Latest developments in the implementation of the work programme on forests of the Convention on Biological Diversity

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is the only global framework addressing forest biological diversity and genetic resources, their conservation and sustainable use. The CBD entered into force in December 1993 as part of the outcome of the decisions of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1992). In May 1998, the Conference of the Parties (COP) of the CBD adopted a work programme on forest biological diversity (Decision IV-7) which was reviewed during the fifth COP meeting in May 2000 (Decision V-4). Forest ecosystems will be an item for in-depth consideration at the next COP meeting in 2002 which will deliberate on, inter alia, expanding the work programme from research to practical action. Several other items in the work programme of the CBD are of direct relevance to forest biological diversity such as its work on indicators, traditional knowledge, public education and awareness, cooperation and the ecosystem approach.