Vol. 500 No. 3
5 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the progress, if any, achieved by the intergovernment panel on forests set up in 1997 by the UN Commission on Sustainable Development initiative; the number of specific proposals adopted by the panel which have been put into operation by him; and the nature of these proposals. [3736/99]
At its final session in March 1997, the intergovernmental panel on forests, IPF, encouraged countries and international agencies concerned to strengthen ongoing activities aimed at sustainable forest management within the framework of national forest programmes, and to promote the technical and scientific examination, testing and adaptation of internationally, regionally, subregionally and nationally agreed criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management.
In June 1997, the special session of the general assembly of the United Nations established the intergovernmental forum on forests, IFF, to continue the international forest policy dialogue and in particular identify the possible elements of and work towards a consensus on international arrangements and mechanisms, for example, a legally binding instrument on all types of forests, and report to the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development in April 2000.
Ireland is a member of the CSD, Commission on Sustainable Development, and has been an active participant in the IPF and IFF. The IFF programme covers three years and my Department, together with the Department of Foreign Affairs have agreed to contribute to the financial running of the secretariat for the period of the programme. The first session, IFF 1, was held in New York in October 1997 to decide on its schedule and programme of work. The second session, IFF 2, was held in Geneva in August-September 1998 and the third session, IFF 3, at which my Department will be represented will be held in Geneva in May 1999. IFF 3 will in the main address the outstanding issues from IFF 2. These are: category I reporting on progress on the implementation of the IFF recommendations; category II (IIa) the need for financial resources; (IIb) trade and environment; (IIc) transfer of technology; (IId) issues needing further clarification; category III future international arrangements and mechanisms, including a global convention on forests.
In the context of the IFF the above issues are matters of EU competence and are being addressed by the EU Commission. To date only limited progress has been achieved at IFF 2 and consequently Ireland has nothing to date to implement in the context of IFF. However, in a national context, substantial progress is being made in the introduction of sustainable forestry management for forests.
I am disappointed with the Minister's reply. In his address to the Eleventh World Forestry Congress in Antalya, Turkey on 15 October 1997, the Minister stated that Ireland—
It is not in order to quote during Question Time.
Of the 100 specific proposals for future action on forestry development, how many of them have we implemented? On that occasion the Minister promised that Ireland would contribute its full share to the initiation of the 100 proposals but now admits that not one has been initiated. When is it proposed to implement the programme of 100 specific proposals on forestry?
I was in Antalya but I did not see Deputy Sheehan there although he seems to be very well briefed on the proceedings of the congress. We are preparing to implement the specific proposals.
The forest service of my Department has embarked upon the development of a national forest standard, a code of best forest practice which embraces forestry guidelines, the criteria for sustainable forest management and a review of existing forestry legislation. It is hoped to have this process completed by the end of 1999. I am sure Deputy Sheehan and other Members will understand that one cannot rush into decisions on the proposals but they are being considered. It is our intention to put them in place and be the envy of the forest industry throughout the world.
On the question of the code of best forest practice, covering all stages of the forest cycle from seed to harvesting and replanting, how far have we progressed in drawing up specific proposals?
Recently I set up the forest forum which embraces every aspect of the forest industry. It will hold its first meeting in the next two to three weeks. In that way we hope to ensure we have the best code of forest practice. We will consult with everyone who has an interest in forestry. The code of best forest practice will be completed by the end of the year and I am sure Deputies will agree it is best to do this work once and do it right. The Minister of State mentioned that progress is being made on certification in forestry. A system of certification is in place in other countries. If we do not get our act together, we will lose market share.
When does the Minister of State envisage such a system being put in place here?
The issue of certification is being discussed. It is only in recent times that it was placed high on the agenda. There is a much greater market for certified timber. The new forum will be representative of all interests in the forestry sector, from environmentalists to sawmillers. No one will be excluded. I wish to ensure the sector takes the right road at the end of the millennium. The questions of unprocessed timber, value added and the prospects of underprivileged countries are on the international agenda.
Under the international convention on forestry to which Ireland is committed, will the economic, social, environmental and cultural aspects be adequately dealt with and thus underpin sustainable development?
I am fully committed to the convention. All aspects of the forestry sector should be the envy of the world. That would have big economic benefits.
