CGRFA/WG-FGR-1/11/Inf. 4March 2011 ENGLISH ONLY

COMMISSION ON GENETIC RESOURCES FOR FOOD ANDAGRICULTURE

INTERGOVERNMENTAL TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP ONFOREST GENETIC RESOURCES

First Session

Rome, 4-6 April 2011

Report of the Regional Training Workshop to Support the Preparation ofthe State of the World’s Forest Genetic Resources in the Pacific

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Report of the Regional TrainingWorkshop to Support the Preparation

of the State of the World’s ForestGenetic Resources in the Pacific

19th – 21st January 2011, Tanoa International Hotel, Nadi, Fiji Islands

Organized by the Land Resources Division (LRD) - Secretariat of the Pacific Community(SPC) in collaboration with Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nationsand the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

Table of Content

Foreword i

Executive Summary 1

Introduction 1

Objectives and Activities 2

Day One

Opening Ceremony 3

Session One (Technical Presentations) 4

a. Mr. Cenon Padolina, LRD SPC

b. Mr. Oudara Souvannavong, FAO

Session Two (Country Presentations) 6

Session Three (General Discussions) 10

Day Two

Session One (Technical Presentation) 11

Dr Lex Thomson, LRD SPC

Session Two (Group Work) 11

Session Three (Country Presentation of proposed action plan and budget 12

Session Four (Review and Comments on Country Proposals 13

Day Three

Session One (Technical Presentation) 15

Mr. Aru Mathias, FAO

Session Two (General Discussions) 18

Workshop Outcomes and Conclusions 19

Closing Ceremony 20

Annex # 1: List of Participants 21

Annex # 2: Workshop Programme 24

Annex # 3. Statement of the Executive Secretary of the CBD 26

Annex # 4. Opening Speech of the Conservator and Head of Forestry

Department of Fiji 27

Annex # 5. Press Release – SPC teams up with FAO to organize forest

genetic resources training workshop 29

Annex # 6. Press Release – Conserving forest genetic resources is 30

imperative in the face of environmental change

Foreword

Forest Genetic Resources remains among the most valuable assets that a country possesses and, therefore, it isimperative throughout the Pacific region, especially in the Melanesian countries, to promote sustainable forestmanagement and to ensure a more sustainable use of forest and tree genetic resources.

In order to restore it green forest landscape, reforestation and tree planting programs using indigenous andintroduced tree species need to be further optimised and developed in the region. Planting an area with trees notonly will assist in bringing more greenery to the site but also become an important source of other socio-economicbenefits to all.

With the support and collaboration of FAO and CBD, a regional training workshop was organized by the LandResources Division of SPC to assist Pacific countries in the elaboration of country reports on forest geneticresources as a basis for the preparation of global report on the State of the World’s Forest Genetic Resources.National Focal Points and delegates from 11 countries in the Pacific attended the 3 day workshop held from the 19

th

to 21st

of January 2011 in Nadi Fiji whose active participation has contributed to the success of the workshop.

We take this opportunity to thank FAO and CBD for their support in organising this training workshop and theregional participants for their active participations and contribution to the discussions. We hope that this forumprovided an ideal platform for technical discussions and exchange of information and experiences for the benefit ofthe forest and tree sector in the Pacific.

………………………..Mr. Sairusi Bulai

Coordinator,Forests and Trees / Forestry and Agriculture Diversification GroupLand Resources DivisionSecretariat of the Pacific Community

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Executive Summary

The Land Resources Division of theSecretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), incollaboration with the Food and Agriculture(FAO) of the United Nations and theSecretariat of the Convention of BiologicalDiversity (CBD), organized the “RegionalTraining Workshop to Support the Preparationof the State of the World’s Forest GeneticResources in the Pacific”, held from the 19th to21st of January 2011, at the TanoaInternational Hotel in Fiji Islands. TheWorkshop was attended by national focalpoints on forest genetic resources (NFP FGR)from 11 countries (Cook Islands, Fiji Islands,Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Niue, Papua NewGuinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga,Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

The workshop aimed to support the NFP FGRsin the preparation of their respective countryreports for the State of the World’s ForestGenetic Resources (SOW FGR). It also aimedto provide the opportunity for participants todiscuss and exchange information on theircurrent programme with regards toconservation, management and utilization offorest genetic resources.

The workshop was facilitated by SPC andFAO staff and designed to allow NFPspresents that main issues and constraints incompiling the Country Reports. Some of thecommon limitations in compiling the reportsare: difficulties in accessing the data on FGR,lack of staff and expertise to retrieve theinformation, unavailability of financialresources to support the process. NFPs anddelegates prepared draft work plans andbudgets to serve as basis for proposals tosupport the preparation of country reports onFGR, discussed about institutionalarrangements and time frames, presented theirwork plans, and received comments andfeedback from other participants andfacilitators.

On their final discussions, the participantsagreed to take a regional approach with SPCto facilitate submission of a regional proposalfor funding support under the TechnicalCooperation Programme Facility (TCPf) ofFAO.

Introduction

Genetic resources, including forest geneticresources, are among the most valuableassets that a country possesses.Throughout the Pacific Islands, andespecially in the Melanesian countries,there is a need to improve forestmanagement to ensure a more sustainableuse of forest and tree genetic resources.Reforestation and tree planting programsusing both indigenous and introduced treespecies need to be further encouraged anddeveloped in the Pacific Islands.

The regional “Strategies and Action Planfor the Conservation, Management andSustainable Use of Forest and TreeGenetic Resources in the Pacific IslandCountries and Territories (PICTs), 2007-2015 was formally endorsed by PacificHeads of Agriculture and ForestryServices and approved by Ministers ofAgriculture and Forestry at their regionalmeeting in Apia, Samoa in September2008. The Action Plan presently serves asa framework for planning andimplementing the conservation,management and sustainable use of forestand tree genetic resources within thePICTs.

At its Eleventh Session in June 2007, theCommission on Genetic Resources forFood and Agriculture (CGRFA)acknowledged the urgency to conserve andsustainably utilize forest genetic resources.The Commission requested that a State of

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the World’s Forest Genetic Resources(SOW-FGR) report be prepared andpresented to the Commission in 2013. Atits Nineteenth Session (March 2009), theCommittee on Forestry discussed andsupported the preparation of the SOW-FGR, urging member countries tocollaborate with FAO and partnerorganizations in producing the Report.

COP 10 of the Convention on BiologicalDiversity, meeting in October 2010,recognized the importance of forestgenetic diversity for the conservation andsustainable use of forest biodiversity,including in the context of addressingclimate change and maintaining theresilience of forest ecosystems.

It also welcomes the preparation by theFAO of the United Nations of the countrydriven report The State of the World’sForest Genetic Resources; and invitesParties, other Governments, and relevantorganizations to support the preparation ofthe country-driven first report The State ofthe World’s Forest Genetic Resources,including with the aim of ensuring thequality of national reports.

The workshop was organised in directresponse to the recommendation of the2009 Heads of Forestry Meeting ‘thatPICTs contribute and participate in theprocess of developing the “ State of theWorld’s Forest Genetic Resources Report”to be presented to the fourteenth session ofthe FAO Commission on GeneticResources for Food and Agriculture in2013’

Objectives and Activities

The workshop aimed to support the PacificCountries National Focal Points on ForestGenetic Resources (NFP FGR) in thepreparation of their respective countryreports for the State of the World’s ForestGenetic Resources (SOW-FGR). It alsoaimed to provide the opportunity forparticipants to discuss and exchangeinformation on their current programmewith regards to conservation, managementand utilization of forest genetic resources.

The training workshop, organized by SPCin collaboration with FAO and CBD, washeld from 19th to 21st January 2011 at theTanoa International Hotel in Nadi, FijiIslands. It was attended by the nationalfocal points (NFPs) and delegates from 11Pacific Island Countries: Cook Islands, FijiIslands, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Niue,Papua New Guinea, Samoa, SolomonIslands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.Representatives from Food andAgriculture Organisation (FAO) Office(Rome) and Sub-Regional Office (Samoa)were also present together with Forests andTrees Team of SPC’s Land ResourceDivision. The list of participants and theprogramme are detailed in Annex 1 and 2.

