Working Group Meeting Report
AIDE-MEMOIRE
16th Meeting of the Working Group on Criteria and Indicators for the Conservation and Sustainable Management of Temperate and Boreal Forests
Montréal Process
Jasper, Alberta, Canada
October 18-21, 2004
The Working Group on Criteria and Indicators for the Conservation and Sustainable Management of Temperate and Boreal Forests (Montréal Process) held its 16th meeting in Jasper, Alberta, Canada, October 18-21, 2004. The Montréal Process includes Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, China, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Russian Federation, United States of America and Uruguay, which together represent 60% of the world's forests.
1. Participation.
The meeting included 30 participants, including representatives from 11 Montréal Process countries, as well as representatives from the Ministerial Conferences on the Protection of Forests in Europe (MCPFE) Liaison Unit (Poland), United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) Secretariat, and The World Conservation Union (IUCN) (Canada). A list of participants is included at Annex A.
The absence of Mexico was noted and regretted by the Montréal Process Working Group. Canada, the outgoing chair of the Montréal Process Working Group, will send a letter to Mexico regretting their absence and communicating the results of the meeting.
For future Working Group meetings, members who are unable to attend are requested to forward an official communiqué through the Liaison Office, well in advance of said meeting, in order that the Working Group can make necessary arrangements, if required.
2. Research Demonstration.
The day before the beginning of the Montréal Process Working Group meeting, the group of participants was hosted at the Northern Forestry Centre of the Canadian Forest Service (CFS) – Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), in Edmonton. This day allowed Canada to demonstrate some of the research being carried out by the organization. Additionally, meeting participants were also introduced to the Sustainable Forest Management Centre of Excellence, and to the Network Centres of Excellence, an integral part of Canada’s Innovation Strategy.
3. Meeting Opening.
In Jasper, Mr. André H. Rousseau, Executive Director, Policy, Planning and International Affairs branch, CFS – NRCan and Chair, opened the meeting. Mr. Rousseau welcomed new participants at the meeting to Jasper in Canada and highlighted the revised agenda that had been distributed. By way of a round table, participants introduced themselves and their delegations and identified the status of their 2003 country reports (Annex B). The agenda for the meeting as revised and agreed at the preliminary meeting is attached in Annex C.
4. Report by the UNFF and MCPFE.
The meeting welcomed and appreciated presentations by the UNFF Secretariat (Michel Laverdiere) and MCPFE Liaison Unit Warsaw (Roman Michalak) on developments in their respective initiatives and the contributions from the IUCN (Alex Moiseev). The UNFF Secretariat invited the Montréal Process to participate in some way at UNFF-5 (via a side meeting, for example).
The Montréal Process Working Group agreed to set up the Montréal Process display, host a side event, and asked that the Chair request time on the plenary agenda at UNFF-5. The Chair will also make a request to the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) Secretariat for the opportunity to make a presentation at the November 2005 International Tropical Timber Council (ITTC) meeting.
5. Meetings.
The need to capture meeting opportunities among Working Group members was discussed.
The Working Group recognized that there are three types of meetings: Working Group meetings, ad hoc meetings of Montréal Process Working Group members, and Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meetings. The following table does not preclude informal gatherings of members or special workshops as convened from time to time by the Working Group or TAC.
| Meeting Type | Decision-making Capacity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Working Group (WG) Meetings | Yes |
|
| Ad hoc meetings of Montréal Process (MP) WG members | No |
|
| TAC meetings | No |
|
6. 7 Thematic Elements.
The United States of America reviewed the history of the evolution of the 7 Thematic Elements acknowledged at UNFF-4, as well as work done by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and UNFF using the 7 Thematic Elements. With information provided by WG members attending UNFF-4, the TAC investigated the implications of the 7 Thematic Elements for the Montréal Process WG and its indicator review process.
The Montréal Process WG noted the international movement toward convergence of sustainable forest management criteria and will continue to monitor and actively engage in such dialogue.
It was determined that from a technical perspective the 7 Thematic Elements are perceived to have little impact on the current indicator review process.
In subsequent discussions the WG re-affirmed the continued use of the current Montréal Process criteria and will continue to monitor the progress towards acceptance of the 7 thematic elements, while undertaking the review of the Montréal Process indicators.
