A preparatory meeting has been held to lay the groundwork for a high-level meeting of the Europe and North Asia Forest Law Enforcement and Governance (ENA FLEG) process.

The Preparatory Conference for the Ministerial meeting of the ENA FLEG process has held initial negotiations in support of a regional Declaration and Indicative Action Plan, to be adopted at an ENA Ministerial meeting in late 2005. Over 130 participants from 32 countries representing governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international organizations, industry and an intergovernmental body met at the Preparatory Conference in Moscow, Russia, from 6-8 June 2005. The event was co-hosted by the World Bank and the Government of the Russian Federation, with financial support from eight international donors. Participants discussed regional and national experiences and emerging ENA FLEG issues, heard views from a range of stakeholders, and began drafting a Ministerial Statement and Indicative Plan of Action. Key themes included: experiences in the ENA region; legislation and regulatory frameworks for improved forest governance; information and transparency; verification and legality of forest products; enterprise and forest management; forest governance and livelihoods; and integration with existing processes. The Ministerial meeting is tentatively scheduled to take place from 22-25 November 2005 in St. Petersburg, Russia. IISD’s report of the meeting.