Commonwealth Forests

Chapter 7 The Commonwealth and the international forestry dialogue

SUMMARY

Forests and forestry are the focus of a great deal of international attention, and Commonwealth countries play an important role in international forestry-related conventions, agreements and meetings.

Climate change is probably the environmental issue attracting most attention world-wide; it has particular significance for the Commonwealth in view of the large number of SIDS and low-lying countries such as Bangladesh. In relation to forests the provisions of the Kyoto Protocol have considerable potential for attracting funds to the establishment of forests because of their role in sequestering carbon. Several Commonwealth countries are taking steps to implement projects under the Clean Development Mechanism, despite uncertainties over its implementation.

The other major forestry issue is the reduction of illegal logging through Forest Law, Enforcement and Governance (FLEG).  There is considerable potential for Commonwealth producer and producing countries to take a lead in combating illegal logging and promoting the good governance of forests.