1. There are major weaknesses in the policies, methods and mechanisms adopted to support and develop the multiple ecological, economic, social and cultural roles of trees, forests and forest lands. Many developed countries are confronted with the effects of air pollution and fire damage on their forests. More effective measures and approaches are often required at the national level to improve and harmonize policy formulation, planning and programming; legislative measures and instruments; development patterns; participation of the general public, especially women and indigenous people; involvement of youth; roles of the private sector, local organizations, non-governmental organizations and cooperatives; development of technical and multidisciplinary skills and quality of human resources; forestry extension and public education; research capability and support; administrative structures and mechanisms, including intersectoral coordination, decentralization and responsibility and incentive systems; and dissemination of information and public relations. This is especially important to ensure a rational and holistic approach to the sustainable and environmentally sound development of forests. The need for securing the multiple roles of forests and forest lands through adequate and appropriate institutional strengthening has been repeatedly emphasized in many of the reports, decisions and recommendations of FAO, ITTO, UNEP, the World Bank, IUCN and other organizations. [Chapter 11, Para 1]

3. (a) Rationalizing and strengthening administrative structures and mechanisms, including provision of adequate levels of staff and allocation of responsibilities, decentralization of decision-making, provision of infrastructural facilities and equipment, intersectoral coordination and an effective system of communication; [Chapter 11, Para 3 (a)]

3. (b) Promoting participation of the private sector, labour unions, rural cooperatives, local communities, indigenous people, youth, women, user groups and non-governmental organizations in forest-related activities, and access to information and training programmes within the national context; [Chapter 11, Para 3 (b)]

(b) Data and information [Chapter 11, Section A. (b)]

4. Governments at the appropriate level, with the assistance and cooperation of international, regional, subregional and bilateral agencies, where relevant, should develop adequate databases and baseline information necessary for planning and programme evaluation. Some of the more specific activities include the following: [Chapter 11, Para 4]

4. (a) Collecting, compiling and regularly updating and distributing information on land classification and land use, including data on forest cover, areas suitable for afforestation, endangered species, ecological values, traditional/indigenous land use values, biomass and productivity, correlating demographic, socio-economic and forest resources information at the micro- and macro-levels, and undertaking periodic analyses of forest programmes; [Chapter 11, Para 4 (a)]

4. (b) Establishing linkages with other data systems and sources relevant to supporting forest management, conservation and development, while further developing or reinforcing existing systems such as geographic information systems, as appropriate; [Chapter 11, Para 4 (b)]

4. (c) Creating mechanisms to ensure public access to this information. [Chapter 11, Para 4 (c)]

(b) Data and information [Chapter 11, Section B. (b)]

14. Management-related activities should involve collection, compilation and analysis of data/information, including baseline surveys. Some of the specific activities include the following: [Chapter 11, Para 14]

14. (b) Consolidating and updating land-use and forest inventory and management information for management and land-use planning of wood and non-wood resources, including data on shifting cultivation and other agents of forest destruction; [Chapter 11, Para 14 (b)]

14. (c) Consolidating information on genetic resources and related biotechnology, including surveys and studies, as necessary; [Chapter 11, Para 14 (c)]

14. (e) Compiling and analysing research data on species/site interaction of species used in planted forests and assessing the potential impact on forests of climatic change, as well as effects of forests on climate, and initiating in-depth studies on the carbon cycle relating to different forest types to provide scientific advice and technical support; [Chapter 11, Para 14 (e)]

14. (f) Establishing linkages with other data/information sources that relate to sustainable management and use of forests and improving access to data and information; [Chapter 11, Para 14 (f)]

14. (h) Consolidating information on forest conditions and site-influencing immissions and emissions. [Chapter 11, Para 14 (h)]

15. (c) Documenting and exchanging information/experience for the benefit of countries with similar problems and prospects; [Chapter 11, Para 15 (c)]

17. Data analysis, planning, research, transfer/development of technology and/or training activities form an integral part of the programme activities, providing the scientific and technological means of implementation. National institutions should: [Chapter 11, Para 17]

(b) Data and information [Chapter 11, Section C. (b)]

23. The objectives and management-related activities presuppose data and information analysis, feasibility studies, market surveys and review of technological information. Some of the relevant activities include: [Chapter 11, Para 23]

23. (e) Facilitating the provision of adequate technological information as a measure to promote better utilization of forest resources. [Chapter 11, Para 23 (e)]

29. Assessment and systematic observations are essential components of long-term planning, for evaluating effects, quantitatively and qualitatively, and for rectifying inadequacies. This mechanism, however, is one of the often neglected aspects of forest resources, management, conservation and development. In many cases, even the basic information related to the area and type of forests, existing potential and volume of harvest is lacking. In many developing countries, there is a lack of structures and mechanisms to carry out these functions. There is an urgent need to rectify this situation for a better understanding of the role and importance of forests and to realistically plan for their effective conservation, management, regeneration, and sustainable development. [Chapter 11, Para 29]

30. (b) To provide economists, planners, decision makers and local communities with sound and adequate updated information on forests and forest land resources. [Chapter 11, Para 30 (b)]

31. (d) Developing national systems of forest resource assessment and valuation, including necessary research and data analysis, which account for, where possible, the full range of wood and non-wood forest products and services, and incorporating results in plans and strategies and, where feasible, in national systems of accounts and planning; [Chapter 11, Para 31 (d)]

31. (e) Establishing necessary intersectoral and programme linkages, including improved access to information, in order to support a holistic approach to planning and programming. [Chapter 11, Para 31 (e)]

(b) Data and information [Chapter 11, Section D. (b)]

32. Reliable data and information are vital to this programme area. National Governments, in collaboration, where necessary, with relevant international organizations, should, as appropriate, undertake to improve data and information continuously and to ensure its exchange. Major activities to be considered are as follows: [Chapter 11, Para 32]

32. (a) Collecting, consolidating and exchanging existing information and establishing baseline information on aspects relevant to this programme area; [Chapter 11, Para 32 (a)]

32. (b) Harmonizing the methodologies for programmes involving data and information activities to ensure accuracy and consistency; [Chapter 11, Para 32 (b)]

33. (c) Strengthening existing regional and global networks for the exchange of relevant information; [Chapter 11, Para 33 (c)]

35. Accelerating development consists of implementing the management-related and data/information activities cited above. Activities related to global environmental issues are those that will contribute to global information for assessing/evaluating/addressing environmental issues on a worldwide basis. Strengthening the capacity of international institutions consists of enhancing the technical staff and the executing capacity of several international organizations in order to meet the requirements of countries. [Chapter 11, Para 35]

36. (b) Developing data systems, data processing and statistical modelling; [Chapter 11, Para 36 (b)]

36. (d) Developing geographic information systems; [Chapter 11, Para 36 (d)]

39. National Governments, in collaboration with appropriate international organizations and institutions, should develop the necessary capacity for implementing this programme area. This should be harmonized with capacity-building for other programme areas. Capacity-building should cover such aspects as policies, public administration, national-level institutions, human resource and skill development, research capability, technology development, information systems, programme evaluation, intersectoral coordination and international cooperation. [Chapter 11, Para 39]