheNLBI.

OnFriday,8May,WG2deliberationsresumedandcontinuedlateintotheevening.Inthemorning,theUNFFSecretaryreportedonthefeasibilityofchangingthenameoftheNLBI.HesaidthatanynamechangetotheNLBIwouldhavetobesanctionedbytheUNGeneralAssembly(UNGA).Henotedthat:theterminstrumentisbroadanddoesnothavelegalimplicationsAgreementwithacapitalizedAimpliesaformal,legallybindingagreementsubjecttoratificationproceduresandagreementwithanoncapitalizedadenotesamoregenericterm,notsubjecttolegalprocesses.

Resumingdiscussionsonthedraftresolution,severaldelegatesproposedthatthescopeofthesectionontheIAFbeyond2015bebroadened.Theirsuggestionsincluded:referencetoadaptingtonewdemandsanddevelopmentsacknowledgingthatthereareothertoolsandinstrumentsatworkbesidestheNLBIandrecognizingtheIAFalsoconsistsof,interalia,regionalandsubregionalprocessesandMajorGroups.

OnedelegateproposedthattheUNFFdecidetofacilitatethedevelopmentofalegallybindingglobalagreementonalltypesofforests.Anotherurgedmentionofglobalstewardshipofforestsandtreesoutsideofforests.OtherssuggestedincludingthewordvoluntaryinthecontextoftheUNFFTrustFund.

OntheUNFFbeyond2015,onedelegaterequestedtoincludethatMARbeonthebasisofvoluntaryreportssubmittedbyMemberStates.Othersproposednarrowingthescopeofthesection,forexamplethroughreferringtopromotingtheimplementationoftheNLBIinsteadofsustainablemanagementofalltypesofforests.SomedelegatessuggestedtextthatreferencestheimplementationofSFMthroughtheforestrelatedSDGsandtheGOFs.OtherssuggestedtextonfacilitatingsynergiesthroughreceivingandconsideringreportsfromtheCPF,aswellasprovidingguidancetotheCPF.

SomedelegatesstatedtheiroppositiontoestablishingaCITA.OnespeakerfavoredanarrangementwhereUNFFsessionsinevenyearsdealwithpoliticalissues,whilesessionsinoddyearsaddressscientificadviceandimplementationissues.Eachwouldmeetforfiveconsecutivedays.OthersexpressedconcernthatthetextexpandsthefunctionsoftheBureau.

OntheNLBIbeyond2015,anumberofdelegatesproposeddeletingreferencetorenamingtheNLBItotheForestAgreement,preferringForestInstrumentinstead.OnedelegateurgeddeletingtextonrenamingtheNLBI,sayingthatresourcescouldbebetterspentonactivitiesotherthantheinstrumentsrenaming.

Oncatalyzingimplementationandfinancing,whiletherewassomesupportfortheproposedfunctionsofanupgradedFacilitativeProcess,otherscalledforenhancingit,ratherthanupgradingittoanentityorfinancingmechanism.Someproposedreplacingthissectionwithwordingthatemphasizesassistingcountriestoaccessexistingforestrelatedfinancing.ThiswouldincludeassistingthemtodesignstrategiesforNLBIimplementationforsubmissiontovariousfinancingmechanisms.Additionally,somesupportedreferencingaglobalforestfundothersopposedthis,preferringwordingonavoluntarystrategictrustfund.TherewassomesupportforlanguageinvitingnewactionsfromtheGEF,whileotherssuggestedencouragingtheGEFtocontinueitsSFMstrategyinGEF6.

OnMAR,therewasasuggestiontoamendthetitleofthesectiontoincludetextontheNLBIandfollowupandreviewoftheforestrelatedSDGsandtargets.OnedelegatesuggestedincludingMARasacomponentoffollowupandreviewactivities.Delegatesalsoconsidereddeletinglanguage,interalia:implyingthatMemberStatescarryoutmonitoring,assessmentandreviewactivitiesandrequestingtheSecretariattopreparequadrennialglobalpublicationsonprogressintheimplementationoftheNLBIandtheachievementoftheGOFsandforestrelatedSDGsandtargets.

OnMonday,11May,WG2delegatesbeganthesecondreadingofthedraftresolution.CoChairGranholmintroducedthetextcontainingthecompilationofcountryinputsonthedraftresolutiongatheredduringthefirstreading.

TheUNFFSecretariatclarifiedthatUNFFhasoftenusedthetermssustainablemanagementofalltypesofforestsandSFM



interchangeably,forinstanceinResolutionE/2000/35(ReportontheFourthSessionoftheIntergovernmentalForumonForests)andUNFF10Decision102(DatesandVenueforUNFF11).

OntheIAFbeyond2015,onedelegateunderscoredapreferenceforreferringtoSFM,ratherthansustainablemanagementofalltypesofforests,whileothersnotedtheirflexibilityonthisissue.Someopposedreferencetotreesoutsideofforests.

Onmobilizingresources,itwassuggestedtomobilizeincreasedresourcesspecificallyfordevelopingcountries.DelegatesalsonotedthatthissectionshouldnotprecludethepossibilityofadditionalresourcemobilizationforSFMindevelopedcountries.Therewerealsocallstoincreasereferencestotechnologydisseminationandtransfer.

DivergentviewswereheardonwideningthescopeoftheobjectivesofthefutureIAF,withcallstoacknowledgetheroleofforestinstrumentsbesidestheNLBI.Onedelegatenotedtheexistenceoffiveotherimportantinstrumentsthatshouldnotbedisregarded.Severaldelegatescalledfordecidingearlyonhowtoreferencethepost2015developmentagenda.

OntheUNFFbeyond2015,somequestionedtheneedtorefertotheUNFFsupportingIAFobjectives,cautioningthatsuchtextmayimplythattheUNFFcouldsupportotherprocesses.Delegatesalsoproposedtextcallingforpromotingcapacitybuildinginitiativesandthedevelopment,disseminationandtransferofESTsforSFMimplementationindevelopingcountries.

