International Dialogue on Forests

The 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) underlined the need to develop harmonized approaches in the management, conservation, and sustainable development of global forests. This document is intended to provide a basis for discussion on the implementation of specific aspects of UNCED programs for achieving the above goals, particularly those of forest conservation, enhancement of forest cover, and the roles of forests. The document also suggests possible areas of collaboration for national and international actions. Topics covered in the document include criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management, forest products trade and sustainable management, institutional and cross-sectoral linkages, and approaches to mobilizing environmentally sound technologies. Appendices include a report on the first meeting of the Working Group and references to UNCED forest principles.