The workshop was facilitated by SPC andFAO staff and designed to allow NFPspresents that main issues and constraints incompiling the Country Reports. Some ofthe common limitations in compiling thereports are: difficulties in accessing thedata on FGR, lack of staff and expertise toretrieve the information, unavailability offinancial resources to support the process.Some participants took the opportunity todiscuss about current threats andchallenges in the promotion andconservation of FGR in their countries;

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these include current forest ownershipsystems in Fiji, the impact of climatechange, fires, presence of non nativeinvasive species in Cook Islands andPapua New Guinea. NFPs and delegatesprepared draft work plans and budgets toserve as basis for proposals to support thepreparation of country reports on FGR.NFPs discussed about institutionalarrangements and time frames, presentedtheir work plans, and received commentsand feedback from other participants andfacilitators. Throughout this process, theywere able to define the necessary activitiesand related outputs to produce a goodquality country report.

Day One

Opening Ceremony

The workshop begun with prayer by Rev.Laisiasa Tora followed by welcomeremarks from the Regional Forest GeneticResources Officer of SPC (CenonPadolina). In his welcome address, heacknowledged the presence of Mr OudaraSouvannavong and Mr Aru Mathias ofFAO together with the support extendedby the Secretariat of the Convention onBiological Diversity (CBD).

Mr Padolina also explained the objectivesof the workshop as well as the economic,environmental, social and culturalimportance of FGR to the PacificIslanders. He also added that SPCconsidered this workshop as a great steptowards the sound management of theforest genetic resources in the region andcreate a greater awareness of its economicsocial and cultural values to them.

Mr Oudara Souvannavong, FAO SeniorForestry Officer on Biological Diversityand Conservation, also delivered a briefstatement to the participants. In hiswelcome address, he mentioned that thepreparation of the first report on the Stateof the World’s Forest Genetic Resources isone of the priority activities of FAO for thecoming years in the forestry andbiodiversity sectors. He also thanked theGovernment of Fiji Islands and theSecretariat of the Pacific Community fortheir cooperation in organizing thismeeting.

A statement of the Executive Secretary ofthe Convention on Biological Diversity,Mr Ahmed Djoghlaf, although unable toattend this meeting, was read out by SPCStaff, Mr Jalesi Mateboto. In his statement,he mentioned that key findings from theGlobal Forest Resources Assessment(2010) show that while deforestation hasslowed in recent years as compared to the1990s, it is still high resulting in increasedcarbon emissions, shortages in water andfood supply, and in an unprecedented lossof forest biodiversity and geneticresources.

He stressed that this workshop comes at acritical time when the world’s forests arefacing immense pressures and challenges.He added, the Conference of the Parties tothe Convention, at its tenth meeting, heldin Nagoya, Japan, in 2010, explicitlyrecognized the importance of forest

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genetic diversity for the conservation andsustainable use of forest biodiversity,including in the context of addressingclimate change and maintaining theresilience of forest ecosystems.

In his official opening remark, Mr.Wainiqolo,the Conservator and the Headof Fiji’s Forestry Department, highlightedcountless economic, ecosystems, andsocial services that forests provide. Theseservices include the provision of: fibre;

timber; watercatchmentprotection;

waterproduction

foragriculture;

non-woodforest

products; fuel wood; and social recreation.

Session One (Highlights only)

1. Mr. Cenon Padolina of SPC begun theworkshop proceeding by going through thebackground information on FGR and the

need forhaving the

reportsubmitted

to FAO ontime. SPC’srole andinvolvement in

facilitationof the report was also mentioned. Hefocused on the following issues on hispresentation.

Regional FGR Strategies and Action Planin the Pacific – SPC:

• The idea of conserving forestgenetic materials started from theSPRIG project (1997 – 2006)

• The first strategy & action plandeveloped in 1999, A revisedstrategy & action plan developed in2007 (2007 – 2015)

• Regional body to facilitategermplasm exchange (CePaCT).This is the state of the art set-up ofSPC

• Follow up Activities on FGR

• International Year of the Forest tobe celebrated in 2011 which LRD-SPC is taking the lead role as perrecommendation from last year’sRegional Heads of Agriculture andForestry Meeting.

STRATEGIES FOR SUPPLY AND EXCHANGE OFTREE GERMPLASM IN THE PACIFIC

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2. Presentation by Mr OudaraSouvannavong - the FAO Senior ForestryOfficer (Biological Diversity andConservation)

• Genetic resources: essentialcomponent of Sustainable ForestManagement (SFM)

• Forest genetic resources are anintegral part of the FAO ForestryProgramme as it contributes toother programme components,including SFM, tree breeding andplantation development, andprotected area management.

• FGR: support economic and socialfunctions of forests

• Genetic diversity andprocesses: basis forevolution and adaptation tochanges

• FGR: underutilised, poorlyknown, under threat

• Lack of knowledge andinformation to define andimplement policies andprogrammes inconservation and use ofFGR.

• SCOPE: SOW – FGR

• Broad understanding ofFGR taking into accountdiversity of uses, conditionsand management systems

• Scope will be defined bynational reports

• Focus on FGR important forSFM, food security, povertyreduction andenvironmentalsustainability

• APPROACH – Countrydriven process

• SOW – FGR Guidelines for CountryReports

• The preparatory processshould be considered astrategic planning exerciseand the report itself a toolfor the better assessmentand sustainablemanagement of forestgenetic resources at thenational level andcontribute to regional andglobal actions

• STEPS• Nomination of National

Focal Points (NFP)• National Committee• Working Group(s) to draft

the report, could work ondifferent chapters

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• Draft report reviewed bystakeholders

• Finalization by the NationalCommittee (endorsement)

• STRUCTURE OF THE REPORT OFTHE COUNTRY REPORT FOR SOW-FGR

• Chapter 1: Current state ofthe Forest GeneticResources

• Chapter 2: In situConservation

• Chapter 3: ex situConservation

• Chapter 4: Use andsustainable management ofFGR

• Chapter 5: Institution andPolicy framework

• Chapter 6: Regional andInternational Collaboration

• Chapter 7: access to FGRand sharing of benefitsarising from their use

• Chapter 8: Contribution ofFGR to food security,poverty alleviation andsustainable development.

Session Two (Country Presentations)

“Issues, Threats & Challenges to theConservation of FGR, & the Compilationof the Draft Country Report”

a. Cook Islands (Mr. Nooroa Tokari)

Cook Islands Comprise of 15 islands(volcanic/raised islands/atolls) and isspread over 2 million square kilometres ofocean. It has a total land area of 240km²and a forest cover of 68%. The total

population is 22,970(2010 estimate). Themain issues that CookIsland is faced with incompiling the reportare:

• Lack of Forestry Department• No Forestry Act and Regulation

and also no Forest Policy• No Land Use Policy• Climate change e.g. in 2005, 5

cyclones hit the Cook Islands (oneafter the other), a lot of foreshoretrees lost due to these cyclones(pandanus sp, coconut trees

• Bush fires• Invasive species• Sand mining

b. Kiribati (Ms. Teaaro Otiuea)

Kiribati is another atoll island with Forestcover of 34 percent.The total population is82,000 (1999 estimate).The main issues thatKiribati is faced with incompiling the reportare:

• In the process of collectinginformation and drafting the firstpart

• Difficulties in collectinginformation due to either the lackof it or difficulties in accessing it.

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• Future activities - conductingcommunity consultation to collectmore information, establishingnational committee and workinggroup to work on different chaptersof the report.

• Need financial and technicalassistance, requested if deadlinecould be extended

c. Marshall Islands (Mr. Karness Kusto)

The main issues thatMarshall Island isfaced with incompiling the reportare:

• SWARS as the main source ofinformation,

• In the process of completing thefirst draft constraints:• No stand alone FD,• no working committee• No forest policy in place• One man army

d. Niue (Mr. Brandon Tauasi)

The main issues that Niue is faced with incompiling the report are:

• Niue has notmade anofficial starton the report,however some

informationneeded tocomplete the

relevant component is available• Have completed the Forest

Inventory and currentlycollaborating with SPC on theForest Management Plan (FMP).