OnUNFFscorefunctions,severaldelegatesopposedreferencetobasingsomeofthesefunctionsonrespectforstatessovereigntytoestablishtheirnationalforestpolicies,sayingthisprincipleisalreadyguaranteed,andisacknowledgedinthepreamblesreaffirmationoftheRioPrinciples.OtherssupportedincludingtheactiveparticipationofMajorGroupsandotherstakeholdersasacoreUNFFfunction.

SomedelegatessupportedreplacingreferencetoforestrelatedSDGsandtargetswithcontributionsofforeststoaneventualframeworkonsustainabledevelopmentafter2015,giventhatpost2015developmentagendaandSDGdiscussionsarestillongoing.SomehighlightedthatwordingonstrengtheningpoliticalcommitmentshouldnotbelimitedtotheNLBI.

Severaldelegatesopposedincludingreferencesto:mobilizingandchannelingfinancial,technical,andscientificresourcesforSFMandpromotingcapacitybuildinginitiativesanddevelopment,disseminationandtransferofESTs.Theydid,however,supportreferencetopromotinggoodgovernanceatalllevels.

OnstrengtheningthefunctioningofUNFFbeyond2015,therewasgeneralsupportfordevelopingastrategicplanfortheperiod20172030,butitwassuggestedthatsuchaplandoesnotrequirebiennialreassessment.Onhowbesttostrengthenandorganizeintersessionalwork,somesupportedestablishinganewcommitteebuttherewasdisagreementonwhetherthecommitteeshouldbeonimplementationandtechnicaladvice,oronfinance,technologyandpolicy.OntheNLBI,therewasalsodisagreementonwhethertoreaffirmitscontinuedvalidityorvalue.

Oncatalyzingimplementationandfinancing,therewasdiscordaboutwhethertorefertoupgradingorenhancingthecapacityoftheFacilitativeProcess.Onedelegatecautionedagainstcreatingnewfunctionsforaprocessthatisnotdeliveringonitsexistingfunctions.AnotherproposedreferringtothefutureFacilitativeProcessastheUNFF/GlobalclearinghouseonSFMfinancing.Onedelegatestressedtheirdelegationisnotreadytogoalongwithreferencetofinancebeingprovidedonavoluntarybasis.Therewassomesupportforrecognizingthatthefinancinglandscapeforforestshasevolvedconsiderably.SignificantsupportwasexpressedforinclusionofaparagraphonupgradingtheFacilitativeProcessinordertoassistcountriesaccesstoexistingandemergingforestrelatedfunds.

Somedelegatesopposedthepreconditionslistedinthetextformobilizingfunds.TheyalsosuggestedtextspecifyingthatdevelopedcountriesmobilizefundstoassistdevelopingcountriestoimplementtheNLBIasfollows:US$150millionannuallyforavoluntaryglobalforestfundandUS$15millionannually,throughanupgradedFacilitativeProcess,forsubmissionofstrategies,programmesandprojectstotheGEF,GCFandothers.

SomedelegatesopposedrequestingtheGEFto:expandexistingprogrammesthatengagewithandfundSFMandenhancetheaccessibilityoffundsbysecondingstafftosupporttheupgradedFacilitativeProcess.OthersnotedthattheGEFhasalreadyallocatedaquarterofitsfundstoforestrelatedprojectsandthatrequestingdedicatedfundingforforestsmayjeopardizethisopportunity.

OnthecorefunctionsoftheCPF,somewerenotreadytonegotiatespecificdetailsinthetext.WhilethereweremanysuggestionsanddisagreementsonhowbesttoframetheCPFsfunctions,anumberrecognizedtheusefulworktheCPFisalreadyundertaking,recommendinglanguagetoinviteittocontinuewiththis.SomefeltitwouldbebetterfortheCPFtodecideitsownworkingmodalities.ItwasalsosuggestedthatamoreflexibleapproachtoachievingtheCPFsfunctionswouldbepreferable,giveneachmemberorganizationhasdifferentinternalstructuresandrules.

Onregionalandsubregionalinvolvement,onedelegateproposedaparagraphinvitingMemberStatestovoluntarilyestablishregionalandsubregionalprocessesforforestpolicydevelopment,dialogueandcoordinationtopromoteSFM.TheyexplainedthatexistingmechanismsmightnotaddressSFM,butanotherdelegateopposedtheparagraph,sayingtheUNFFshouldnotcreateduplicateplatforms.

OnMajorGroupsandotherstakeholderinvolvement,viewsweresplitonwhethertomentiontheneedfortheUNFFtopromotetransparencyandimplementationbyenhancingpartnershipwithMajorGroupsandotherrelevantstakeholdersattheinternationallevel.Delegatesdiscussedwhetheritwasmoreappropriatetourge,invite,requestorrecommendMemberStatesandtheSecretariattotakeactionsinthisregard.

Reportingbackfromalunchtimecontactgroup,theCoFacilitatorsnotedemergingconsensustoseparatetextonthefollowing:MARontheIAFandtheNLBIandpossiblecontributionsoftheIAFtofollowuponthepost2015developmentagenda.Itwasnotedthatthelattercouldberewordedsoasnottoprejudgetheoutcomeofthepost2015developmentagendadiscussions.



OnTuesday,12May,WG2establishedacontactgrouptoaddress:establishingaCITAandarticulatingitsfunctionsaCITAsmodalitiesandcatalyzingimplementationandfinancing.

OnthepotentialCITA,thecontactgroupsCoFacilitatorsclarifiedthattheproposedcommittee,regardlessofitsfinalform,isintendedtobeapermanentbody,withasetofdefinedfunctionsthatoperatesduringintersessionalperiods.OnedelegateexpressedstrongsupportforaCITA,sayingitcouldplayasignificantroleinimplementingtheNLBIby,interalia,makingrecommendationstotheUNFFonimplementation,andincreasingtheefficiencyoffinancingmechanisms.Severalopposed,sayingthecurrentUNFFstructurecouldfulfilthesedifferentfunctions.Somecautionedonthebudgetaryimplicationsofestablishingsuchabody.

