The US Agency for International Development (USAID) and The Forests Dialogue (TFD) have co-sponsored a dialogue aimed at “Building Partnerships to Reduce Forest Conflict in Asia.” The meeting convened from 1-2 December 2005 in Washington, DC, during which participants heard presentations in three focal areas: country case studies and perspectives; trends affecting forest conflict; and potential actions to reduce forest conflict, including positive results and lessons learned.

Among the key themes to arise were participants’ agreement about the need to establish clear and unambiguous national-level standards for legal and conflict-free forest products that can be internationally recognized. Participants also agreed on the importance of empowering forest communities to understand and obtain their legal rights to land and forest resources and to take an active role in monitoring and enforcing forest use regulations. Raising awareness in consumer countries was also supported. In addition, participants highlighted the implications of developing country growth on Asian and African forests and recommended roles for the private sector, NGOs, and government to address these themes.
Links to further information
ARD’s web site