• The Focal point for FRA is also theFP for FGR

• Confident the report will becompleted by the due date

• Some components of the reportmay not be answered due to lack ofinformation

e. Papua New Guinea (Prof. SimonSaulei)

Challenges faced by PNG:• Genetic erosion

– Isolation– Selection & Breeding– Policy Change

• Threats– Fire– Insect and pathogenic

attacks– Invasion by non native

invasive• Impacts of Climate Change

– Adaptation Options– Mitigative measures

ADAPTATION STRATEGIES1. Protect as much area of intact

ecosystems and natural habitats aspossible• Healthy, intact ecosystems

will be more resilient (orless vulnerable) to climatechange because they:

• Harbor large and viablepopulations of plant andanimal species which areunlikely to go extinct duringextreme events

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• Serve as sources ofindividuals and genes tocolonize new areas

• Have genetically diverseplant and animal populationswith the genetic potential toacclimatize to climatechange

• Maintain natural processes(e.g., migration, predation,seed dispersal) which arenecessary for ecosystemfunction

2. Reduce other (non-climate) threatsto biodiversity (e.g., hunting, fires,pollution, etc.)

3. Avoid fragmentation of ecosystemsand natural habitats

4. Where possible, maintain or re-establish landscape connectivity toallow movement of species

5. Promote sustainable agricultureand forestry as a means ofconserving biodiversity infragmented landscapes.For species that are particularlyvulnerable to climate change, exsitu conservation or translocationmay be necessary

MITIGATION STRATEGIESThrough implementation of CDM &

REDD projects aimed at reducingGHG emissions

f. Samoa (Mr. Tolusina Pouli)Samoa is a total land mass of 282,000 haand Forest coverage of 32 percentage.The main issues that Samoa is faced with

in compiling the reportare:• Forestry is under

the MNRE andnot MAF

• Four Sections of the divisiona. Forest Conservationb. Forest Developmentc. Forest Research and

Developmentd. Forest Policy and Planning

• Constraints:a. Absent of Specialist on

FGR (genetic baseresearch)

b. Lack of staff/Staff turn overc. Fund unavailability

g. Fiji Islands (Ms. Sanjana Lal and Mr.Binesh Dayal)

Fiji has a total 1,827,000 hectares of landmass with forest coverage of 44%. It has 4governmental organisations, 23non-government organisations and 6community based groups working onconservation outcomes with over FJ$13

million spent annually,Fiji is also party to 28international agreements,conventions and treaties.For Fiji, partnership with

SPRIG and GTZ projects enhanced theFGR Conservation work.

The main issues that Fiji is faced with incompiling the report are:

• The strategies are not adequatelyimplemented due to forestownership systems which place a

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unique challenge and opportunityon forest genetic conservation inFiji.

• Clarification on which Forest typedefinition to use, NFI or FRA

• Lack some scientific information• Funding to support the process of

compiling the report

h. Solomon Islands (Mr. RichardsonRaomae)

The main issues thatSolomon Islandhighlighted inregards to theirreport was:

• Draft reportis in progress, however informationare still missing

• Constraints/draw backs: teakworkshop, corporate plans andbudget, policy translation,Minister’s report that also needs tobe completed

Next Steps• January set up Task Force

• February (3 days workshop) stakeholder consultation

• March- draft report formulated andcirculated

• April-June- Final ReportCompilation

• July- Official Submission if thedeadline is not extended.

i. Tonga (Mr. Heimuli Likiafu)

The main issues that Tonga highlighted inregards to their report was:

• Not well informed of the trainingworkshop and the reportingrequirement.

• Learn from the others

• Report on the State of the forestshould be available with SPC as itwas presented in the last HOFSmeeting.

j. Tuvalu (Mr. Itaia Lausaveve)

Similarly to Tonga’s case, the countryrepresentative was here to learn from theothers, information on Tuvalu forestry isalso on previous reports but may need toget more detail information.

• Forest/Trees is food security toTuvalu, e.g., Coconut & breadfruit

• Challenges; Forestry is an ad-hocprogramme dealing with smallprojects like mangroves plantingand management

• Collecting real data could bechallenge, e.g., on the volumes of

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Coconut wood, varieties andspecies available

• Forestry Focal point is away inTaiwan for two years.

k. Vanuatu (Mr. Tate HaningtonTamla)

Vanuatu has been working on the reportand following this meeting they will lookinto

• Set up of CoreGroup (ifnecessary)

• Draft TOR forconsultant

• Select consultant

• Possible consultation workshop

Why workshop is important;

– A. Learn from others re-preparatory process of theircountry reports;

– B. Get more explanation re-the questionnaire –garbage/irrelevance out;

– C. Get information onwhere to get help;

– Where and how to getfinancial assistance.

Session Three (General Discussions)

After hearing from all the participants, theworkshop facilitators responded withfollowing comments:

• Use the template provided as theguideline

• Minimum result at the end of theworkshop is to have a clear workplan on how you will compile yourreport, more specific planning

• Guidelines on conservation,example, forest parks –conservation of ecosystems and isdifferent from genetic conservation

• For Data/information that are notavailable should be highlighted assuch,

• NFP should have good overallview of the sources of informationand on the second stage is tocollect those information, countriesare not asked to do research but toreport on what is available

• Small island nations should not bediscourage, forest and trees are justas important to you as to the biggerisland countries

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Day Two

A recap of Day One activities andoutcomes was presented by JalesiMateboto, SPC Staff.

Session one (Technical Presentation)

Following the recap,Dr Lex Thomsonpresented the SouthPacific Initiatives onForest Genetics(SPRIG) Project. Hefocused on itsimplementation and

impact on the management of FGR in thePacific.

Main highlights of his presentations were:

• Project life was from 1996-2006,with Funding of US$4.5M

• Project was implemented in 2phases

• Threats to FGR – overexploitation,land-use change & agro-deforestation, exotic invasiveweeds, climate extremes and sea-level rise plus their interactions

• Conservation – community /RRRsurveys, development of treespecies and conservation,collaboration with SPREP, andincrease awareness and capacity atall levels

• FGR now included into the SPCRegional Forestry Programme(AusAID supported)

• Contact Dr Lex (lext@spc.int),Cenon (cenonp@spc.int) or Vinesh

(vineshp@spc.int) for previousreports that may not be available inthe countries.

Following the presentation, Mr.Oudara commented that thepresentation was very informative anda good illustration that muchinformation is available throughout theregion and is a matter of reviewing andupdating the information, especially oncertain species e.g. sandalwood,whitewood, etc. The region couldinclude some case studies into thethematic studies.

Session two (Group Work)

Before the group discussion, Mr. Oudarabrought up a case study for the participantsto get more familiar with the format.

• Countries may use this examplefrom the case study to suit theirnational programmes

• Further suggestions

3 or 4 elements i.e. –National Committee

- Working Group

- List of Stakeholders

- Timelines andBudget

• Funding agencies are available, e.g.Samoa has an Australian projectand a GEF-PAS project and alsoFAO

• FAO – has the TCPF (TechnicalCooperation Programme Facility)which is US$200,000 for eachcountry.

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• Experience has shown thatcountries do not use entirelyexhaust these funds. This isavailable for projects such asinformation gathering (such asSOW-FGR) and consultancy, etc.

• On the question from Samoa on theClassification of coconut,breadfruit, bamboo, etc - DrOudara noted that coconut is a crophowever the countries need to berealistic and propose what theywant

• On the ‘Outlook 2020 for thePacific’ Aru Mathias informed thatcountries carefully way thereporting requirements and be fullyacquainted with the steps andprocesses involved – that it is veryclear.

Session Three (CountryPresentations on Proposed ActionPlan and Budgets)

Following the group work, countryrepresentatives came up with their draftproposal and also estimated budget requestthat will be needed to complete the FGRreport. Country reps also presented theirproposed action plans, institutionalarrangements and time frames

1. Papua New Guinea

• Work to start in January andreport to be submitted to FAO bymid-June 2011 costing aroundUS$60,500 for five activities.Ownership – PNG nationalofficers and also externalconsultants.

2. Fiji Islands

• Start work in February with abudget of $11,000 and report tobe submitted to FAO in July2011.