To further greater convergence of sustainable forest management criteria, the Montréal Process will co-host a meeting with the MCPFE and ITTO to explore possibilities for common definitions and protocols common to our criteria and indicators (C&I) processes, should such a meeting occur in March to June 2005.
7. TAC Report and Indicator Review Process.
The meeting welcomed the report from Dr. Tim Payn, Convenor of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), on the proposed indicator review process. This TAC report is based on the TAC’s 7th meeting, held in Iguazú, Argentina, in June 2004. The Working Group expressed its appreciation to Argentina for hosting TAC 7.
The Working Group agreed to a review process based on modified Option 1, which will allow the Montréal Process WG to approve revised indicators by February 2006 (Annex D) at less cost.
The TAC Convenor, with input from TAC members, will do the following:
- identify representative international organizations to provide written submissions on the indicators at the same time as individual member countries make their written submissions
- develop a set of attributes for selecting international experts, who may contribute to the indicator review process at the TAC expert meetings
- explore funding opportunities to augment funding from the United States of Americaand Canada.
The WG agreed that the TAC indicator review meeting(s) should be small and focussed.
The Working Group welcomed the offer of Russia to host the first TAC indicator review meeting and of Chile to host the second, if required.
The WG requested a report(s) be prepared by the TAC on the following three issues: 1) a proposed list of revised indicators; 2) proposed amendments to the Technical Notes describing rationales, measurement units, and sources of data, etc., for each new/revised indicator; 3) a cross-reference of the proposed revised indicators with other international process indicators and the 7 thematic elements.
8. Next Round of Montréal Process Country Reports and Montréal Process Overview Report.
The Working Group re-iterated its agreement from the Beijing and Bariloche Working Group meetings that country reports should be prepared at 5-year intervals with Process Overview Reports following.
The Montréal Process WG agreed that, given the current indicator review process, the next rounds of country reports will be presented in 2009, 2014, and at five year intervals thereafter.
The Montréal Process WG tasked the TAC to prepare Overview Reports by 2010, 2015, and at 5 year intervals thereafter.
9. Update Since 14th and 15th Working Group Meetings.
Kathryn Buchanan of the Liaison Office provided an update on activities of the Liaison Office since the 14th Meeting of the Working Group in Montevideo, Uruguay, April 7-10, 2003, and the 15th Meeting of the Working Group in Québec City, on the margins of the World Forestry Congress, on September 22, 2003. These are listed in Annex E.
The Working Group acknowledged the hard work and contribution of the Liaison Office.
The Working Group approved the Liaison Office Terms of Reference (Annex F).
10. MP Strategic Policy Discussion.
At the initiation of the Chair, the Montréal Process WG discussed the need for strategic thinking for the future of the Montréal Process. The Working Group acknowledged that many elements of such strategic thinking are part of the Communications & Outreach Plan and identified in the Next Steps of the 2003 Overview Report. The Montréal Process WG reaffirmed that its role is to be policy-relevant, with technical assistance provided by the TAC.
Argentina, Australia, Canada (convenor), Chile, China, New Zealand and United States of America will prepare a draft strategic plan/white paper for consideration of the WG. This strategic plan shall consider issues that are high level, future-oriented, and focussed on how the WG can best influence sustainable forest management internationally.
The WG agreed that this draft plan will be circulated electronically to all members by September 2005 and be a primary agenda item at the 18th WG meeting. A briefing on progress will be presented at the 17th WG meeting.
11. Review and Evaluation of Montréal Process Events at XII World Forestry Congress (WFC).
The meeting welcomed the presentation by Kathryn Buchanan, Liaison Office, on the Montréal Process side event and exhibit at the WFC in September 2003. Highlights identified were the Montréal Process “high level” session, the side event to present 2003 forest reports/overview report; and the Montréal Process exhibit.
The Montréal Process WG gratefully acknowledged the contribution of all member countries, especially that of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and United States of America for their work and financial support to the exhibit. The Working Group also expressed appreciation to Australia, Russia, United States of America and Uruguay for presenting case studies on the application of criteria and indicators during the side event.
