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Landscape

1997 is going to be a important year for forest conservation. In the first six months, governments will meet three times to try to find a solution to the world's forest problems. WWF will be there in force, pushing for the com plete protection of at least 10% of each of the world's forest types, and demanding that governments act swiftly, and together, to harness the resources to make this a reality.

AN AGENDA FOR ACTION

WWF wishes to see action taken to maintain forest quality which is decreasing rapidly in many parts of the world. We will also continue to urge for adequate recognition of the role that indigenous and local peoples play in forest conservation . All too often forest dwellers are pushed aside to make way for unsustainable development which is causing so many social and ecological problems worldwide.

We will maintain and enhance our global forest conservation field programme thanks to the generosity of our donors, and continue to play a leadership role in the international forest policy debate using our experience on the ground to shape our policies. The Forests for Life campaign will be focusing its attention on the minimum 10% Protected Areas Target, as well as encouraging better forest management through independent certification.

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Pale leaf


Forest protected areas definition project

WWF will launch a new definition, after extensive consultation, to add clarity to the debate on how much of the world's forests need to be set aside for permanent protection.

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heads of government

WWF's International President, His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, has written to many of the world's decision makers on our behalf, and he will be hosting a reception for over 100 ambassadors to push WWF's message home. We believe that governments have sat on the fence for too long and, in an effort to catalyse their action, WWF will publicise those which pledge to protect more than 10% of each of their country's forest types.

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Good Harvest?

WWF will publish "Good Harvest?, a book containing a compilation of good examples of forest management around the world, to prove that forests can be managed for the long term, taking social ecological and economic factors into account.

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World Forest Map

An updated map will be published towards the end of 1997 which will incorporate the newly agreed Forest Protected Area Definition and show both globally and nationally, precise data on what forest remains and how much is protected.

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Transnational Logging Companies

The WWF network will work in partnership with the World Resources Institute, using a European Commission grant, to carry out case studies to determine the full impact of these logging companies in Asia, Africa, the Pacific and the Caribbean.

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Forest Restoration Study

WWF-India will complete their study of Forest Restoration within the Asia-Pacific region. An enormous effort will be required to recreate forests and woodlands in this region which can serve a range of social, ecological and economic functions.

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North American Forest Certification Conference

WWF-US and WWF-Canada are jointly hosting a top level conference in May to examine the potential for forest certification.

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WWF Investment In Forestry Conference

WWF will hold a conference which will bring together the investment and forest management communities to look for ways of ensuring sustainability.

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European Forest Scorecards

WWF will be repeating this pertinent exercise which highlights how European governments are, or are not, implementing commitments to forest protection, sustainable management and restoration. Other regions of the world are planning similar studies.

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World Wide Web Site

The WWF world wide web site at http://www.panda.org will be continually updated throughout 1997 with details of WWF's forest work, policy statements, press releases and campaign news.

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