3. Marshall Islands• Proposed National Committee

known as the CoastalManagement Advisory Council

• Working Group – from fourorganisations

• Work plans and Budget – 7activities and budget ofUS$23,000 including aconsultant

• Report to be submitted to FAOin August 2011.

4. Niue• Work to start in February with

a proposed budget ofUS$12,300. Report to besubmitted to FAO in July 2011.

5. Cook Islands• Budget – US$6,300.00• Timelines – project had started

in November 2011 and willcontinue until April 2011 whenthe report on SOW-FGR issubmitted to FAO

6. Vanuatu• Budget – US$16,000• Implementation - January to

July 2011 when the report issubmitted to FAO.

7. Kiribati

Proposed work plan & budget –starts in January 2011 andfinishes in November 2011with a budget of US$11,120.Submit report to FAO in Novor earlier.

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8. Samoa

• National Committee – 6 personsincluding Aru Mathias of FAO.Key Stakeholders – universities,international NGOs,Government, national NGOs,METI, SUNGO, WIBD, etc

• Timeframe & activities – 9activities

• Budget/Timeline – US$6,800 andwork will start in February andreport to be tabled with FAOMid-July 2011. Note fromSamoa – this is a draft only.

9. Solomon Islands

• Covered most of the topics asdiscussed already. Stakeholders– 16 from various organisations.Timeframe – February to June2011 for six activities

• Budget – SBD40,500 (equivalentto US$5Ks)

• Date of Report submission toFAO – July 2011.

10. Tonga

• Work plan – Jan to July 2011

• Budget – US$15,800.00 andreport to be submitted to FAO,Rome at end July 2011.

11. Tuvalu

• Draft work plan/estimate – workto start from Jan to July 20121with a budget of AU$61,600

• Submission to FAO Rome –expected to be done by end July2011.

Session Four (Review and Comments onCountry Proposals)

Additional chapter on conclusions

Integrate support in theframework of the TechnicalCooperation Programme Facility(TCPF)

National committees and workinggroups are proposed for all thecountries in the world, use the mostefficient arrangement in yourcountry, national committee is atvery high level, the working groupis there to do the work, re-look atthe proposal of including Directorsat the Working Committee

Reporting in Genetic Resources

Extension of deadline, FAO is notin a position to confirm it now, ithas to go through a committee, butwould not refuse any report, even ifit is submitted in 2012

Objective is for you to planaccording to your own situationand experience

Good to see you putting in theeffort to work on your proposal

Kiribati would like to try to meetthe deadline, July 2011

Vanuatu will rely heavily on thesubmission to FAO for fundingassistance, there is none. How fastcan we get the funding from FAOso that work plan could be adjusted

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accordingly? – should have anindication by the end of the month

Is it essential to have the nationalcommittee and working group?Most of the time the FP does mostof the work; Guidelines areGuidelines and are not compulsory.Good to have high poweredcommittees as they will approvebudget and allocate staff forreporting purposes

Standing practice in Tuvalu ishaving that high level committeeand they select the working group

Solomon Islands collaborativeefforts with EU and WWF? EU –Capacity building, training onSFM, translation of manuals,WWF currently working withcommunities, opportunity to worktogether in programmes that are ofnational interest

Samoa GEF-PAS project, muchinformation will be collected;ecosystem surveys, botanicalsurveys etc, 5 incoming projectswith different areas to work on butwill be complementing each other.Would be good to link up withConservation International on thework they are doing.

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Day three

Day three begun with the recap from Day2 presented by Ms. Bale Wilikibau, SPCStaff.

Session one (Technical Presentation)

Mr Aru Mathias ofFAO Sub-regionalOffice in the Pacific,made a presentationon the assistanceFAO can provide tosupport the

preparation of the country reports. MrMathias started with presentation on thevarious components of FAO’s interest.FAO looks into Agriculture, Forestry,Fisheries and Livestock.

What does FAO does?o Provides Development

Assistanceo Provide Informationo Provide Advice to

Governmentso Provide a Neutral Forumo Strengthen Institutionso Capacity Building

FAO assistance & budget lineso Regular programme (RP) –

regional officers like AruMathias have this allocationfor workshops, consultantsetc. small pool of fund forquick technical

o Technical Co-operationProgramme (TCP) – TCPf

o Telefood Projects – Maxfor 10 – 15 000, for famersin food production andincome generation

o Food Security andSustainable Livelihood

Programmers (FSSLP) –Not only FAO money butfrom other donors as well,talk to you FAO nationalcorresponded, umbrellaprogramme

TCP – USD$500 000.00,www.fao.org/tc/tcp/index_en.aspo Nature and purpose; small

grants from FAO;s ownbudget

o Funds available about US105 million with 150 usercountries (2008-2009

o Access to FAO technicalcapacities

o Direct response to countryand regional needs fortechnical and emergencyassistance

TCPF – US$200 000.00 percountry sub region or regionbiannuallyo Aims- rapidly solve a

specific technical problemfor which expertise may notbe immediately availablewithin government services

o Formulate project proposalso Prepare background

documents, or carry outsmall sector and sub sectorrelated studies orassessments as required bygovernment

o Resources allocated under aTCPF in a given bienniumcan be carried over forexpenditure in thefollowing biennium in orderto complete activitiesforeseen.

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o The FAO Rep / SRRassumes full responsibilityfor the operation of theTCPF through all stages

o TCPF can be used for;national consultants(honorarium, DSA and incountry travel), partnershipconsultant, internationalconsultant

o TCP Criteria – establishedby FAO governing bodiesto regulate

o Eligibility – support FAOstrategic framework,national or regionalpriority, fills criticalcapacity, technical orknowledge gap, sustainableoutcomes.

How to apply –o Check issue that fits criteriao Ensure it is government

priorityo Send brief concept note to

SAP for review/adviseo If all in order – a

government priorityconfirm

o Send a formal requestthrough official contactpoint (most PICs – MFA)

o SAP will acknowledgereceipt (SAP – MDT willreview and advise for SRRendorsement

o If ok with SAP, prepareproposal with country

o Once finalized, submissionssend to SAP includingRAP/HQ for approval

The aims of the technicalassistance provided under theTCPF are to:

o Rapidly solve a specifictechnical problem for whichthe expertise may not beimmediately availablewithin governmentservices;

o Formulate project proposalsor documents in the areas ofFAO’s Mandate, requiredfor submission to potentialfunding sources, includingto the TCP;

o Prepare backgrounddocuments, or carry outsmall sector- and subsector-related studies orassessments as required bythe government, includingfacilitating field programmedevelopment andparticipation in related UNprocesses.

o The TCPF is not meant tofund bridging activitiesbetween projects or toimplement activitiesforeseen under other TCPprojects but not completed.

TCP Criteria – what to look outfor:-o Eligibilityo Support FAO Strategic

Frameworko National or regional priorityo Fills critical capacity,

technical or knowledge gapo Sustainable outcomes -

Acts as catalysto Government commitmento Small scale and short

durationo Capacity buildingo Gender sensitivity

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o Partnership andparticipation

How to Apply for fundso Check issue that fits TCP

criteria;o Ensure it is a Government

priority (e.g. in NFP,NMTPF, FSSLP document)

o Send brief concept note toSAP for review/advise;

o IF all in order – aGovernment priorityconfirm

o Send a formal requestthrough official contactpoint (most PICs - MFA)

o SAP will acknowledgereceipt (SAP-MDT willreview and advise for SRRendorsement)

o IF okay, SAP work withcountry to prepare proposal

o Once finalized,Submissions send to SAPincluding to RAP/HQ forapproval

Inputs allowed under the TCPFo The TCPF can be used to

provide the following inputs orservices:

o National consultants(honorarium, DSA and in-country travel);

o Partnership consultants(TCDC/TCCT and retiredexperts) (honorarium, DSA,international and in-countrytravel);

o International consultants(honorarium, DSA,international and in-country

travel). In the interest of cost-efficiency, this type ofconsultant should be used onlyif no partnership consultant canbe identified;

o Technical Support Services(TSS) from decentralizedoffices or HQ (staff cost atestablished rates for TCPprojects, DSA, internationaland in-country travel);

o Contracts including LOAs withnon-profit institutions,universities, civil society ornon-governmentalorganizations, related to theprovision of technical oradvisory services;

o In-country training and workshops,including unavoidable costs relatedto transport and accommodation ofparticipants. Training andworkshops can only be funded ifthey are closely related to otheractivities implemented under thecomponent1.

o sub regional and regional trainingand workshops can be funded inthe context of sub regional orregional TCPF projects, althoughattention is drawn to the cost ofsuch events2;

o GOE to cover communications,printing, renting of vehicles relatedto project implementation, etc. (theGOE should not exceed 5 percentof the total budget of thecomponent [without the PSC]);

o Inclusion of PSC at the establishedrate (currently 7 percent) ismandatory.