A number of countries present at the XII WFC reported on the increasing international recognition of the role of criteria and indicators and the Montréal Process in advancing sustainable forest management. They also recounted the level of interest and positive feedback received on both the Montréal Process side event and display, validating the decision to undertake such communication activities.
12. Communication and Outreach Plan.
The Working Group discussed the proposed Communications and Outreach Plan as modified by the United States of America.
The Working Group amended the Communication and Outreach Plan and approved it (Annex G).
13. Budget.
The meeting welcomed a presentation by the Liaison Office on estimated annual costs of and contributions to the Montréal Process WG from 1997 to 2001.
The Working Group recognized this budget process as a useful planning tool.
The WG requested the Liaison Office to continue to maintain this level of annual records of costs associated with activities of the Montréal Process.
The Liaison Office will re-distribute the criteria that specify which costs and expenses will be included.
The WG decided that budgetary information will be made available to WG members out of session and that it will not be included in future agendas, unless otherwise decided.
14. 17th Working Group Meeting.
The Working Group discussed potential locations and timing for the 17th Meeting of the Montréal Process Working Group.
The Working Group welcomed the offer by Japan to investigate the possibility of hosting the 17th meeting. Chile will also investigate the possibility of hosting the next meeting, in the event that Japan cannot.
The WG agreed that the 17th WG meeting should be held as close as possible to February 2006 in accordance with the agreed indicator review process. The purpose of this meeting will be to focus on the revised Montréal Process indicators. Other agenda items may include collaboration with ITTO and other countries in the region on the implementation of C&I and related IPF/IFF Proposals for Action.
15. Liaison Office.
The Working Group recognized with appreciation the continued support to the Montréal Process provided by Canada as host of the Liaison Office.
16. Joining the Montréal Process.
The Montréal Process countries reaffirmed that the procedure for countries to join the Montréal Process is a diplomatic one. An interested country should inform the Government of Chile through diplomatic channels that its government endorses the Santiago Declaration and it would like to join the Montréal Process Working Group. Chile will inform the Liaison Office, which will inform the Working Group.
The country hosting the Working Group meeting is encouraged to officially invite potential Montréal Process member countries to observe at forthcoming meetings and consider becoming members of the Montréal Process.
Expression of Thanks
The Meeting expressed its deep appreciation to the people of Alberta and the Government of Canada, represented especially by the Canadian Forest Service – Natural Resources Canada, for their hospitality in hosting the 16th Meeting of the Montréal Process Working Group.
Annex A
16th Meeting of the Working Group on Criteria and Indicators for the Conservation and Sustainable Management of Temperate and Boreal Forests
(Montréal Process)
Jasper, Alberta, Canada
October 18-21, 2004
LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
Please see Who is Involved: Montréal Process Contacts
Annex B
16th Meeting of the Working Group on Criteria and Indicators for the Conservation and Sustainable Management of Temperate and Boreal Forests
(Montréal Process)
Jasper, Alberta, Canada
October 18-21, 2004
STATUS OF 2003 COUNTRY REPORTS
See First Montréal Process Overview and Country Reports
Annex C
16th Meeting of the Working Group on Criteria and Indicators for the Conservation and Sustainable Management of Temperate and Boreal Forests
(Montréal Process)
Jasper, Alberta, Canada
October 18-21, 2004
AGENDA (Version 1.5)
Sixteenth Meeting of the Montréal Process Working Group
October 18-23, 2004
“Introspection - Indicator review & Progress”
| TIME | ITEM | PRESENTER | COMMENTS |
|---|---|---|---|
16:00-17:30 (1:30) |
Working Group meeting | Chair (Canada) | MP government members meet in advance of official start of meeting to confirm chairman, any record takers (rapporteurs), identify group to draft Aide-Memoire, confirm draft agenda items and procedures are clear to all participants |
