15 January 2015: The UN Forum on Forests (UNFF) second meeting of the Open-Ended Intergovernmental Ad Hoc Expert Group on the International Arrangement on Forests (AHEG2) completed its work, setting the stage for discussions at the upcoming eleventh meeting of the UNFF (UNFF11) in May 2015. While all options officially remain on the table, AHEG2 informally identified those options for the future of the International Agreement on Forests (IAF) that have the most support and appear to be the most feasible.

Meeting participants considered views and proposals on the future of the IAF as well as the results of an independent evaluation and the outcomes of a workshop on the IAF beyond 2015. The AHEG2 also considered options for implementation and financing for sustainable forest management (SFM), and future options for the UNFF and its Secretariat, the engagement of Major Groups and regional entities and the role of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF).

In preparing suggested elements for inclusion in a decision on the IAF to be discussed at UNFF11, participants recognized that no options could be removed entirely from consideration, however, there was general consensus that a future IAF should be streamlined and cost-effective, avoid duplication and promote coherence.

Meeting participants also suggested that the UNFF Secretariat be strengthened, that the Forest Instrument be updated and that the CPF continue its role, although there were some meeting participants who expressed concern over details of such proposals.

Differences remained with regard to the structure of an updated Forest Instrument, the best forum for discussions on forests and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the appropriateness of a strategic workplan for the CPF and the proposal for a global forest indicators partnership.

A total of 162 participants attended the meeting, including representatives from 79 Member States, nine members of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests, 10 Major Groups and two permanent observers. The Co-Chairs summary from the AHEG2 will be considered by UNFF11, to be held 4-15 May 2015 in New York, US. [AHEG2 Website] [IISD RS coverage of AHeG2]