1 The TCPF cannot be used for funding costsrelated to workshops, training events or any othermeetings that are not organized by FAO in thespecific context of the TCPF project.2 Idem

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Session Two (General Discussions)

Tuvalu

Proposals are normally priorities ofgovernment, how long does it take toprocess an application?

FAO’s response: TCPF is very fast asapproval is done in Samoa, only 3 pagetemplates, 2 months at the most, butsometimes it took longer whengovernment is slow with their consultation

SPC’s comment – Sairusi Bulai

Important point raised is that Fundingcovered agriculture, fisheries and forests,important for other sectors to worktogether, it’s a good process to consultwith other sectors, and while it’s importantfor us to push for our issues it’s importantto consult other sectors

Kiribati

Clarification on the distribution of fundsfor each country?

FAO’s response: Any sector (Forestry,Fisheries or Agriculture) can apply for this$200 000.

Vanuatu

Comment; country report is a priority,Vanuatu need assistance as they don’twant to produce a desk top report.Decision on whether the proposal will beon a national or regional level?

SPC’s comment - Cenon

SPC needs to have the decision madeASAP, regional or national proposal?

FAO’s response: Will talk to SPC/FAOcolleagues to discuss how best we canaddress this. But you need to getendorsement from your countries.Regional approach on this will be moreacceptable.

Tuvalu

FSSLP – cannot guarantee it will befunding this project as proposal willsubmitted by April, support regionalproposal but need to be aware that budgetsare just draft only….

Tonga

Representative from Tonga suggest ifcriteria could be amended to include thesafe guarding or protection of trees, thereshould be some mentioning of sustainablepractice in the agreement or condition ofapproval.

PNG

They never knew any FAO rep exist inPNG. Can they submit through theircountry rep?

FAO’s response: National ForestCorrespondence – agreement with thegovernment, could apply through NFC ordirectly to the Apia office. We should goon a regional TCPf proposal. Getendorsement from Forestry heads send toFAO or SPC to write to FAO or chair ofthe HOFs to send request to FAO via SPC

FOA - Mr Oudara

A regional TCPf would be viable andeffective, needs a formal arrangement with

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FAO/SPC and countries. Also this gives anopportunity to rope in other agencieswithin the countries for a morecollaborative approach. It is very importantthe schedule is drawn up and deadline isadhered in order for the final proposal tobe considered.

SPC - Sairusi

It’s already part of the HOFsrecommendation. Please work on theproposal, tend to show a lot ofcommitment in the meetings, but hardly doany follow up work on their return

Fiji Islands

Fiji proposes for all countries to submitbudgets to SPC by next week end

Tuvalu

Countries that could not make it to theworkshop to be consulted and informed ofthe outcomes, SPC to keep in contact withthe participants and send out reminders onurgent issues.

Cook Islands

Like Marshall Island, Cook Island too has1 man section, currently writing a chapteron a forestry book and now with the SOW-FGR, with funding support, he would beallowed to finish both write ups beforecontinuing with agriculture activities.

FAO – Aru Mathias

FAO will convene a meeting with SPC onthe development of procedure for the draftcountry report

Workshop Outcomes andConclusions

A general discussion on the outcome andconclusion of the workshop followed withthe representatives of the 11 countriesunanimously agreed on the set of outcomesthat need to be followed for the completionof the report.

The following were the outcomes andconclusions from the workshop:

1. The participants agreed that thepreparatory process is a strategic planningexercise and the report itself can be a toolfor the better assessment and sustainablemanagement of forest genetic resources atthe national level and will contribute toregional and global assessment.

2. That the State of the World’s ForestGenetic Resources Report shall be acountry-driven process and the “FAOguidelines for the preparation of thecountry reports” shall serve as reference.

The country report shoulduse available information thatreflects the real situation and needsin the country. Each country shouldinclude in the report plant speciesthat are considered important forthe country’s forestry sector andpopulation.

A variety of stakeholderorganizations would need toprovide information on forestgenetic resources in each country.It will be very important for thefocal points to bring stakeholderstogether at an early stage to ensuretheir involvement.

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A concluding chapter shouldbe added to recapitulate the mainfindings, needs and priorities foraction in forest genetic resourcesconservation, improvement andsustainable use in the country.

3. The institutional steps for preparationof the country report recommended in theguidelines will be followed; they can adopttheir own country experience. Likewise,the establishment of national committeesand working groups to facilitate thepreparation of the country report, shouldbe considered based on existinggovernmental structure in each country.Countries need to work in collaborationwith their development partners andstakeholders, and should seek their supportin the preparation of the country report.

4. There is considerable informationavailable in the region on FGR, as a resultof several regional initiatives and projectssuch as SPRIG, and is a matter ofreviewing and updating the information,especially on certain priority speciesidentified under the regional action plan.[The region could include some casestudies on these species into the thematicstudies.]

5. Participants agreed to take a regionalapproach and prepare a proposal to submitto FAO. Main steps are:

National governments tosupport the finalization andendorsement of the work plan andbudget for the preparation of FGRcountry report by end of January,2011. The endorsed work plan andbudgets are to be submitted to SPC.

SPC to facilitate thesubmission of the regional proposalto FAO by mid February, 2011.

Closing Ceremony

.Mr Oudara of FAO thanked theparticipants for their active participation inthe workshop and wished them success intheir preparation of the country reports. Healso reminded of the limited time left insubmitting the country reports which isJuly.

On behalf of the participants, Mr. KarnessKusto of Marshall Islands thanked FAOand SPC for organizing the workshop. Healso pledged that they will do their utmostto have the country reports ready by thesubmission deadline.

Mr Sairusi Bulai of LRD SPC officiallyclosed the workshop. In his closingremarks, he acknowledged the support ofFAO and CBD. He also thanked thecountry representatives for their tirelesseffort in making headway on the draftcountry report.

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Annex 1 – List of ParticipantsCOOK ISLANDSMr. Nooroa TokariSenior Project OfficerMinistry of AgricultureP.O. Box 96, RarotongaCOOK ISLANDSTel: (682) 28711Fax: ((682) 21881E-mail: noot@agriculture.gov.ck

FIJI ISLANDSMs. Sanjana LalPrincipal ForesterForestry DepartmentMinistry of Primary IndustriesP O Box 2218, Government BuildingsSuva, FIJI ISLANDSTel: (679) 332 2311Fax: (679) 332 0380E-mail: lal.sanjana@gmail.com

Mr. Binesh DayalForestry Officer – Tree ImprovementForestry DepartmentMinistry of Primary IndustriesP O Box 2218, Government BuildingsSuva, FIJI ISLANDSTel: (679) 332 2311Fax: (679) 332 0380E-mail: bineshdayal@yahoo.com

KIRIBATIMs Teaaro Otiuea.Principal Agricultural OfficerDepartment of Agriculture and LivestockMinistry of Environment,Lands and Agriculture DevelopmentPO Box 267,Bikenibeu, Tarawa,KIRIBATITel: (686) 28 108Fax: (686) 28 334E-mail: tatemairi@gmail.com

NIUEMr. Brandon TauasiHead of Forestry and QuarantineDepartment of Agriculture, Forestry & FisheriesAlofiNIUETel: (683) 4032Fax: (683) 4079E-mail: flex@niue.nu

MARSHALL ISLANDSMr. Karness KustoAssistant Chief of Agriculture &Quarantine/StateForesterMinistry of Resources & DevelopmentP O Box 1727Majuro, MH 96960MARSHALL ISLANDSTel: (692) 625 3206 / 4020Fax: (692) 625 7471E-mail: kkusto@gmail.com