| TIME | ITEM | PRESENTER | COMMENTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09:00-10:00 | Meet at Northern Forestry Centre (Pine Room)
|
Chair (Canada), Gordon Miller, Director General | Welcome and introduction / All participants |
| 10:00-11:00 | Coffee | ||
| 10:30-12:00 | CFS - SFM, application of research and tour of NoFC Socioeconomics | Steve Price, Director Bonita McFarlane John Parkins Tim Williamson |
|
| 12:00-13:00 | Lunch (Spruce Room) | ||
13:00 14:00 |
Province of Alberta on SFM SFM Network Centre of Excellence |
Bob Fessenden (?) Jim Fyles, McGill University |
|
| 15:00-19:00 (4:00) | Bus to Jasper Park Lodge | ||
| 20:00-21:30 | Welcome Reception |
| TIME | ITEM | PRESENTER | COMMENTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09:00-09:15 (0:15) | Welcome to Jasper and introduction to meeting | CFS, PPIA, Executive Director (Chairman) | |
| 09:15-10:00 (0:45) | Discussion of other relevant meetings (UNFF4, UNFF5, ECCI, approaches to convention, UNECE ToS, etc.) Questions, answers, general discussion |
Chair (and others) | |
| 10:00-10:30 (0:30) | Coffee Break | ||
| 10:30-12:00 (1:30) | 7 common thematic elements of SFM recognized by UNFF4 and possible implications of recent events on MP Questions, answers, general discussion |
Chair/T. Payn | |
| 12:00-13:30 (1:30) | Lunch | ||
| 13:30-15:00 (1:30) | Report from TAC Convenor on results of Seventh Meeting of TAC Questions, answers, general discussion |
T. Payn Chair |
(A-M 14: Identify an approach for reviewing the indicators in light of experience gained in preparing the 2003 country forest reports, with a view to refining them as needed) |
| 15:00-15:30 (0:30) | Coffee Break | ||
| 15:30-17:15 (1:45) | Report from TAC Convenor on results of Seventh Meeting of TAC (cont.) Questions, answers, general discussion |
T. Payn Chair |
|
| 17:15-17:30 (0:15) | Discussion of anything outstanding from day and preview of next day | Chair | |
| 17:30 | Adjourn for day |
| TIME | ITEM | PRESENTER | COMMENTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09:00-10:00 (1:00) | Discussion of schedule for next round of country forest reports (and MP report) Questions, answers, general discussion |
K. Buchanan / T. Payn / Chair / Others | (A-M 14: Identify a schedule for the next round of country forest reports) |
| 10:00-10:30 (0:30) | Coffee Break | ||
| 10:30-11:30 (1:00) | Discussion and finalization of TAC / review process, including timeline for agreed-upon approach, cost of agreed approach, and identification of funding sources Questions, answers, general discussion |
Chair / TAC Convenor | |
| 11:30-12:00 (1:00) | Report from Liaison Office (LO) on events in year since last meeting - progress made, documents published, tabled, web site changes, LO Terms of Reference, etc. Questions, answers, general discussion |
K. Buchanan Chair |
|
| 12:00-13:30 (1:30) | Lunch | ||
| 13:30-14:30 (1:00) | MP Strategic Policy Discussion | Chair/Others | |
| 14:30-15:00 (0:30) | Review and evaluate audience response to the MP side event and exhibit at the WFC, including the brochure on key messages, and identify what elements were the most successful Questions, answers, general discussion |
Canada / K. Buchanan Chair |
(A-M 14: Review and evaluate audience response to the Montréal Process side event and exhibit at the World Forestry Congress, including the brochure on key messages, and identify what elements were the most successful) (A-M 14: Consider follow up actions needed as a result of the 15th Working Group Special High Level Session (Québec City, September 2003) and to carry forward the "next steps" outlined in the 2004 Overview Report) |
| 15:00-15:30 (0:30) | Coffee Break | ||
15:30-16:45 (1:15) |
Presentation and discussion of Montréal Process Communication and Outreach Plan and identification of short-term priorities Questions, answers, general discussion |
K. Buchanan Chair |
(A-M 14: Review and finalize the Interim Communications and Outreach Plan) |
| 16:45-17:00 (0:15) | Discussion of anything outstanding from day and preview of next day | Chair | |
| 17:00 | Adjourn for day | ||
| 18:00 | Meeting of Open-ended Aide-Memoire drafting group |