TherewasalsoconcernregardingaproposedparagraphonhavingaCITAmakerecommendationsonenhancingpolicycoherenceandstrengtheningacommoninternationalunderstandingofSFM.

Onwhomsuchabodywouldserveandforwhatpurpose,delegatessuggestedmoregenericlanguagelistingitspotentialfunctions,tobecrosscheckedwiththoseoftheUNFF.Theyalsosaidthatthelanguageonitsfunctionscouldberefinedoncetherelevantdiscussionshadbeencompleted.

Amongtheactorswhowouldbeservedbythisbody,somedelegatescalledforexplicitreferencetoMemberStates.Somealsourgedformentionofregionalandsubregionalplatforms.DelegatesagreedthatthebodywouldalsoservetheCPFanditsmemberorganizations.

Delegateschosetomaintainaparagraphontheneedtoadvancethesciencepolicyinterfaceandfacilitatesharingofknowledgeandbestpractices.DiscussionsthenturnedtowhetheranewsubsidiarybodyisnecessaryfortheUNFFtoenhancetheimplementationofitsfunctions.OnedelegateexplainedtherationalebehindtheirproposaltoreplaceaCITAwithamodelbasedontheUNCommissiononSustainableDevelopment(CSD),sayingthattheywishtoavoidcreatinganewbodywhoseroleandfunctionisnotcompletelyunderstood.ThispromptedthequestionofwhetherotherdelegateswereweddedtotheideaofestablishingaUNFFsubsidiarybodyforimplementation.Somerespondedthattheysawastrongneedtoemphasizeimplementationandwantedabreakfromthestatusquo.

Delegatesthenmovedintodiscussionsontheproposedmodalitiesforanewimplementationbody,includingwhoshouldchairit,andhowitsmeetings,anddelegatesparticipationinthem,shouldbefunded.Somewishedtobracketsuchdetailsaslongasotheraspectsremainedoutstanding.

WG2CoChairGranholmintroducedtheViceChairsproposalonthedraftresolutiononTuesdayevening.Heexplaineditaimedtostreamlinedelegatescomments,notingthattextoncatalyzingfinancingforimplementationwasnotincludedasthistopicwasstillunderthecontactgroupsconsideration.HealsonotedtheoriginalsectiononMARhadbeensplitintotwosections:provisionsonMARontheNLBIhadbeenretainedinthesectionandlanguageonlinkageswiththepost2015developmentagendahadbeenmovedtoalatersection.

OnWednesday,13May,WG2resumeditsdiscussionsinparalleltotheHLS.DelegatesheardthatTuesdayeveningsMoIdiscussionshadresultedinnew,alternativetextbeingformulated.WG2CoChairBezerrainviteddelegatestocomeupwithanagreed,cleantextonMoIbytheendofthedayssessions,suggestingdelegatessplitintobothacontactgroupandasmallerdiscussiongrouptoresolvekeyissues.

DelegatesthenturnedtotheViceChairsproposalonthedraftresolution.OntheIAFbeyond2015,therewasdiscussiononwordingconcerningtheimplementationofthesustainablemanagementofalltypesofforests,takingintoaccountdifferentvisionsandapproaches.Somepreferreddeletingthisaddition,whileothersurgedthatdifferentmodelsandtoolsforachievingsustainabledevelopmentalsobetakenintoaccount.DelegatesdiscussedwhethertheIAFshouldpromotetheimplementationofsustainablemanagementofalltypesofforests,inparticularorincludingtheNLBI.

Delegatesagreed,adreferendum,oncertainpointsconcerningtheIAFbeyond2015,theUNFFbeyond2015andtheNLBIbeyond2015.ManydelegatesstressedthatthesectiononMARwaskey.Therewas,however,noconsensusonhowtocaptureallconcerns.Some,therefore,suggestedsimplifyingthesectiontoreferonlytoissuesthatneededtoberesolvedatthecurrentsession,withtheCoChairsengaginginconsultationsonthis.

OnMoI,itwasexplainedthatasmallgrouphadmetoverlunchtimetoworkthroughsomeissues.Thishadresultedinanunofficialdocumentwithproposedtextseekingtocapturedifferentviews.TheMoIcontactgroupresumeditsdiscussionsonthebasisofthisproposalafterthefirstreadingoftheViceChairsproposalhadconcluded.

OnThursday,14May,anewCoChairsproposalwasintroducedtotheWG,basedonthepreviouseveningsdiscussions.ThecontactgroupreconvenedtocontinuediscussionsonMoI.

UNFFDirectorSobralreportedtotheWGontheSecretariatscurrentfunctionsandhighlighteditslimitedfunding.HesaiditisalmostimpossiblefortheSecretariattoextenditsfunctionstoincludefinancingandimplementingsignificantprojects.HeindicatedthatsomeoftheproposalsforanimprovedFacilitativeProcesswouldbedifficultfortheSecretariattoimplement.Hedid,however,notethefeasibilityofanextensiontotheFacilitativeProcess,whichwouldenableittoassistcountriestoaccessfinancingfromotherfunds.

Atlunchtime,CoChairBezerraintroducedadocumentcontainingtheViceChairsproposalonadditionalsectionsoftheresolution.ResumingWG2discussionsintheafternoon,delegatesdiscussed:reviewoftheIAFUNFF11followupandresourcesfortheimplementationoftheresolution.AninformaldiscussiongroupwasinitiatedtofurtherdeveloplanguageforUNFF11followup,andthekindofbodytobeestablishedtoengageinthis.DelegatesalsodiscussedfinancialsupportfordevelopingcountriesandeconomiesintransitiontoparticipateinUNFFsessions.



InformaldiscussionsonMARandMajorGroupsandotherstakeholderswerealsoheldintheafternoon.

Intheevening,theCoChairspresentedanewtextonMoIfordelegatesconsideration.Severaldelegatesexpressedfrustrationataperceivedlackofreflectioninthetextofprogressachievedinthecontactgroup.DelegatescontinuedintotheearlyhoursofFridaymorning,whereanewCoChairstextwasagreedtoasabasisforfurthernegotiations.

