TEXT: STATE DEPT. ON G-8 APPROVAL OF FOREST ACTION PROGRAM
(Satellites to help monitor, strengthen conservation)
Washington -- Representatives of the G-8 nations meeting in London have adopted a forest action program that will manage these woodlands "in ways that reflect environmental, ecological, social and economic values."
In announcing the decision May 11 in Washington, State Department spokesman James Rubin noted that, among other things, the program will provide "groups and organizations that monitor forests with improved access to satellite data and geographic information systems, an area in which the G-8 countries have unique scientific and technological capabilities."
Following is the State Department text:
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
May 11, 1998
STATEMENT BY JAMES P. RUBIN, SPOKESMAN
G-8 Forest Action Program
Foreign Ministers of the G-8 and representatives of the European Commission announced their approval of the G-8 Forest Action Program at the conclusion of their two day Ministerial meeting in London, Saturday, May 9. The practical program will help sustainably manage and conserve forests in G-8 countries and around the world in ways that reflect environmental, ecological, social and economic values.
Last year at the G-8 Summit in Denver, leaders of the member states agreed to develop the Action Program, initiated by the United States, and called for a progress report at this year's Birmingham Summit. In fulfillment of that pledge, Secretary Albright and her fellow G-8 foreign ministers published the Forest Action Program and committed themselves to its implementation. They pledged to work with government and non-government partners, and to report back progress made on the Action Program at the G-8 Summit in the year 2000.
The Action Program focuses on five areas as addressed in last year's Denver Communique: 1.) to assess and monitor the state of the G-8's own forests, 2.) to develop and implement strong national forest conservation programs, 3.) to establish protected areas, 4.) to take steps to eliminate illegal logging and illegal timber trade, and 5.) to harness the resources of the private sector.
Specific actions are listed under each of these five categories. For example, under monitoring and assessment, the Action Program calls for providing groups and organizations that monitor forests with improved access to satellite data and geographic information systems, an area in which the G-8 countries have unique scientific and technological capabilities. The Foreign Ministers noted that recent large scale forest fires underscore the need for immediate action.
The Action Program is a major accomplishment for addressing the continued destruction and degradation of the world's forests. It was developed as a consensus document, reflecting a shared view among the G-8 that practical efforts are critical to promoting sustainable management and conservation of forests in G-8 countries and around the world.
In the U.S., the federal government will work closely with interested domestic groups, including environmental, business and labor organizations, and the States, to implement elements of the Action Program.
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