| TIME | ITEM | PRESENTER | COMMENTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09:00-09:30 (0:30) | Finalization of Montréal Process Working Group "next steps", i.e., review process, financing, etc. Questions, answers, general discussion |
||
| 09:30-10:00 (0:30) | Review of Montréal Process Working Group budgetary matters (2000-2004) Questions, answers, general discussion |
||
| 10:00-10:30 (0:30) | Coffee Break | ||
| 10:30-11:15 (0:45) | 17th Working Group meeting venue and theme Questions, answers, general discussion |
Chair (and others) | |
| 12:00-13:30 (1:30) | Lunch | ||
| 13:30-14:30 (1:00) | Aide-Memoire review | Chair (all) | |
| 14:00-15:00 (1:00) | Discussion of anything outstanding from day | Chair (all) | |
| 15:00-15:30 | Coffee Break | ||
| 15:30-16:00 (0:30) | Aide-Memoire approval | Chair | |
| 16:00-17:30 (1:30) | Discussion of anything outstanding from day and preview for field trip | Chair | |
| 17:30 | Adjourn for day | ||
| 19:00 | Cultural/Social event/dinner | All participants |
| ITEM | COMMENTS |
|---|---|
Foothills Model Forest/Jasper National Park locations/Weldwood FMA (Weldwood of Canada, Hinton Division)
|
Overnight in Hinton |
| ITEM | COMMENTS |
|---|---|
FMF/Weldwood of Canada, Hinton Division locations
|
Back to Edmonton no later than 6 p.m. |
Annex D
16th Meeting of the Working Group on Criteria and Indicators for the Conservation and Sustainable Management of Temperate and Boreal Forests
(Montréal Process)
Jasper, Alberta, Canada
October 18-21, 2004
SUMMARY OF WORKING GROUP DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION ON REVIEW PROPOSALS
- Review proposals include two components:
- Stakeholder engagement
- Review methods
- Stakeholder engagement proposal accepted as outlined.
- Review method agreed is a modified Option 1 as described by the TAC report with fewer (1, possibly 2) TAC/expert meetings, a shortened timeframe, and further cross-reference analysis of revised indicators/criteria.
- Resource needs are then less, but cover a project officer at 0.3 of a Full Time Equivalent (FTE), some operating costs, plus the costs of a TAC/experts meeting (with possibly a second)
| Activity | Responsible | Date |
|---|---|---|
| WG approve plan | WG | October 2004 |
| Countries provide suggestions for international body involvement in the indicator review process | WG and TAC members | June 2005 |
Countries provide list of indicators to be reviewed:
|
TAC members/Project Officer/TAC Convenor | August 2005 |
| Solicit comment from international bodies to facilitate the review | TAC Convenor/Project Officer | August 2005 |
| Provide a cross-reference of MP 1995 indicators with other process indicators to support MP C&I review | Project Officer | September-November 2005 |
| TAC submits to WG proposed list of experts to be invited to participate in the TAC/Expert meeting(s) | TAC/WG | August 2005 |
| TAC/Expert meeting(s) to revise indicators (number of meetings depends on indicators to be reviewed) | TAC Convenor/ TAC/Experts | September-November 2005 |
| Review the cross-referencing of the MP C&I with other processes to reflect the proposed indicator revision | TAC/Project Officer | November 2005-January 2006 |
| Feedback of revisions to MP members and participating international bodies | TAC members/Project Officer | November 2005-February 2006 |
| Working Group considers revised suite of indicators for approval | Working Group | February 2006 |
| Official publication(s) of updated C&I produced | TAC Convenor/Liaison Office/WG | June 2006 |
| Activity | Item | Cost | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project Officer | Time | $25,000 | 0.3 FTE over a 7 month period (August 2005-Feb 2006). |
| Travel | $10,000 | ||
| TAC/Experts meeting | Travel Support | $20,000 | |
| TAC convenor (2nd meeting) | ($4,000) | Only if 2nd meeting needed | |
| Hosting meeting | $4,000 | ||
| Experts involvement | $36,000 | 6 @$6000 per expert | |
| Total | $60,000 | ||
| Total cost of review process | $95,000 ($99,000) | This assumes 1 TAC/Experts meeting |
Comment on Budget:
- These costs will ensure that the outlined process is completed effectively. The USA and Canada have indicated their willingness to contribute dollars to these total costs, and Australia has offered some ‘in kind’ assistance to the Project Officer activities. Contributions from all countries are encouraged and appreciated.