OnFriday,15May,UNFF11convenedinplenarytoassessprogressinWG2onthedraftresolution.UNFF11ChairMessoneurgeddelegatestoachieveconsensusonpendingtextnegotiationsandreassembleforitsadoptionlaterintheday.

WG2CoChairGranholmcalledondelegatestodeliberateontheCoChairsnewproposedtext.InformaldiscussionsontheCoChairsproposalwereheldthroughouttheday.AninformalgrouponMARandafriendsoftheCoChairsgrouponMoIwasconvenedandmetinparalleltotheWG2informaldiscussion.

Delegatesconcludedtheirdiscussionsintheevening,withtheadoptionofthedraftresolutionInternationalarrangementonforestsbeyond2015byacclamation.

FinalOutcome:Theresolution(E/CN.18/2015/L.2/Rev.1),whichwillbeforwardedtoECOSOCforitsconsiderationandadoption,outlinesactionsunderthefollowingareas:IAFbeyond2015UNFFbeyond2015theNLBIbeyond2015catalyzingfinancingforimplementationMARtheSecretariatoftheForumtheCPFregional/subregionalinvolvementMajorGroupsandotherstakeholderinvolvementtheIAFandthepost2015developmentagendareviewoftheIAFUNFF11followupandresourcesforimplementingthepresentresolution.

Inthepreamble,ECOSOC,interalia:

recallsresolution2000/35,whichestablishestheIAF

recallsresolution2006/49andUNFFresolution10/2,whichprovidesforthe2015reviewoftheeffectivenessoftheIAF

recognizestheachievementsoftheIAFsinceitsinception

acknowledgestheprogressmadebycountriesandstakeholderstowardsSFM

welcomesthesignificantforestrelateddevelopmentsinotherfora

welcomestherecognitiongiventoforestsandSFMbytheOpenWorkingGroupoftheUNGAonSDGsand

stressestheneedtostrengthenthecapacityoftheIAFtofostercoherenceonforestrelatedpolicies.

UnderIAFbeyond2015,ECOSOCdecides:

tostrengthenandextendtheIAFto2030

thattheIAFiscomposedoftheUNFFanditsMemberStates,theSecretariatoftheForum,theCPF,theGlobalForestFinancingFacilitationNetworkandtheUNFFTrustFundand

thattheIAFinvolvesaspartnersinterestedinternational,regionalandsubregionalorganizationsandprocesses,MajorGroupsandotherstakeholders.

TheIAFObjectivesareto:

promoteimplementationofsustainablemanagementofalltypesofforests,inparticulartheimplementationoftheNLBI

enhancethecontributionofalltypesofforestsandtreesoutsideforeststothepost2015developmentagenda

enhancecooperation,coordination,coherenceandsynergiesonforestrelatedissuesatalllevels

fosterinternationalcooperation

supporteffortstostrengthenforestgovernanceframeworksandMoItoachieveSFMand

strengthenlongtermpoliticalcommitmenttotheachievementofobjectivestostrengthenforestgovernanceframeworksandMoI.

ECOSOCalsodecidesthattheIAFbeyond2015should,interalia,operateinatransparent,effective,efficientandaccountablemanner,andcontributetoenhancedcoherence,cooperationandsynergieswithrespecttootherforestrelatedagreements,processesandinitiatives.

Itemphasizesthattheobjectivesshouldbeachievedthroughthecollectiveandindividualactionsof:MemberStatesinternational,regionalandsubregionalorganizationsandprocessesandMajorGroupsandotherstakeholders.

OntheUNFFbeyond2015,thecorefunctionsoftheUNFFareto:

provideacoherent,open,transparentandparticipatoryglobalplatformforpolicydevelopment,dialogue,cooperationandcoordinationonissuesrelatedtoalltypesofforests

promote,monitorandassessSFMimplementation



promotegovernanceframeworksandenablingconditionsatalllevelstoachieveSFM

promotecoherentandcollaborativeinternationalpolicydevelopmentonissuesrelatedtoalltypesofforestsand

strengthenhighlevelpoliticalengagementinsupportofSFM.

ECOSOCalsoreaffirmsthatUNFFisasubsidiarybodyoftheCouncilwithuniversalmembership,whichoperatesundertherulesofprocedureofthefunctionalcommissionsandreportstotheCounciland,throughtheCouncil,totheUNGA.

ItdecidesthattheUNFFwillcontinuetooperateaccordingtoprovisionsspecifiedinparagraph4(a)(e)ofECOSOCresolutionE/2000/35,unlessotherwiseprovidedforintheresolution.

ItfurtherdecidestoimproveandstrengthenthefunctioningoftheForumbeyond2015byhavingtheForum:

carryoutitscorefunctionsonthebasisofastrategicplanfor20172030

restructureitssessionsandenhanceitsintersessionalworktomaximizetheimpactandrelevanceofitswork,includingbyfosteringanexchangeofexperiencesandlessonslearned

holdannualUNFFsessionsforaperiodoffivedays

conveneHLSs,notexceedingtwodays,toacceleratetowardsSFMandaddressforestrelatedglobalchallengesandemergingissues

enhancethecontributionstotheworkoftheForumbyCLIsandothersimilarinitiativesbyensuringtheydirectlysupporttheUNFFsprioritiesasdefinedinitsfouryearworkprogrammesandtheiroutcomesareconsideredbytheUNFF,andupdatetheForumsguidelinesinthisregardand

dedicatethealternateyearsoftheUNFFtodiscussionsonimplementationandtechnicaladviceforthepurposeoffocusingMemberStatesattentiononthefunctionsaslistedintheresolution.

OntheNLBI,ECOSOC:

reaffirmstheNLBIsvalidity,includingitsGOFs

decidestoextendthetimelineoftheGOFsto2030andrenametheNLBItotheUNForestInstrument

recommendstheUNGAadoptsthemodificationsreferredtoaboveatits70thsessionandnotlaterthanDecember2015and

urgesMemberStatestoutilizetheNLBIasanintegratedframeworkfornationalactionandinternationalcooperationforSFM.