PAPUA NEW GUINEAProf.Simon SauleiDirector, PNG Forest Research InstituteP. O. Box 314, Lae, 411Morobe ProvincePAPUA NEW GUINEATel: (675) 4724188Fax: (675) 4721357E-mail: ssaulei@fri.pngfa.gov.pg

SAMOAMoafanua Tolusina Pouli (Mr.)Principal Research and Development OfficerForestry DivisionMinistry of Natural Resources, Environment &MeteorologyP O Box 487, ApiaSAMOATel: (685) 23800/23092 Ext 248Fax: (685) 23176E-mail: tolusina.pouli@mnre.gov.ws

SOLOMON ISLANDSMr. Richardson RaomaeActing Director of the Forest Development andReforestation Division Forestry DepartmentMinistry of ForestryP O Box G24, HoniaraSOLOMON ISLANDSTel: (677) 24215Fax: (677) 24660E-mail: raomaerichy@yahoo.com.au

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TONGAMr. Heimuli LikiafuForest Officer, Forestry DivisionMinistry of Agriculture, Food, Forests andFisheriesResearch Station, VainiTONGATel: (676) 29502/29500Fax: (676) 23093E-mail: hlikiafu@yahoo.com

TUVALUMr. Itaia LausavaveDirector of AgricultureDepartment of AgricultureMinistry of Natural Resources andEnvironmentPrivate Mail BagVaiaku, Funafuti AtollTUVALUTel: (688) 20836E-mail: ilausaveve@gov.tvilausaveve2@yahoo.com

VANUATUMr. Hanington Tate TamlaPrincipal Forestry OfficerDepartment of ForestsMinistry of Agriculture, Quarantine, Forestry andFisheriesPrivate Mail Bag 9064, Port VilaVANUATUTel: (678) 23171Fax: (678) 23856E-mail: hanington_tate@yahoo.com

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

ORGANIZATIONMr. Oudara SouvannavongSenior Forestry Officer (Biological Diversity andConservation)Forest Management DivisionForestry DepartmentFAOViale delle Terme di Caracalla00153 Rome (Italy)Tel. +39 0657054750Fax. +39 0657055137E-mail: Oudara.Souvannavong@fao.org

Mr. Aru MathiasForest Resources Management OfficerFAO Sub-Regional OfficeApia, SamoaTel: 685 22127Fax: 685 22126E-mail: aru.mathias@fao.org

SECRETARIAT OF THEPACIFIC COMMUNITYMr Sairusi BulaiCoordinator – Forests and Trees and Forestry andAgriculture Diversification GroupsLand Resources DivisionSecretariat of the Pacific CommunityPrivate Mail Bag, Suva, Fiji IslandsTel: (679) 3370733Fax: (679) 3370021E-mail: sairusib@spc.int

Dr. Lex ThomsonTeam Leader, FACT Pilot ProjectForestry and Agriculture Diversification GroupLand Resources DivisionSecretariat of the Pacific CommunityPrivate Mail Bag, Suva, Fiji IslandsTel: (679) 3370733Mobile: (679) 999 1198Fax: (679) 3370021E-mail: lext@spc.int

Mr. Cenon PadolinaRegional Forest Genetic Resource OfficerForests and Trees ProgrammeLand Resources DivisionSecretariat of the Pacific CommunityPrivate Mail Bag, Suva, Fiji IslandsTel: (679) 3370733Fax: (679) 3370021E-mail: cenonp@spc.int

Mr. Jalesi MatebotoCommunity Forestry TechnicianForests and Trees ProgrammeLand Resources DivisionSecretariat of the Pacific CommunityPrivate Mail Bag, Suva, Fiji IslandsTel: (679) 3370733Fax: (679) 3370021E-mail: jalesim@spc.int

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Mr.Vinesh PrasadInformation Technology AssistantForests and Trees ProgrammeLand Resources DivisionSecretariat of the Pacific CommunityPrivate Mail Bag, Suva, Fiji IslandsTel: (679) 3370733Fax: (679) 3370021E-mail: vineshp@spc.int

Mr. Basil GuaTrade Facilitation Assistant (Tree Germplasm)Forestry and Agriculture Diversification Group,Land Resources DivisionSecretariat of the Pacific CommunityFloor 3, Anthony Saru BuildingHibiscus Avenue, HoniaraSolomon IslandsTel: (677) 25543

Fax: (677) 25547E-mail: basil.gua@gmail.com

Ms. Bale WilikibauProgramme AssistantForests and Trees ProgrammeLand Resources DivisionSecretariat of the Pacific CommunityPrivate Mail Bag, Suva, Fiji IslandsTel: (679) 3370733Fax: (679) 3370021E-mail: balew@spc.int

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23

Date Time ACTIVITIES ResponsibleDAY 1 08:00 – Registration Organisers

Wednesday, 19January

09:00

09:00 –10:00 Opening Ceremony Devotion

Rev. Laisiasa Tora,Assemblies of God Church,Lautoka

• Welcome Address from SPC

Welcome Address from FAO

Statement from the Executive Secretary of theSecretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity

Keynote Address

Introduction of participants, Workshop Programmeand Housekeeping

Mr. Cenon Padolina, LRD SPC

Mr. Oudara Souvannavong,FAO( Mr. Ahmed Djoghlaf)

Mr. Inoke Wainiqolo,Conservator of Forests, FijiIslands.

Mr. Cenon Padolina, LRD SPC10:00 –10:30

Group Photo, Coffee/Tea Break

10:30 –12:30

Session 1. Technical Presentations Regional FGRStrategies and Action Plan in the Pacific Mr. Cenon Padolina, LRD SPC

• Update on SOW FGR Preparation Processincluding preparation of country reports and thematicstudies, workshop objectives and programme,clarifications.

Mr. Oudara Souvannavong,FAO

12:30 –13:30

Lunch

13:30 – Session 2. Presentation of progress in preparationof Country Reports Mr Cenon Padolina, LRD SPC,

15:30 Cook Islands (Mr. Nooroa Tokari) Kiribati (Ms. Teaaro Kaaro) Marshall Islands (Mr. Karness Kusto) Niue (Mr. Brandon Tuasi) Papua New Guinea (Dr. Simon Saluei)

Workshop Facilitator

15:30 – 16:00 Coffee/TeaBreak

15:30 – 16:00

16:00 –17:30

Session 2. Presentation of Draft Country Reports: Samoa (Mr. Tolusina Pouli) Fiji Islands (Ms. Sanjana Lal) Solomon Is. (Mr. Richardson Raomae) Tonga (Mr. Heimuli Likiafu) Tuvalu (Mr. Itaia Lausaveve) Vanuatu (Mr. Hannington Tate)

Session 3. Plenary Discussions on the preparationof country reports

Mr Cenon Padolina, LRD SPC,Workshop Facilitator

Mr. Oudara Souvannavong,FAO , Workshop Facilitator

17:30 End of Day 1

Annex 2 – Workshop Programme

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DAY 2Thursday, 20January

08:30 –08:45

Review of Activities on Wednesday 19 January Outline ofProgramme for the Day Mr Jalesi Mateboto,

Rapporteur

08:45 –09:1009:10-10:30

Session 1 (Technical Presentation)The South Pacific Regional Initiatives on Forest Genetics(SPRIG) Project: its implementation and impact on themanagement of FGR in the Pacific Session 2. Group Work:Preparation of Country Action Plan and Budgets

Dr. Lex Thomson, LRD SPC

Workshop Facilitators (FAOand SPC)

10:30 –11:00

Coffee/Tea Break

10:30 –12:30

Session 2. Group Work: Preparation of Country ActionPlan and Budget Workshop Facilitators (FAO

and SPC)12:30 –13:30

Lunch Break

13:30 –15:00

Session 3. (Country Presentation on Proposed ActionPlan and Budgets) Workshop Facilitators (FAO

and SPC)15:00 –15:30

Coffee/Tea Break

15:30 –17:10

Session 4. Review and Comments on Country ProposalsWorkshop Facilitators (FAOand SPC)

17:10 End of Day 2

DAY 3Friday,21January

08:30 –08:45 Review of Activities on Thursday, 20 January.