- The budget and the number of expert meetings will be revised once the total number of indicators to be revised is finalized.
- Other funding mechanisms still need to be explored, e.g., the possibility of a collective MP funding proposal to external agencies.
Annex E
16th Meeting of the Working Group on Criteria and Indicators for the Conservation and Sustainable Management of Temperate and Boreal Forests
(Montréal Process)
Jasper, Alberta, Canada
October 18-21, 2004
LIAISON OFFICE UPDATE SINCE 14th AND 15th WORKING GROUP MEETINGS
Since the 14th Meeting of the Working Group in Montevideo, Uruguay, April 7-10, 2003, and the 15th Meeting of the Working Group in Québec City, on the margins of the World Forestry Congress, on September 22, 2003, the Liaison Office completed the following activities:
- Posted documents on the Montréal Process web site: Aide Memoire from the 14th meeting, Summary of discussions at the 15th meeting, Draft Overview Report (2003) from 6th Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting (Oaxaca, Mexico, August 2002), Montréal Process comments at the 4th Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe (MCPFE) (Vienna, Austria, April 2003), and available First Montréal Process Country Reports (2003), as well as the Overview Report, and the Brochure prepared for the World Forestry Congress (WFC);
- Reviewed and evaluated audience response to the MP side event and exhibit at the WFC, including the brochure on key messages, and prepared a report for the 16th Working Group meeting;
- Reviewed and revised the draft Montréal Process Communications and Outreach Plan;
- Updated the retrospective budgetary information for 2000 to 2004 on the estimatedannual costs of and contributions to activities of the Montréal Process Working Group;
- Revised draft terms of reference for the Liaison Office.
Annex F
16th Meeting of the Working Group on Criteria and Indicators for the Conservation and Sustainable Management of Temperate and Boreal Forests
(Montréal Process)
Jasper, Alberta, Canada
October 18-21, 2004
Agreed Liaison Office Terms of Reference
LIAISON OFFICE TERMS OF REFERENCE
MONTRÉAL PROCESS WORKING GROUP
Background
The Montréal Process Working Group on Criteria and Indicators for the Conservation and Sustainable Management of Temperate and Boreal Forests was inspired by the Seminar of Experts on Sustainable Development of Boreal and Temperate Forests hosted by Canada in Montréal in September 1993. The Working Group was established in 1994 and includes 12 member countries: Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, China, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Russian Federation, United States of America and Uruguay.
In January 1995, member countries issued the Santiago Declaration endorsing 7 criteria and 67 indicators for the conservation and sustainable management of temperate and boreal forests (Montréal Process criteria and indicators). At that time, the Government of Canada offered to host a Liaison Office to facilitate future efforts of the Montréal Process. The offer was gratefully accepted. The Canadian Forest Service has hosted the Liaison Office in Ottawa without interruption since that time.
Functions of the Liaison Office
The principal role of the Liaison Office is to support the work of the Montréal Process Working Group and facilitate communication among members. Specific functions are as follows:
- Assist host countries to convene Montréal Process Working Group meetings, including developing and circulating for comment draft agendas, meeting announcements and background documents;
- Assist the Convenor of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) to organize TAC meetings and related workshops on specific issues, as requested;
- Arrange for the translation, printing and dissemination of Montréal Process documents and publications;
- Keep members apprised of international developments relevant to criteria and indicators, including regional and international meetings, and maintain close contact with other criteria and indicators processes, including the Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe (MCPFE), ITTO and FAO;
- Coordinate actions as needed to develop formal statements, presentations and side events on behalf of the Montréal Process during relevant international meetings;
- Maintain budget records of activities under the Montréal Process, including the costs of meetings, workshops, publications and other activities, as well as voluntary contributions by the Liaison Office and individual members to cover such costs;
- Maintain and update the Montréal Process web page and other communication mechanisms that may be established by the Working Group; and
- Send e-mail messages, as required, to catalyze member country involvement.
Reporting
The Liaison Office reports to and takes direction from the Montréal Process Working Group. The Liaison Office is distinct from and does not represent the Government of Canada and its views as a member of the Montréal Process Working Group.
