The Fifth Session of UNFF

(16-27 May 2005)

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The fifth session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF-5) was held from 16-27 May 2005, at UN headquarters in New York. The main task before UNFF-5 was to review the effectiveness of the international arrangement on forests (IAF) and redesign the arrangement, if necessary.

The fifth session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF-5) was held from 16-27 May 2005, at UN headquarters in New York.


During the course of the meeting, there was a panel discussion on forest issues in the Asia and Pacific region. The high-level segment was also convened on May 25 and May26. UNFF held policy dialogue with heads of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF) organizations and considered three main issues: forest law enforcement and governance and sustainability; restoring the world’s forests; and actions for the future. A multi-stakeholder dialogue was also held immediately following the high-level segment.

During the UNFF discussions, Korea stressed that a legally binding international agreement is the key to achieving SFM. The Korean delegation was able to set up the background which will enable Korea to play an essential role once the forum develops into a legally binding instrument.

Regarding the proposals of the developing countries to develop a new forest fund, Korea suggested efficient utilization of the existing fund focusing on the needs of the developing countries. The statement was supported by many countries that opposed to a legally binding instrument because of the financial burden.

In the end, UNFF-5 was unable to reach agreement on strengthening the IAF and could not produce either a ministerial statement or a negotiated outcome. Delegates had agreed ad referendum to four global goals on: significantly increasing the area of protected forests and sustainably managed forests worldwide; reversing the decline in official development assistance (ODA) for sustainable forest management (SFM); reversing the loss of forest cover; and enhancing forest-based economic, social and environmental benefits. They also agreed in principle to negotiate, at some future date, the terms of reference for a voluntary code or international understanding as well as means of implementation. On the last day, delegates decided to forward the draft negotiating text to UNFF-6, to be held from 13-24 February 2006, at UN headquarters in New York.

On 25 May, delegates met in a high-level segment (HLS). The HLS focused on the linkages between forests and the international development goals, including those in the Millennium Declaration. It was also an opportunity for ministers and other high-level delegates to express their views on the future of the IAF.

The HLS broke into two roundtables. Roundtable I discussed themes relating to restoring the world’s forests. Roundtable II discussed forest law enforcement and governance.

In the Roundtable I, Korea introduced the successful nationwide forest rehabilitation implemented after the Korean War. The delegation was also able to publicize the overseas assistance programs for forest rehabilitation in China, Mongolia, and also in Southeast Asian region for tsunami recovery.

In the Roundtable II, Korea presented the conflict resolution process experienced in creating protected areas in Baekdu Daegan Mountain System(BDMS). Booklets on the issue was distributed during the Roundtable.

On 26 May, delegates resumed the HLS to discuss actions for the future. This discussion represented a final opportunity for ministers and other high-level delegates to restate their positions on the future arrangement on forests.

Translated by Int＇l Cooperation Division
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