“The FAO Committee on Forestry (COFO) offers a unique opportunity to communicate with Heads of National Forestry Administrations, other senior government officials and civil society representatives in considering major global forest issues and actions to be taken. 2007, FAO made a special effort to propose an COFO agenda filled with topical issues of global concern as well as building on those highlighted by the Regional Forestry Commissions."

The COFO session discussed the highlights of the State of the World’s Forests 2007 publication, followed by debates addressing forests and energy, forest protection (fire and pests), and putting forestry to work at the local level. Views were also exchanged on the tools and mechanisms needed to progress towards sustainable forest management. In strengthening the linkages between regional and global dialogue, COFO featured an in-session seminar on regional action on sustainable forest management, moderated by UNEP/ELB. Guidance was also sought from COFO on how FAO could better meet country needs and shape its Forestry Programme accordingly.”

Information events started on Monday 12th March 2007. These sessions provided a forum for open dialogue on issues such as national forest programmes, forest tenure, fire management, small-scale forest enterprises, watershed management, and the agro-forestry interface. There was also a special information session on avoided deforestation in the context of climate change.  In addition, COFO provided an open forum for “marketing” projects (Tuesday 13 March, evening) as well as a forestry exhibit, with a special theme on Weaving Knowledge into Development.

Documentation of the 18th session

In-session seminar Regional Action on Sustainable Forest Management