Independent monitoring

In line with its mission, GFC has developed a multi-year program of work that aims at promoting the implementation of international forest policy commitments that address the underlying causes of forest loss and contribute to a rights-based approach to forest conservation.

Effectiveness of international policy and law
GFC firmly believes that forest loss can only be addressed if governments effectively fulfill the commitments they have made under international law. After more than 14 years of international policy making, governments have made formal international commitments relating to forest policy that recognize the need to conserve forests; respect the rights of Indigenous Peoples and other forest-dependent peoples in forest conservation policies; and address the underlying causes of forest loss. However, these international obligations are seldom implemented effectively.

Convention on Biological Diversity’s Program of Work
A particularly important set of international commitments in the field of forest policy is formed by the Convention on Biodiversity’s (CBD) expanded Program of Work on forest biodiversity (POW), which was adopted in 2002. The POW includes a large number of policies and measures that, if properly implemented, would greatly contribute to effective forest conservation and the protection of the rights of forest dependent communities.

Regretfully, at a global level current policies and measures intended to implement this forest biodiversity work program are insufficient. At the country level, however, there are some important differences in performance. Some countries have put in place innovative, well-implemented policies that have led to clear progress towards reaching the global target of significantly reducing biodiversity loss by 2010. It is critical that countries learn from each others’ experiences in this respect.

Independent monitoring reports
Independent monitoring reports on the implementation of international policy proposals are an important tool for advancing the aims of the CBD. They can increase pressure at both the international and the national level regarding the implementation of international commitments.

In 2007 and 2008 24 NGOs and IPOs were enabled to produce such reports on the expanded implementation of the Program of Work in their country. A research methodology was elaborated based on the existing independent monitoring methodology and technical assistance is provided where needed.

The country monitors also received a grant to organize at least one national workshop to consult key stakeholders about the draft results of the monitoring process; and to organize a national outreach and advocacy campaign to disseminate the results of their work.

The country reports are all translated into English; and a summary is published in English, Spanish, French and Russian. This will be presented at the 9th Conference of the Parties of the CBD in May 2008. The country monitors will be invited to participate and several side events and media events will be organized.

As part of the follow-up process, ten sub-regional workshops were organized to discuss the outcomes of the monitoring reports, successful implementation experiences and other lessons learned. Video materials and printed materials were produced to document the results of the monitoring process. They will be widely disseminated through the internet and, where needed and appropriate, in print.

In 2007 and 2008, the independent monitoring processes is performed in 22 countries. The independent monitoring reports 'Forests and the Biodiversity Convention. Independent Monitoring of the Implementation of the Expanded Programme of Work' are the following :

Summary 'Forest and the Biodiversity Convention'

For more information, please contact Miguel Lovera, chairperson, Global Forest Coalition, mhlovera@yahoo.com