Taking stock : the tropical forestry action plan after five years

This assessment of the TFAP reflects concern that, as currently implemented, the TFAP will be unable to meet many of its intended objectives. The paper concludes that the FAO, donors, and national governments seem to have lost sight of the goals of more effective forest conservation and sustainable management programs, policy reform both within and outside the forestry sector, and improved land-use planning and coordination with agricultural and other development programs. At a minimum, these agencies have let interest in accelerating investment in the forestry sector overshadow these concerns, and they have failed to provide the quality control and direction needed to make the planning process and the plan itself work well. Recommendations focus on the urgent need for a recommitment to TFAP goals and include: an international forum on the TFAP, clarification of TFAP goals and objectives, improved openness and accountability, improved quality control in planning exercises, development of a new management structure, increased support for training and institutional development, increased support for training and institutional development, recommitment to TFAP goals, coordination with complementary initiatives, and development of an international convention and protocols on global deforestation issues. Includes 5 pages of references.