Public forestry debate to be part of conference
Public forestry debate to be part of conference
JAKARTA (JP): Former environment and population minister Emil Salim said a public hearing on forest management will be held as part of the Second Conference of the World Commission on Forest and Sustainable Development (WCFSD) here on March 3 and March 4.
Emil, who is the chairman of the conference's executive committee, said that people involved in forestry and stockholders of forest-related industries -- including indigenous people, government officials, scientists and representatives of non- governmental organizations, donor countries and organizations -- are invited to attend the public hearing.
The hearing will be held at the Sahid Jaya Hotel, Jakarta, and will officially be opened by Minister of Forestry Djamaludin Suryohadikusumo. The conference will continue until March 8.
Emil, who is presently the chairman of the Indonesian Biodiversity Foundation, was quoted by Antara as saying that the public hearing should reach a consensus on how to manage and utilize forest resources in the most sustainable manner.
The results of the hearing, he said, will be submitted to the Geneva-based WCFSD which will use the results to help formulate an international guideline on sustainable forest management.
Emil said the commission will hold similar public hearings in Latin America, North America and Europe. The hearing in Jakarta is part of the commission's Asia program.
The WCFSD was established in June 1995, as a follow up to the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janiero, Brazil. The organization is responsible for recommending forest management techniques at regional and international levels.
Former Swedish premier Ola Ullsten represents developed countries, and Indonesia's Emil Salim represents developing nations on the commission.
The WCFSD conducted its first conference in June 1995, in Sweden.
Emil explained that the public hearing will focus on sustainable forest management, the balanced utilization of forest resources, the trade of forest products, and environmental issues.
The various interest groups participating in the event will hold a series of internal panel discussions and interactive meetings before the hearing.
The public are invited to attend the second day of the hearing. (pwn)