Outline of Programme for the Day

Ms Bale Wilikibau -Rapporteur

Workshop Facilitators08:45 –10:15

Session 1. Technical Presentation• FAO Sub-Regional Office Assistance to the Preparation ofthe Country ReportsSession 2. General Discussions Next Steps/ Follow-up Actions on the Preparation of theCountry Reports

Mr. Aru Mathias, FAO Sub-Regional Office

Workshop Facilitators

10:15 –10:30

Coffee/Tea Break

10:30 –12:45

• Final discussions and Outcomes and Conclusions of theWorkshop Evaluation of the Workshop Closing Remarks

Workshop Facilitators :

SPC StaffMr Oudara Souvanavong,Mr Karness Kusto, RMI,Mr Sairusi Bulai, SPC

End of the Workshop

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25

Annex 3.

Statement of the Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity

Ladies and Gentlemen,I would like to convey my warmgreetings to everyone gathered inNadi, Fiji Islands, for the regionaltraining workshop to support thepreparation of the report on theState of the World’s Forest GeneticResources.

The workshop comes at a critical time when the world’sforests are facing immense pressures and challenges.

Key findings from the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2010show that while deforestation has slowed somewhat in recentyears as compared to the 1990s, it is still alarminglyhigh.

Continued deforestation has resulted in carbon emissions,shortages in water and food supply, and in an unprecedentedloss of forest biodiversity and genetic resources.

Yet, the world is not standing idly by. Governments,international organisations, and forest stakeholder groups aretaking action to find ways of conserving and sustainablymanaging forests and their genetic resources for the benefit ofpresent and future generations.

One such effort is the preparation of the report on the State of theWorld’s Forest Genetic Resources which will be the mostcomprehensive effort undertaken to date to map the geneticdiversity of trees and other forest resources.

Ladies and Gentlemen, as you are aware, the diversity offorest genetic resources is of vital interest to us all. Conservingthis diversity is an essential challenge as forest genetic resourcesare the basis for the capacity in forests to adapt to environmentalchange.

Yet, despite our vital interest in the conservation and sustainableuse of these resources, we have been slow toinventory and understand them.

The Convention on Biological Diversity recognizes the needto do more in this regard and is fully supportive of increasedscientific investigation.

This is why the Conference of the Parties to the Convention, atits tenth meeting, held in Nagoya, Japan, in 2010, explicitlyrecognized the importance of forest genetic diversity for theconservation and sustainable use of forest biodiversity, includingin the context of addressing climate change and maintaining theresilience of forest ecosystems.

In decision X/36, the Conference of the Parties welcomedthe preparation by the United Nations Food and AgricultureOrganization of the report on The State of the World’s Forest

Genetic Resources. In the same decision, the Conference of theParties invited Parties, other Governments, and relevantorganizationsto support the preparation of the report, and requestedthe Executive Secretary to collaborate with FAO in thepreparation, including by participating in relevant sessions of theCommission on Genetic Resources for Food andAgriculture and its Intergovernmental Technical WorkingGroup on Forest Genetic Resources.

Last, but not least, forest genetic resources also play afundamental role in scientific research and in the developmentof commercial products in a variety of sectors, includingpharmaceutical, biotechnology, and seed and crop industries.

Identifying useful properties of forest genetic resources – oftenfollowing leads from the traditional knowledge of indigenouspeoples and local communities – has helped scientists to betterunderstand biodiversity and can enable industries to developnew products for the benefit of humankind.

In this context, the Conference of the Parties adopted the newNagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and theFair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from TheirUtilization.

The Protocol regulates the relationship between providers andusers of genetic resources, including forest genetic resources,within and across scientific and economic sectors.

As we move into the future, this historic agreement maygreatly affect the future use of forest genetic resources; ensurethe sharing of benefits arising from their utilization withbiodiversity-rich developing countries through technologytransfer, research results, training and profits.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I regret that I am unable to be with youbut I look forward to learning about the dialogue and ideas thatemerge from this workshop.

The 2010 International Year of Biodiversity was a resoundingsuccess – it is now time to translate our achievements into anequally successful 2011 International Year of Forests. I thankyou for your kind attention and wish you a fruitful meeting.

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Annex 4.

Opening Address of the Conservator and Head of Forestry Department of Fiji

It is a great honour for me to be here today and to address you inthis very important training workshop, marking the startingof another year of collaboration and achievement for us in thePacific and between our Stakeholders and our Developmentpartners.

To some of you in the region, attending meetings andworkshops in Nadi is something that you do often as part of yourwork, thus some of your faces are familiar to me with a numberof new ones as well.

But first, let me take this opportunity to thank the organizers ofthis training workshop: CBD; FAO; SPC; for the timelyimplementation on this very important component of thereporting process to the “State of the World’s Forest GeneticResources”.

Dear participants, it has been known for centuries that forestsare factories that provide countless economic, ecosystems, andsocial services.

These services include the provision of: fibre; timber; watercatchment protection; water production for agriculture; non-wood forest products; fuel wood; and social recreation.

Trees and Forests is amongst the few things that holds the keyto our survival and also the survival of various other forms oflife.

Forests have been providing an enormous amount ofenvironmental, social and economic benefits since thebeginning of time.

It provides the basis for socio-economic development, andprovides the environment for the development of agriculturein rural areas through the provision of fertile land and waterfor the natural irrigation of vast areas of land.

Forests are a key component of our natural environment andplay a central role in our national development and economicgrowth.

Lately, it has been increasingly recognized that the bulkof terrestrial genetic biodiversity are located in the forest.Knowing that genetic resources constitute the wealth of acountry, our forests therefore plays a vital role in protectingthe bulk of this national wealth.

But, the multiple roles of trees and forests at the national contextis rapidly changing from that which is mainly on woodproduction to that which is much broader and encompassingto include: social; environmental; economic; and culturaldimensions, and the old “forest tangible and intangiblebenefits” now has a new name “forest goods and services”.

The interests of forest stakeholders have also changedsignificantly and at the same time their range of interests haveexpanded and diversified.

Forest stakeholder now ranges from: simple land owners; forestdependent rural communities; to complex and sophisticatedbio-prospectors, and a host of many others in between. Ourperception on the role of forests will continue to change withmore and more items added on to the already long list.

The new demand does not replace the old, but an additional tothe already long list.

With those in mind, conserving forest genetic resources is vital,as it is the basis of evolution and the catalyst for species toadaptation to long term environmental changes.

When genetic variation is lost through destruction of habitat orthrough some intensive breeding, successive generationwill be less adaptive to adverse environmental conditions.

As emphasized by the Commission on Genetic Resources forFood and Agriculture (CGFRA), protecting forest geneticresources is vital for food security, poverty alleviation andenvironmental sustainability.

The conservation and sustainable use of Forest GeneticResources through Sustainable Forest Management is thereforevital.

A vital ingredient in the protection of forest biodiversity isinformation, we need to have very good information in order toidentify forest genetic priority areas and take actionaccordingly.

In the past, the concern of the forest sector used to be onensuring that there is always a sustained flow of timber fromthe forest for national development and the Trees in the forestsare managed as such.

But now the key word is “sustainable development”, Sustainabledevelopment of forests is now much broaderand includes an integrated approach to forest management,maintaining forest genetic resources and the integrity of theforest ecosystems, and keeping future development optionsopen.

Trees and Forests are a renewable resource, and with all theinformation that we know regarding the importance of ourforests in protecting genetic resources, our forests continue todecline and significantly degraded over the years.

This is an indication on the degree of pressure exerted onour forests due to various reasons one of which is populationincrease, resulting in increased demands on forested land forgrowing food to settlements, and construction of infrastructuresuch as roads, water dams, and so forth.

27

On the other hand, it can be an indication that we have beentaking our forests for granted leading to serious environmentalchallenges.

Forest therefore is not only the provider of products and servicesand aiding economic development but also holds greatunexplored potential for example, in areas such medicine.

When forests are protected, we are not only ensuring theprotection of national biodiversity but also ensuring thesustainability of all other products and services that are providedby forests.