Oncatalyzingfinancingforimplementation,ECOSOCreiteratesthatthereisnosinglesolutiontoaddressforestfinancingneeds,andthatacombinationofactionsisrequiredatalllevelsbyallstakeholdersandfromallsources.ItalsowelcomesthepositiveworkcarriedoutbytheFacilitativeProcesstodateandrecognizesithasyettofulfilitspotential.

TostrengthenandmaketheFacilitativeProcessmoreeffective,ECOSOCdecides:

thatthenameoftheFacilitativeProcessbechangedtoGlobalForestFinancingFacilitationNetwork

tosetclearprioritiesforthestrengthenedFacilitativeProcessinthestrategicplan

topromotethedesignofnationalforestfinancingstrategiestomobilizeresourcesforSFM

thatitshouldserveasaclearinghouseonexisting,newandemergingfinancingopportunitiesandasatoolforsharinglessonslearnedfromsuccessfulprojects,buildingontheCPFonlinesourcebookforforestfinancing

toensurethatspecialconsiderationisgiventothespecialneedsandcircumstancesof,interalia,Africa,LDCsandSIDS,ingainingaccesstofundsand

toenhancethecapacityoftheSecretariattoeffectivelyandefficientlyadministertheupgradedFacilitativeProcessandtostrengthencollaborationwiththeCPFinimplementingtheactivitiesoftheupgradedprocess.

WiththeaimofstrengtheningtheFacilitativeProcess,itdecidesto,interalia:

requesttheSecretariatinconsultationwiththeForummembersandtheCPFtomakerecommendationsonwaystofurtherincreasetheeffectivenessandefficiencyoftheFacilitativeProcessandsubmitthemforconsiderationbytheForumin2018

welcomethereportoftheGEFonthemobilizationoffinancialresourcesthroughtheGEF5SFM/REDD+incentiveprogrammeandinvitesGEFtoperiodicallyprovideinformationonthemobilizationoffinancialresourcesandfundsthatarededicatedtoSFM

welcomethedecisiontakenbytheGEFAssemblyatitsMay2014sessiontoincludeanSFMstrategyinGEF6and

invitetheGEFCounciltorequesttheGEFSecretariattodiscussarrangementstofacilitatecollaborationbetweentheGEFandtheUNFFtosupporteligiblecountriestoaccessfundingforSFM.



ItalsoinvitestheGEFtoconsider:optionsforestablishinganewfocalareaonforestsduringitsnextreplenishmentandcontinuetoseektoimproveexistingforestfinancemodalitiesanddesignatingamongstitsstaffaliaisontoserveasalinkbetweentheUNFFandtheGEF.

OnMAR,itdecides:

toinviteMemberStatestocontinuetomonitorandassessprogresstowardsimplementingtheNLBI,andtheGOFs,andtosubmitnationalprogressreportsonavoluntarybasis

totakenoteoftheongoingeffortsbytheCPFanditsmembersandotherrelevantentitiesandprocessestoworkjointlytofurtherstreamlineandharmonizereporting,reducereportingburdensandsynchronizedatacollection

torequesttheSecretariattoproposefortheForumsconsiderationatitsnextsession,acycleandformatfornationalreportingandenhancementofvoluntaryMARundertheIAFaspartofthestrategicplanand

torequesttheSecretariattocontinuemakingthereportsofitssessionsavailabletorelevantUNbodiesandotherinternationalforestrelatedorganizations,instrumentsandintergovernmentalprocesses.

OntheUNFFSecretariat,theSecretariatwill:continuetoserviceandsupport,interalia,theUNFFadministertheUNFFTrustFundmanagethestrengthenedFacilitativeProcesspromoteinteragencycollaborationprovide,uponrequest,technicalsupporttoCLIsandsimilarinitiativesandliaisewithandfacilitatetheparticipationandinvolvementofcountries,organizations,MajorGroupsandotherstakeholdersintheactivitiesoftheForum.

ItfurthernotesthattheSecretariatshouldperformanumberofadditionalfunctions,including:

servicingandsupportingtheUNFFsworkinggroups

managingthestrengthenedFacilitativeProcessandimplementingitsactivitiesincollaborationwiththeCPF

promotingcoherence,coordinationandcooperationonforestrelatedissuesincludingbyliaisingwiththeSecretariatsoftheRioConventionsand

workingwiththeUNsystemtosupportcountriestoalignforestsandtheIAFwiththeirconsiderationsforthepost2015developmentagenda.

ItreaffirmsthattheSecretariatwillcontinuetobelocatedinUNHeadquartersinNewYork,andrecommendstheUNGAtoconsiderstrengtheningtheSecretariat.

OntheCPF,thecorefunctionsoftheCPFareto:supporttheworkofUNFFanditsMemberStatesprovidetechnicalandscientificadvicetotheUNFFenhancecoherenceandpolicyandprogrammecooperationandcoordinationatalllevelsandpromoteimplementationoftheNLBIandthecontributionofforeststothepost2015developmentagenda.

ItreaffirmsthattheCPFshouldcontinueto:receiveguidancefromUNFFandsubmitcoordinatedinputsandprogressreportstoUNFFsessionsoperateinanopen,transparentandflexiblemannerandundertakeperiodicreviewsofitseffectiveness.

ItencouragestheCPFanditsmemberorganizationsto:

strengthenthePartnershipbyformalizingitsworkingmodalities

identifywaystostimulatebroaderparticipationofexistingmemberorganizationsinitsvariousactivities

assessitsmembershipandthepotentialaddedvalueofadditionalmemberswithsignificantforestrelatedexpertise

identifywaystoactivelyinvolveMajorGroupsandotherstakeholdersinCPFactivities

developaworkplan,alignedwiththestrategicplan,toidentifyprioritiesforcollectiveactionbyallCPFmembersorsubsetsofmembersandtheresourceimplicationsofsuchactions

prepareperiodicreportsonitsactivities,achievementsandresourceallocationssuitableforawiderangeofaudiencesand

furtherdevelopandexpanditsthematicjointinitiatives.