Location
The Liaison Office is hosted by and located within the Canadian Forest Service in Ottawa. Specific internal administrative and operational arrangements regarding the Liaison Office are as decided by Canada.
Contributions by Canada in support of the Liaison Office
The Government of Canada agrees to provide the partial services of one officer's time and to cover to the extent possible within budget limitations the costs associated with the translation, printing and dissemination of official Montréal Process documents and publications. Such support by Canada to the Liaison Office is recognized as distinct from and over and above other voluntary contributions, financial or otherwise, that Canada may choose to make as a member of the Montréal Process Working Group.
Contributions by Other Members in support of the Liaison Office
Other members of the Montréal Process Working Group agree to provide to the extent possible financial and in kind contributions to Canada to help cover the costs borne by the Liaison Office, including costs related to the preparation, translation, printing and distribution of publications.
Annex G
16th Meeting of the Working Group on Criteria and Indicators for the Conservation and Sustainable Management of Temperate and Boreal Forests
(Montréal Process)
Jasper, Alberta, Canada
October 18-21, 2004
MONTRÉAL PROCESS COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH PLAN
October 20, 2004
- PURPOSE
To provide a communication and outreach guide for the Montréal Process Working Group (MPWG), member countries and the Liaison Office (LO). - MONTRÉAL PROCESS COMMUNICATION OBJECTIVES
- Promote sustainable forest management
- Increase public awareness of the work of the Montréal Process (MP) and role of C&I in promoting sustainable forest management (SFM)
- Strengthen political commitment within member countries to implement C&I
- Promote incorporation and use of MP C&I within strategic, policy, legislative, planning, science, educational and other activities within member countries
- Highlight progress made by member countries toward SFM through use of C&I
- Facilitate cooperation with other C&I processes and relevant organisations
- Influence other land use sectors in adopting the MP C&I approach
- KEY TOOLS
- Publications
- Montréal Process Forest Overview Report, published every five years
- Periodic Montréal Process publications in English, French and Spanish
- Translation of MPWG and TAC publications by members into other native languages
- Internet
- A well-designed and maintained MP web site with links to relevant web sites of MP countries, other C&I processes and international organizations
- Well designed and maintained country web sites linked to the MP web site
- Exhibit
- An adaptive exhibit for use by membership
- Presentation materials
- A series of generic Montréal Process presentation materials, e.g., electronic presentations and editorial texts, which can be extracted from, and/or used by members in promoting the Montréal Process with general or specific audiences
- Representation at meetings
- Members communicate/promote MP messages and activities in relevant domestic, regional and international meetings (e.g. FAO, UNFF, ITTO)
- Organization of MP information side events at regional and international meetings, including use of MP exhibit as appropriate
- Co-sponsorship by members/LO of expert meetings on C&I
- Invitations to other countries and organizations to MPWG meetings
- Publications
- TARGET AUDIENCES
- Domestic
- National and sub-national government politicians and policy makers
- Forest owners, managers, industry, buyers groups, labour, NGOs, indigenous and local communities, and their associations
- Professional, scientific and academic community
- General public and media (journals, newspapers, magazines, etc.)
- International
- Other C&I processes
- Relevant international organisations (e.g., FAO, ITTO, UNFF)
- International NGOs and industry associations
- Domestic
- KEY MESSAGES FOR MP WEB SITE, PUBLICATIONS, MEETINGS (incorporates messages from MP 1st Overview Report 2003, Executive Summary)
- Forests provide essential environmental, economic and social benefits to people worldwide at local, national and global levels. SFM is the contribution of forests to sustainable development.
- C&I are tools to assess the state of and trends in forests and progress toward SFM at the national level. They provide a common understanding of what is meant by SFM and can help countries achieve SFM. C&I also provide a framework for monitoring, assessment and reporting on forests at the sub-national level and a model for monitoring, assessment and reporting on other natural resource conditions such as rangelands, mining and freshwater.