A decline in forest area or increase in degraded forest areas posesa great threat to forest biodiversity as forest biodiversity is alsorelated to such forest parameters.

I look forward to a productive three days ahead of you in whichyou are going to deliberate on the processes and activities thatyou are going to carry out in order to compile your country onthe status of Forest Genetic Resources in your various countries.

With those words, I wish to declare this training workshopopen.

Thank you!

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Annex 5.

SPC teams up with FAO to organise forest genetic resources training workshop[By Vinesh Prasad- LRD-SPC]Wednesday 12

th, 2011, Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC),Suva, Fiji Islands

The Land Resources Division of the Secretariat of the PacificCommunity (SPC), in collaboration with Food and AgricultureOrganization (FAO) of the United Nations and the Secretariat ofthe Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), will organise aregional training workshop to support the preparation ofcontributions from Pacific countries to the

State of the World’s Forest Genetic Resources Report.

This workshop is being organised in direct response torecommendation 6 ii of the 2009 Pacific Heads of ForestryMeeting: ‘that PICTs contribute and participate in the processof developing the “State of the World’s Forest GeneticResources Report” to be presented to the fourteenth session ofthe FAO [Food and Agriculture Organization] Commission onGenetic Resources for Food and Agriculture in 2013’.

The workshop will be held at the Tanoa International Hotel inNadi, Fiji Islands from 19 to 21 January 2011 and 20 participantsfrom 13 countries are expected to attend the three-day meeting.

According to Mr Cenon Padolina, SPC’s Regional ForestGenetic Resources Officer, genetic resources, including forestgenetic resources, are among the most valuable assets that acountry possesses.

He added that, throughout the Pacific Islands, especially inthe Melanesian countries, there is a need to improve forestgenetic resources management to ensure a more sustainable useof these resources.

‘Reforestation and tree planting programmes, using bothindigenous and commercially valuable introduced tree species,need to be further encouraged and developed in thePacific Islands,’ he said.

The regional action plan developed at SPC — Forest and TreeGenetic Resource Conservation, Management andSustainable Use in Pacific Island Countries and Territories[PICTs]: Priorities, Strategies and Actions, 2007–2015 — wasformally endorsed by Pacific Heads of Agriculture andForestry Services and Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry attheir combined regional meeting held in Apia, Samoa inSeptember 2008.

The plan presently serves as a framework for planning andimplementing the conservation, management and sustainableuse of forest and tree genetic resources in the Pacific region.

‘One of the major recommendations in the plan is theestablishment of a regional tree seed centre.

This is now being undertaken by SPC in order to facilitate theexchange of tree germplasm among PICTs,’ Mr Padolina said.

Mr Padolina added that the main objectives of the trainingworkshop are:

to support Pacific Island countries’ national focalpoints on forest genetic resources (FGR) in thepreparation of their respective country reports forthe State of the World’s Forest Genetic Resources Report;

to provide the opportunity for participants to discuss andexchange information on the importance of FGR and theircurrent programmes on their conservation, managementand use.

The idea of compiling this world report began in June 2007, atFAO’s meeting of its Commission on Genetic Resources forFood and Agriculture (CGRFA).

The meeting acknowledged the urgency to conserve andsustainably utilise forest genetic resources and requested that aState of the World’s Forest Genetic Resources Report beprepared and presented to the Commission in 2013.

Two years later, at its March 2009 session, the FAO Committeeon Forestry continued to discuss and support the preparation ofthe State of the World’s Forest Genetic Resources Report, andurged member countries to collaborate with FAO and partnerorganisations to produce it.

It is envisaged that the report will be prepared through a country-driven approach: country reports and thematic studies withprimary sources of data and information.

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Annex 6.

Conserving forest genetic resources is imperative in the face ofenvironmental change[By:Vinesh Prasad LRD - SPCThursday 20

th, 2011, Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), Suva, Fiji Islands

Forests play a multiple role; they are factories that producefibre, timber and non-wood forest products; they provide water-catchment protection; they produce water for agriculture; andthey are places for social recreation.

This comment was made by Mr Inoke Wainiqolo, Fiji’sConservator of Forests and Head of the Department of Forestrywhen he officially opened the regional training workshop held inNadi from 19 to 21 January 2011 to support the preparation ofthe Pacific contribution to the State of the World’s ForestGenetic Resources Report.

‘Trees and forests are among the few things that hold the key toour survival and the survival of many other forms of life, andtherefore it is fitting that their multiple roles are recognised.’

‘The bulk of terrestrial genetic biodiversity is located in forestsand knowing that genetic resources constitute the wealth of acountry, our forests play a vital role in protecting this wealth,’Mr Wainiqolo said.

He also highlighted the fact that the role of trees and forests israpidly changing from that of mainly providers of timber to amuch broader role, with social, environmental, economic andcultural dimensions.

‘With this in mind, conserving forest genetic resources isvital as it is the basis of evolution and the catalyst for speciesadaptation to long-term environmental change.

When genetic variations are lost through forest degradationor intensive breeding, successive generations will be lessadaptative to adverse environmental conditions.’

‘Forests not only protect natural biodiversity but also thesustainability of all other products and services that are providedby them.

Forests for People is the theme of the UN International Year ofForests that is being celebrated in 2011, but this can only berealised if biodiversity is protected,’ he added.

While unable to attend the workshop in person, Mr AhmedDjoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Convention on BiologicalDiversity (CBD), sent a statement that was read out to themeeting, in which he stated that key findings from the GlobalForest Resources Assessment (2010) show that, whiledeforestation has slowed in recent years compared to the 1990s,it is still high.

This has resulted in increased carbon emissions, shortages inwater and food supplies, and an unprecedented loss of forestbiodiversity and genetic resources.

He stressed that the Pacific regional workshop comes at a criticaltime when the world’s forests are facing immensepressures and challenges.

‘However, the world is not sitting idle. Governments,international organisations, and forest stakeholder groups aretaking action to find ways of conserving and sustainablymanaging forests and their genetic resources for the benefit ofpresent and future generations,’ Mr Djoghlaf stated.

One such effort is the preparation of the State of the World’sForest Genetic Resources Report which will be the mostcomprehensive effort undertaken to date to map the geneticdiversity of trees and other forest resources.

‘Despite our vital interest in the conservation and sustainable useof these resources, we have been slow to inventory andunderstand them and the Convention on Biological Diversityrecognises the need to do more in this regard and is fullysupportive of increased scientific investigation.’

This is why, he added, the Conference of the Parties to theConvention, at its tenth meeting held in Nagoya, Japan, in 2010,explicitly recognised the importance of forest genetic diversityfor the conservation and sustainable use of forest biodiversity inthe context of addressing climate change and maintaining theresilience of forest ecosystems.

’The Conference of the Parties welcomed the preparation by theUnited Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)of The State of the World’s Forest Genetic Resources Report,’Mr Djoghlaf stated.

Further, Mr Djoghlaf mentioned that forest genetic resourcesplay a fundamental role in scientific research and in thedevelopment of commercial products in a variety of sectors,including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and seed and cropindustries.

‘Therefore, identifying useful properties of forest geneticresources — often following leads from the traditionalknowledge of indigenous peoples and local communities —has helped scientists to better understand biodiversity and canenable industries to develop new products for the benefit ofhumankind.’

Twenty participants from 13 countries are attending the three-day meeting which is being organised by the Land ResourcesDivision (LRD) of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community incollaboration with the FAO and the Secretariat of the Conventionon Biological Diversity (CBD).

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Annex 7. Acronyms

AusAID - Australian Aid for International Development

CBD - Convention on Biological Diversity

CePACT -Centre for Pacific Crops and Trees

FAO -Food and Agriculture Organisation

FMP -Forest Management Plan

FSSLP -Food Security & Sustainable Livelihood Programme

LRD -Land Resources Division

NFP -National Focal Point

SFM – Sustainable Forest Management

SPRIG –South Pacific Regional Initiative on Forest Genetic Resource

SOW FGR – State of the World’s Forest Genetic Resources

SPC -Secretariat of the Pacific community

SWARS -State-Wide Assessment and Resource Strategy

TCPf -Technical Co-operation Programme facility

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