ECOSOCfurtherinvitesthegoverningbodiesofmemberorganizationstoincludeintheirworkprogrammesdedicatedfundingtosupportCPFactivities,aswellasbudgetedactivitiessupportingtheForumspriorities.ItalsocallsonMemberStatesandmembersoftheCPFgoverningbodiestosupporttheworkofthePartnership.

Onregional/subregionalinvolvement,ECOSOC:

requeststheForumtostrengthencollaborationwithrelevantregionalandsubregionalforestrelatedmechanisms,institutions,organizationsandprocessestofacilitateNLBIimplementation

requeststheSecretariattoconsultwithrelevantregionalandsubregionalforestrelatedmechanisms,institutionsandinstruments,organizationsandprocessesonmeanstoenhancecollaboration



invitesrelevantregionalandsubregionalmechanisms,institutionsandinstruments,organizationsandprocessesinapositiontodoso,toconsiderdevelopingorstrengtheningprogrammesonSFM,aswellasprovidecoordinatedinputsandrecommendationstothesessionsoftheForumand

invitesMemberStatestoconsider,onavoluntarybasis,establishingorstrengtheningregionalandsubregionalprocessesorplatformsforforestpolicydevelopment,dialogueandcoordinationtopromoteSFMwhileseekingtoavoidfragmentation.

OnMajorGroupsandotherstakeholderinvolvement,ECOSOC:

recognizestheimportanceofcontinuedandenhancedparticipationofMajorGroupsandotherstakeholdersatUNFFsessionsanditsintersessionalactivities

decidesinthisregardthatprovisions1416ofUNGAresolution67/290applymutatismutandistotheUNFFinviewofexistingmodalitiesandpracticesoftheForum

invitesMajorGroupsandotherstakeholderstoenhancetheircontributionstotheworkoftheIAFbeyond2015

invitesMemberStatestoconsiderenhancingtheparticipationandcontributionofMajorGroupsandstakeholdersinCLIsand

requeststheSecretariatoftheForumtopromotetheinvolvementofMajorGroupsandotherstakeholdersintheworkoftheForum,inparticularleadersfromprivateandnongovernmentalsectors,includingforestindustries,localcommunitiesandphilanthropicorganizations,aswellas,enhancetheForumsinteractionwithsuchstakeholders.

Onthestrategicplan,theresolutiondecidesthattheForumshoulddevelopastrategicplanfor20172030toserveasastrategicframeworktoenhancecoherenceandguideandfocustheworkoftheIAFanditscomponents.

ItfurtherdecidesthatthestrategicplanshouldbealignedwiththeobjectivesoftheIAFandshouldincorporateamissionandvision,theGOFsandforestrelatedaspectsofthepost2015developmentagenda,takingintoaccountsignificantforestrelateddevelopmentsinotherforaandthattheplanshouldidentifytherolesofdifferentactorsandtheframeworkforreviewingimplementation,andoutlineacommunicationstrategytoraiseawarenessoftheIAF.

ItalsorequeststheForumtooperationalizethestrategicplanthroughquadrennialprogrammesofwork,whichsetoutpriorityactionsandresourceneeds,beginningwiththeperiod20172020.

OnthereviewoftheIAF,UNFFisrequestedtoundertakeamidtermreviewoftheeffectivenessoftheIAFinachievingitsobjectivesin2024,withafinalreviewin2030,andonthatbasis,tosubmitrecommendationstoECOSOCrelatingtothefuturecourseofthearrangement.

ECOSOCdecidesthatinthecontextofthemidtermreviewin2024,theUNFFcouldconsider:

afullrangeofoptions,includingalegallybindinginstrumentonalltypesofforests,astrengtheningofthecurrentarrangementandacontinuationofthecurrentarrangementand

afullrangeoffinancingoptions,interalia,establishingavoluntaryglobalforestfundtomobilizeresourcesfromallsourcesinsupportofSFM.

ItalsonotesthatfurtherconsiderationofestablishingaglobalforestfundcouldoccurifthereisconsensustodosoatasessionoftheForumpriorto2024.

OnfollowuptoUNFF11,ECOSOCdecidesthattheUNFFshouldconsiderproposalsonthefollowingmatters:replacingreferencestotheMillenniumDevelopmentGoals(MDGs)inrelevantsectionsoftheNLBIwiththoseoftheSDGsandtargets,whichwillbeconsideredattheUNSummitfortheAdoptionofthePost2015DevelopmentAgendainSeptember2015andthestrategicplanfortheperiod20172030andthequadrennialprogrammeofworkfortheperiod20172020.

ECOSOCalsoinvitesMemberStatesandrelevantstakeholderstoprovidetheirviewsandproposalsonthemattersreferredtoabove.

ItdecidestoestablishaWGoftheForumwithatimeboundmandate,foraperiodofuptotwoyearsin2016and2017,todevelopproposalsfortheForumsconsiderationontheitemsabove.TheWGshould:operateinaccordancewiththeForumsworkingmodalitiesandelecttwoCoChairswhoserveasexofficiomembersoftheBureaufortheSpecialSessionmentionedbelow.

ItdecidesthattheUNFFsWGshouldbeconvenedinonesessionby30March2017foruptoatotaloffiveworkingdaystodevelopproposalsreferredtoabove.ItalsodecidestoestablishanAHEGtoconductuptotwomeetingsin2016todevelopproposalsontheitemsaboveforconsiderationbytheWG.

ItdecidestoholdaspecialsessioninahalfdaymeetingimmediatelyupontheadjournmentofthefinalsessionoftheWGtoconsidertheproposalsoftheWGconsistentwiththeprovisionsintheresolution.ItalsorequeststhatUNFFholditsnextsessionin2017.

Onresourcesforimplementingthepresentresolution,ECOSOCrecognizesthattheresponsibilitiesoftheUNFFSecretariathavechangedconsiderablyintheirscopeandcomplexity,includingasrelatedtoservicingtheUNFFprocessesandprovidingsubstantiveandtechnicalsupporttodevelopingcountries.

