Participants unanimously adopt three “sub-groups” (SG) for more effectiveness within COMIFAC Forest Governance WG: (1) S.G Legality/Cross-border Flow (2) S.G Development- Certification (3) S.G Forest Land Use Plan

Yaounde (Cameroon), 11 October 2011 – Holding of Restitution Workshop of “Forest Governance WG” Concept Note. Organized by COMIFAC ES, with the financial support of GIZ support project to COMIFAC, this workshop had two objectives, namely, the restitution of the concept note by the consultant mandated for the study and discussions and suggestions by participants on key thematic orientations for "Forest Governance WG". The meeting was attended by COMIFAC ES members, representatives of international organizations (GIZ, World Bank, FAO, WWF, USFS, UICN) and of the private sector (ALPICAM, JMN Group), and CBFP Facilitation representative.

The opening ceremony was marked by the welcome addresses of Thorsten HUBER, Technical Adviser for GIZ support project to COMIFAC and of COMIFAC Deputy Executive Secretary (S.E.A), Martin TADOUM; both highlighted the importance of a forest governance work group as a relevant support tool for the follow-up and the coordination of activities at COMIFAC level. Deliberations continued with the presentation of “Forest Governance Work Group” concept note by the consultant, Jean Marie Noiraud.

Starting with a history of COMIFAC high points, Mr. Noiraud pointed out the logic of the concept of forest governance and the recommended approach. He thus emphasized the experience of formerly created work groups which lacked precision both in defining themes and their functioning in proper. Thus, he highlighted three points which are henceforth required for the functioning of a COMIFAC WG: (1) Specific stakes (to avoid formalisation and favour functionality); (2) Specific terms (expectations to be met); (3) Timing (well defined objectives and results achieved on time). Lastly, Mr. Noiraud insisted on the “forest control agreement”, main point of the above-mentioned themes and that its implementation at wood and forest management level is a priority for the sub-region and concluded with a proposition of sub-work groups with their stated orientations.

Under the chairmanship of COMIFAC S.E.A., Mr. Martin TADOUM, and following intense and fruitful discussions, participants agreed on the implantation of sub-groups, their functionalities and main work lines. Thus, it was unanimously agreed, for greater effectiveness, that there would be three sub-groups within the “Forest Governance Work Group”: (1) S.G Legality/Cross-border Flow (2) S.G Development- Certification (3) S.G Forest Land Use Plan. Furthermore, all attending partners are positioned in one, two or the three sub-groups, and ensure they are willing to contribute to the cost of the exercise. Concerning the moderation of each sub-group, participants preferred to allow some time for consultations among partners before reaching a decision later. For now, GIZ, through Mr. Thorsten, is expected to supervise the process for the system to take shape. Finally, participants formulated seven recommendations for the putting in place and the operationalisation of the GG and its sub-groups.

To conclude the meeting, constructive deliberations and concrete results of this restitution workshop confirmed the major contribution “Forest Governance Work Group” intends to make to ensure sustainable management, conservation and community development in Central Africa.

Available for download:

♦ Report of Forest “Governance Work Group”

♦ Presentation by Mr. Jean Marie Noiraud

♦ Concept Note of “Forest Governance Work Group”