- The Montréal Process is composed of twelve like-minded countries and is a recognized leader in promoting SFM and the application of C&I. Through the Santiago Declaration of 1995 member countries endorsed a comprehensive set of 7 criteria and 67 indicators. The Quebec City Declaration of 2003 reconfirmed member countries’ commitment to the Montréal Process members.
- These C&I are the product of collaboration among government experts, forest stakeholders and the scientific community. They are intended to inform policy developers, people of influence, practitioners and decision makers at national and sub-national levels to promote SFM.
- Effective partnerships among government and non-government stakeholders are key to achieving SFM and using C&I. For example, partnerships are key to sharing data and to efficient data collection. Raising public awareness and improving understanding of the benefits of C&I and their contribution to SFM is important to developing effective partnerships.
- The 12 countries released their first Country Forest Reports using the MP C&I in 2003. Reports reveal that though no country can currently report on all 67 indicators, all 12 countries have made progress in reporting forest information. Selected results of the country reports are highlighted in the Montréal Process First Forest Overview Report 2003. The Overview report also sets out "next steps" for the MPWG.
- The MPWG is reviewing the 67 indicators with a view to refining them as needed based on lessons learned in preparing the 2003 country reports, on new knowledge and on evolving public demands. The review should be completed in 2006.
- The MPWG respects country sovereignty and appreciates the differences among countries in their capacity to assess forest conditions and make progress toward SFM.
- MPWG benefits members by providing a forum for sharing ideas and a mechanism for collaboration and stimulating and recognizing country efforts to improve forest management. The process benefits members by promoting a shared definition of SFM and how to measure it at national and subnational levels, and by fostering bilateral and regional cooperation among members to build capacity.
- Related Country Messages
- Relevant information, web sites, and national and sub-national publications, including national inventories and data management publications, should:
- Include recognition of the country as a member of MPWG.Outline benefits of membership. For example, membership/participation:
- Can assist a country to address international and national sustainability issues.
- Provides an additional tool to help improve in country forest management and therefore the quality of life for all people.
- Provides member countries with opportunities to participate and share ideas on forests in an international context and dialogue.
- Provides recognition of activities and programs undertaken to advance SFM.
- Provides a framework for domestic stakeholders (e.g., government, private owners, academic and research organizations) to coordinate their work.
- Highlight member country activities within the MPWG. For example, participation in MPWG meetings, production of a country 2003 report, contribution of information for Montréal Process First Forest Overview Report 2003.
- Include as many of the above Montréal Process “key messages” as possible.
- Go to www.mpci.org to find out more about MP, the 2003 reports and the indicator review process and to answer such questions as: What countries are members of the Montréal Process? What are the MP C&I? How are they different from and how do they relate to certification systems? How does the Montréal Process get started? What is the Technical Advisory Committee? When and where does the MPWG meet? What are the next steps for the MPWG? How can my government or organization participate in the Montréal Process?
- Make the following a commonly seen logo:
- SHORT-TERM PRIORITIES (from MP 1st Overview Report 2003 - agreed Next Steps 2, 5, 8, 10, 14)
- Develop extension materials on national and sub-national applications of C&I
- Make the achievements of the MP more visible and easily available at all levels
- Encourage universities and other educational institutions to develop to the incorporate latest information on SFM and C&I
- Increase communication, collaboration and cooperation with other C&I processes
- Encourage other countries with temperate or boreal forests to join MPWG.
- BUDGET
- Costs associated with maintaining the Montréal Process website are covered by the LO.
- Decisions on document publication, translation and distribution and on special events and associated expenses will be taken by the MPWG on a case-by-case basis.
- INDICATORS OF SUCCESS
- Extension materials on C&I applications developed and widely distributed
- Target audiences more aware of the commitment and leadership of the MPWG and member countries in implementing C&I and SFM
- New or expanded university curricula on SFM and C&I in member countries
- High demand for and wide distribution of MP publications and other materials, including website visits
- Positive media coverage of C&I and Montréal Process
- Policy level participation in MPWG meetings by member countries, other C&I processes, international organisations, NGOs, etc.
- Member countries/LO invited to participate in other fora on C&I
- Joint meetings with other C&I processes
- Increased international support for C&I implementation
- Increased use of C&I in policy, planning and other policy instruments, e.g., legislation and certification regimes
- New MPWG member countries