Forest Europe summit to shape future policy on how woodlands are managed

[pampango]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-13731130

Delegates from 46 nations are expected to decide whether they will go ahead and establish a legally binding agreement on forest management.

Ministers at the three-day gathering in Oslo are also set to adopt resolutions that will help shape European forest policy for the next decade. It is estimated that forests cover more than half of Europe's land area.

Mr (Lars Peder) Brekk (host Norway's foreign minister) explained that there were two main goals for the sixth meeting of ministers. "One is to consider the goals, targets and actions for Forest Europe for the coming years. "And for me, as the minister that is leading this work, it is also very important to make progress and launch the proceedings for the legally binding agreement."

Mr Brekk said: "It is very important for the future - it can be a model for such legislation and work in other parts of the world." ... However, he was keen to stress that management of forest resources remained under the sovereignty of individual nations, and any agreement through the Forest Europe process would be more about sharing information and experiences.

If this agreement is established, it will be interesting to see how a "legally binding" multilateral agreement will operate while recognizing that "management of forest resources remained under the sovereignty of individual nations".

[xchrom]

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