|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Renewing
a commitment: Forest Service Associate Chief, Sally Collins,
and her counterpart, Vice Administrator Li Yucai of the
Chinese State Forestry Administration, build a partnership
on invasive species, forest policy and nature-based tourism. |
|
|
Forestry Cooperation Between the
People's Republic of China and the United States
In some ways, China is much closer to the United States
than some people might think. In terms of climate, physiography,
biology, and even natural resource policies, China and
the United States are strikingly similar. Both countries
have much to gain from capitalizing on our commonalities.
Recognizing
this, the USDA
Forest Service and the Chinese State Forestry Administration
have signed an agreement to cooperate on forestry. On
June 12, 2002, Associate Chief Sally Collins and her
Chinese counterpart, Vice Administrator Li Yucai, opened
the first session of the United States-People's Republic
of China Joint Working Group on Forestry Cooperation
in Beijing, China.
In
her opening remarks, Collins observed that our countries
face similar environmental and policy challenges in
managing our forests. Both the USDA Forest Service and
the Chinese State Forestry Administration, she noted,
are charged with providing the values and services that
our respective peoples expect from their forests. The
best chance we have to meet the challenge is to take
an ecosystem approach to forest management. Success
will require global cooperation, especially between
countries with similar biological and physical features.
In
the meeting, both sides agreed to collaborate over the
next 2 years on 15 activities in such areas as forest
policy and economic analysis, invasive species, fire
monitoring, forest inventory and monitoring, forest
health and restoration, and nature-based tourism.
After
the meeting, Collins and her USDA Forest Service delegation
visited a forest in China, giving them a firsthand view
of the progress China has made in forest management.
The delegation also learned more about the challenges
China faces, in part due to the diversity of its forests
and people.
Back to top
|
|
|
ITTO
Explores Reduced-Impact Logging
As in other forestry organizations, reduced-impact
logging has recently become a prominent topic in the
International
Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO). In fact, ITTO
helped support the International Conference on the Application
of Reduced Impact Logging to Advance Sustainable Forest
Management, held in Kuching, Malaysia, in February 2001.
The conference produced recommendations for promoting
reduced-impact logging.
In
Central Africa, ITTO cosponsored a 1-day workshop in
May 2001, in collaboration with the World
Conservation Union and the USDA
Forest Service. The workshop focused on developing
a logging code of practice for the region, identifying
regional training needs, and assessing the costs and
benefits of reduced-impact logging.
In
Brazil, ITTO co-funded a program by the Fundaçao
Floresta Tropical, in coordination with the Brazilian
Federal Institute of the Environment and Natural Resources,
to "train the trainers" in reduced-impact
logging.
In
Indonesia, ITTO supports the Bulungan Research Forest
project, a collaborative effort between a state-owned
logging company and the Center
for International Forestry Research to develop logging
guidelines, train staff in reduced-impact logging, and
compare the costs and benefits of reduced-impact logging
and conventional logging. ITTO is also establishing
a training center for reduced-impact logging in each
of the three tropical regions (Africa, Asia, and the
Americas).
Back to top
|
|
Workshop on Illegal Logging
On
May 29-31, 2002, a workshop explored field techniques
for combating illegal logging and improving transparency
in the forestry sector worldwide. Cohosts included the
World Resources
Institute; USDA Forest
Service, International Programs; and U.S.
Agency for International Development.
Illegal
logging has adverse environmental and social impacts,
undermining the ability of legitimate timber producers
to compete. The workshop brought together representatives
from government and nongovernmental organizations that
are working to detect, expose, and shut down illegal
logging.
Participants
shared experiences, learned new techniques, and discussed
ways to focus more international attention on illegal
logging. The workshop laid the foundation for future
cooperation and mutual support across borders and forest
types around the globe.
Back to top
|
|
United
States Prepares for XXII World Forestry Congress
Every
6 years, thousands gather at forestry's most important
global event-the World Forestry Congress. On September
21-28, 2003, Canada will host the XXII
World Forestry Congress in Quebec City, giving forestry
practitioners and policymakers the opportunity to exchange
information on forest resources and discuss forest management
issues.
The
theme for next year's Congress is "Forests, Source
of Life"-a look at how forests benefit the Earth
and its inhabitants worldwide. Program areas include
"Forests for People," "Forests for the
Planet," and "People and Forests in Harmony."
An
Internet discussion forum will highlight the upcoming
Congress. Organizers and individual countries are putting
together a program of plenary, research, and technical
presentations; exhibits; technical tours; and various
side events. Congress organizers can be reached at sec-gen@wfc2003.org
(e-mail); additional details can be found on the World
Wide Web at http://www.wfc2003.org.
The
USDA Forest Service, International Programs, is planning
U.S. participation in the Congress by working with stakeholder
groups to coordinate activities, exhibits, speakers,
and study tours. Denise Ingram, the International Programs
point of contact, can be reached at cdingram@fs.fed.us
(e-mail), 202-273-4733 (voice), or 202-273-4750 (fax).
Back to top
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