ItrequeststheSecretaryGeneraltocontinuetoprovide,inthemostefficientandcosteffectivemanner,allappropriatesupporttotheUNFFSecretariat.IturgesdonorgovernmentsandorganizationstoprovidevoluntarycontributionstotheForumTrustFund.Itcalls



upondonorcountriesandintergovernmentalorganizationstoprovidefinancialsupporttotheForumTrustFundinordertosupportparticipationofdevelopingcountriesintheAHEG,theForumsWGandForumsessions.

ItrequeststheSecretaryGeneraltoreporttothenextregularsessionoftheForumontheimplementationoftheresolution.

CLOSINGSESSION

OnFriday,15May,UNFFChairMessoneintroducedthedraftresolution(E/CN.18/2015/L.2/Rev.1),whichwasadoptedbyacclamation.MessonethenintroducedthedraftreportofUNFF11(E/CN.18/2013/L.3),thecontentsofwhichwerehighlightedbyUNFF11RapporteurHeikkiGranholm.

Brazilrequestedthereportofthe11thsessiontoregistertheirreservationstovariousparagraphsoftheministerialdeclarationforreasonsrelatingto,interalia,MoIandcapacitybuilding.

UNFFDirectorSobralcongratulateddelegatesforthesuccessfulconclusionofUNFF11,sayingtheyhavesetthestageforabrighterfutureforforestsandthecommunitiesthatdependonthem.NotingthatlackofimplementationhadbeenidentifiedasakeyweaknessoftheIAF,hestressedthatthenewGlobalForestFinancingNetworkagreedatUNFF11,andthedecisiontomeetinalternateyearstofocusworkonimplementationandtechnicaladvice,hasthepotentialtomaketheForummuchmoreeffective.

UNFFChairMessonethankeddelegatesandtheirministersforreiteratingtheirpoliticalsupportfortheIAF,summarizingoneoftheirkeymessagesas:Weneedthisarrangement,butweneedtoimproveitandstrengthenit.

UNFF11wasgaveledtoacloseat7:47pm.

ABRIEFANALYSISOFUNFF11

Itisthepervadinglawofallthingsorganicandinorganic,ofallthingsphysicalandmetaphysical,ofallthingshumanandallthingssuperhuman,ofalltruemanifestationsofthehead,oftheheart,ofthesoul,thatthelifeisrecognizableinitsexpression,thatformeverfollowsfunction.Thisisthelaw.LouisSullivan

TheeleventhsessionoftheUNFFwasarguablythemostimportantsincetheForumsinception15yearsago.DelegatesinNewYorkhadbeenpresentedwithanambitiousagendaaddressingissuesthatarechallengingintheirownright,suchasimplementation,meansofimplementation,enhancedcooperationandcoordination,andregionalandsubregionalinputs.Yetnowwasthetimetoconsidersuchissuesasawholetoreflectonprogressmadeinthelast15years,and,similartoateenagercontemplatinghis/herfuturecareerpath,tofacemajordecisionsthatwouldshapethenext15years.

DespiteUNFFbeingarelativelyyoungmultilateralenvironmentalbody,forestpolicyhasbeenthesubjectofglobaldebatesincethe1940s.HistoricmilestonesincludetheestablishmentoftheFAOCommitteeonForestry(1971),theadoptionoftheInternationalTropicalTimberAgreement(ITTA1983)andtheestablishmentoftheInternationalTropicalTimberOrganization(ITTO1986).The1990ssawtheformationoftwotemporaryinternationalforestbodies:theIntergovernmentalPanelonForests(19951997)andtheIntergovernmentalForumonForests(19972000),whichmanyobserversconsideredtobeunsuccessfulinprovidingforestswithanecessarystrong,longterm,coherentpolicyframework.

ThequestionsfacingdelegatesduringUNFF11,thus,wastowhatextenttheUNFFhadbeenabletodeliveronitsmandateofpromotingthemanagement,conservationandsustainabledevelopmentoftheworldsforests,andtostrengthenlongtermpoliticalcommitmenttothisendandhowtoenableittobemoreeffectiveinthefuture.Thesedeliberationstookplaceinthecontextofcriticalchallengesforforestgovernance,including:everincreasingfragmentationofglobalforestpolicylackofimplementationoftheNLBIlackofaccessiblefundingforSFMandanunderfundedSecretariat.

Againstthisbackdrop,UNFF11staskwasreallyanexistentialone.Alreadyduringtheintersessionalperiod,itwasclearthatsomeMemberStateswereeagerforsignificantreinforcementoftheForumsoitcouldbetteraddressexistingandemergingchallenges.Indeed,themeetingsdraftdeclarationandresolutioncontainedseveralambitiousproposalsforstrengtheningtheForum,including,notably,theestablishmentofapermanentsubsidiarybodytobeacommitteeforimplementationandtechnicaladvice(CITA),andanupgradedfacilitativeprocesswithstrengthenedprovisionsonMoI.Otherdelegations,however,expressedlessofanappetiteforfarreachingchanges.

ThisbriefanalysisassesseshowfarthemeetingcameinstrengtheningtheForum,inparticularwhatformandfunctionhasbeendecidedforamorerobustUNFF,andsomeofthechallengesdelegatesfacedingettingthere.

FUNCTIONBEFOREFORM?

Tocreatearchitectureistoputinorder.Putwhatinorder?Functionandobjects.LeCorbusier

UNFFsmainpriorityoverthepast15yearshasbeenthedevelopmentofinternationalpolicyon,andapoliticalagendafor,forests.ThisinitialerahashelpedtoelevatetheroleofforestsintheglobaldevelopmentagendaandgivenrisetotheNLBIandfourGlobalObjectivesonForests,which,toagreaterorlesserdegree,haveguidedregionalandnationalpoliciesonSFM.

Markedbyinsistentcallsformoreonthegroundactionstoreverseongoingtrendsofforestloss,somesawUNFF11sreviewoftheIAFasheraldingaturningpointfortheForum.Additionalmomentumhadbeeninfusedthroughongoingdiscussionsforthepost2015developmentagenda,whichhavehadapalpableeffectontheaspirationsofsomeUNFFMemberStatesforstrengtheningtheroleofforestsintheglobalsustainabledevelopmentframework.



