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Dec 2003
WORK PLAN (Legality) proposed by MoFA-Japan
1. Title of the Work Plan
Developing minimum standards of legality, timber tracking and chain of
custody(CoC) systems, verification systems among Asia Forest
Partnership(AFP) partners
2. Main objectives of the Work Plan
Illegal forest activities may contribute to increased poverty and conflict,
foster a vicious cycle of bad governance, pose a significant threat to the
sustainability of forest ecosystems, and cause significant losses of tax
revenues, in the order of 10-15 billions of dollars a year according to the
World Bank.
Developing minimum standards of legality, timber tracking and chain of
custody(CoC) systems, verification systems among AFP partners are essential
steps for AFP to dealing with the problem of illegal logging. They are
country or region specific and are complex process. But once they are
clarified and developed, they will contribute to solve the illegal logging
issues in the region more effectively.
Main objective of the work plan is , by developing minimum standards of
legality, timber tracking and chain of custody(COC) systems and verification
systems among AFP partners, to establish the basis for the systems of
verification of legal compliance among partners of AFP in order to combat
illegal logging effectively.
3. Expected results
- By developing minimum standards of legality, timber tracking and chain of
custody(COC) systems, verification systems among AFP partners, AFP will be
able to address illegal logging issues more effectively.
- By convening a regional workshop on developing minimum standards of
legality, timber tracking and chain of custody(COC) systems, verification
systems among AFP partners which brings together a broad range of
stakeholders in the region, AFP will be able to refine those standards and
systems in the light of experience from other stakeholders.
4. Modalities/Procedures
Request appropriate institution to prepare a report on minimum standards of
legality, timber tracking and chain of custody(CoC) systems, verification
systems among AFP partners and on case studies in timber-producing AFP
member countries.
Convene a regional workshop in Indonesia in mid-2004 on minimum standards
of legality, timber tracking and chain of custody(CoC) systems and
verification systems according to the decision of the 34th ITTC
“Strengthening the Asia Forest Partnership” that brings together a broad
range of stakeholders, including relevant civil-society and private-sector
organizations in the Asia and Pacific region, from both consumer and
producer countries. Examine the above report and refine it in the light of
experience of other stakeholders. Report it back to the 37th ITTC in
December 2004.
5. Time frame
Jan. 2004-Apr.2004: Preparation of a report by appropriate institution on
minimum standards of legality, timber tracking and chain of custody(CoC)
systems and verification systems among AFP partners and on case studies in
timber-producing AFP member countries.
June-July 2004: Convening a regional workshop on the above issues in
Indonesia
Dec. 2004: Report back to 37th ITTC.
6. Arrangements for potential funding
Preparation of a report: Government of Japan: US$50,000
Convening a regional workshop(including support for information network):
ITTO:US$150,000
7. Partners involved
Governments: Japan, Indonesia, UK
Intergovernmental Organizations: ITTO
Civil Society: TNC
Note:
The following is a summary of feedback to this Work Plan from participants to
the AFP 3 meeting held November 21, 2003 in Japan.
- The importance of this WP was expressed by many governments, international
organizations and NGOs.
- UK government representative expressed that UK has supported work to come
up with a definition of legality in Indonesia, and work completed there is
quite significant, as it demonstrates the need to consult with a whole range
of stakeholders. He also expressed that legality must be a minimal
requirement, even if comprehensive certification is not possible.
- Representative from European Commission in Japan expressed his hope that
EU action plan on FLEG should be linked to AFP.
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