Int'l forest experts to meet in Bali to discuss sustainable forest system

Adianto P. Simamora , The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Fri, 11/27/2009 9:45 PM

Experts from ten nations are slated to meet in Bali next week to show how to shift power over forests into the hands of able custodians who can promote and pursue sustainable forest-based livelihoods.

The forest governance learning group (FGLG) meeting to be held from Dec.1 to Dec. 4 will be attended by forest experts including from Cameroon, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Vietnam.

The meeting was organized by the UK-based researchers from the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED).

“Who gets to decide what about forests is vitally important,” says James Mayers, head of the natural resources group at IIED.

“It can mean the difference between corrupt elites wielding their power to exclude poor people, or it can mean equitable forest management that brings sustainable benefits to all."

Forests will be central to the UN climate change negotiations in Copenhagen in December as deforestation produces about 18% of all greenhouse gas emissions.

In Copenhagen, governments are set to agree a global deal called REDD that would see billions of dollars flowing as compensation to forest countries that leave their trees standing.

“Good governance of forests will be essential to maximize the social and environmental benefits of REDD schemes,” Mayers said.