DeliberationsduringUNFF11sawdebateonwhetherthefunctionofthefutureIAFwouldbeenhancedthroughrestructuringtheForum.DelegatesconstantlyraisedtheissuethatthefunctionsofUNFFneedtobeupgradedinordertomeettheaspirationsandchallengesforthefutureIAFwewant.ManyfeltthatarestructuredForum,potentiallyinbothformandfunction,wouldbeabletoplaceUNFFsquarelyinthemiddleofforestpolicydialoguesatalllevels.

DebatesonthefunctionsofdifferententitiesoftheForumwerecloselylinkedtoformandthevariousproposalsforarestructuredForumandIAF.Thiswasunderscoredbythedebateonwhethertoaddressfunctionorformwhenproposalsinvolvingsignificantchangesuchasapermanentsubsidiarybodytocarryoutintersessionalworkwereputforward.

Amongotherthings,delegatesdiscussedmorefrequentmeetings,greaterinvolvementoftheCPF,enhancedengagementofMajorGroups,andchangingitsnametoUNForestAssembly.Mostdelegateswerekeen,however,tofocusonthefunctionsUNFFwouldundertake,inadditiontowhowouldcarrythem.

Inmanymultilateralenvironmentalprocesses,includingUNFF,bridgingthegapbetweeninternationalpolicyandnationalimplementationisaneverpresentproblem.IntheUNFF,theCPFhasbridgedthesciencepolicygapwhichinprioryearswasaconstraintfortheForumbyprovidingscientificknowledgeandtechnicalsupport,includingtoolstosupportSFMimplementation.However,translatingthesesolutionsintorealtangibleonthegroundactionsinSFMremainsanoticeablegapinUNFFsandtheIAFsabilitytoassistinimplementation.

ManythroughoutthemeetingacknowledgedthatMajorGroupshaveanextensiveexperienceatthegrassrootslevelthatwouldbebeneficialtotheForumforimplementation.WhereasMajorGroupsofferedsomeoptionsformoreactiveengagement,someMemberStateswerecautiousinhowfarsuchengagementshouldbeencouraged.AnumberofstateshavefrequentlynotedthatsomeMajorGroupsaremoreinvolvedincivilactionthancommunityempowerment,sayingthiscouldcreatepoliticaltensionwithintheForum.Duetothis,manyexpressedtheneedtofindamechanismforimplementationofSFMwithintheForumandthusmaintainthisfunctioninhouse.

ACITAwasproposedasaplatformtobringallplayerstheCPF,MajorGroups,andMemberStatesonboardtosharetechnicaladviceforimplementationoftheNLBI.OpponentsofaCITAemphasizedtheexistenceofothertoolsandprogrammesforimplementation,includingformonitoring,assessmentandreporting.Proponents,mostofwhomexpressedmajorgapsincapacityandtechnologyintheirowncountries,preferredaForumledimplementationmechanism.

Itwasgenerallyacknowledgedthatelevatedfunctionscomewithgreaterfinancialimplications,asevidencedbythemajorityofUNFF11sinformaldeliberationscenteringonMoI,asregionalgroupsdebatedwheresuchfinanceswouldcomefrom,inwhatform,andhowtheywouldbeaccessed.Indeed,thisiswherecontentionwasstrongest,comingtoaheadduringthemeetingspenultimatenight,withdelegatesengagingindiscussionsuntil3:30am.WhereasmanynotedtheweaknessoftheForum,andtheSecretariat,thedebatesonfinancingseemedtocounterthesecallsforstrengtheningtheIAF.Asmanyemphasized,astrongIAFdependsonfinancingtostrengthentheBureau.OnlythenwilltheSecretariatbeabletocarryoutitstasksefficiently,toengagefurtherwithotherprocessessuchastheRioConventions,andtoprovidesecretariatservicesfortheCPF,theForumanditsadhocsubsidiarybodies,andtosupportonthegroundimplementation.

FORMBEFOREFUNCTION?

Anobjectshouldbejudgedbywhetherithasaformconsistentwithitsuse.BrunoMunari

Formshouldfollowfunction,asseveraldelegatesremindedUNFF11.Manyconversations,thus,debatedtheappropriateformneededtofulfillinameaningfulwaythediversefunctionsproposedfortheIAFbeyond2015,resultinginalonglistofpotentialactivities.ManyagreedthatimplementationwouldrequireatransformativeshiftandrestructuringofthecurrentUNFF.

AlternativewaysforwardfortheUNFFhavebeendebatedformanyyears,withformandfunctionbeinghighlyinterlinked.Aswithelevatedfunction,proposalsforrestructuringtheformoftheForumareaimedatachievingefficiencyandtangibleonthegroundactionsforSFM,butalsoatengenderingamoreproactivedialoguebetweenUNFFandotherforestrelatedprocesses,suchastheclimateandbiodiversityconventions,andthepost2015sustainabledevelopmentagenda.

AtUNFF11,variousreformswereproposed.Somenoted,forinstance,thatthecurrentpracticeofholdingbiennialmeetingspresentsdifficultiesformaintainingthemomentumneededformeaningfulcooperation,collaborationandcoordination.SomesuggestedForumsessionsthatareheldonanannualbasis,withoneyearaddressingimplementationandtechnicalissues,whilethealternateyearsfocusonpolicydialogue,similartothatoftheUNCommissiononSustainableDevelopment(CSD)duringitsseconddecade.Theyalsonotedthatthisproposalcould,tosomeextent,allaytheconcernsofcertainMemberStatesthatfeltmorefocusonimplementationwasneededinordertoachieveSFM.

Theestablishmentofasubsidiarybody,intheformofaCITA,wasidentifiedasapotentialnewdirectionfortheForum,whichwouldconveneonalternativeyearsspecificallytoconsiderimplementationandtechnicalissues.Suchacommittee,somedelegatessaid,wouldhelpfacilitatethethreekeyareasidentifiedforafutureIAF:catalyzing

Download - ENB Report _ UNFF11 Summary and Analysis _ 4-15 May 2015 _ UN Headquarters, New York _ IISD Reporting Services.pdf

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