At the FOREST EUROPE Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe, held in Oslo, Norway, in June 2011, Ministers responsible for forests in Europe took a historic decision: they signed a mandate to negotiate a legally binding agreement on forests in Europe. Following the Madrid Ministerial Decision adopted in October 2015, this meeting will examine procedural follow-up options to explore possible ways to find common ground for a legally binding agreement on forests in Europe. For these reasons, Europe`s forest ministers have decided to set up an intergovernmental negotiating committee by 30 June 2013 at the latest, with a mandate to develop a comprehensive, legally binding framework agreement on forests in Europe. The results will be presented to an EXTRAORDINARY FOREST EUROPE MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE, which will be convened for signature within six months of the conclusion of the negotiations for possible consideration and adoption and initiation. The Extraordinary Ministerial Decision of Madrid has already recognized the progress made by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee in reaching agreement on all essential forest-related elements. The draft negotiating text (DNT) for an AMLA is a good basis for further reflection on a future European forestry convention. The remaining elements should be completed by the negotiators under a well-defined procedure and within a foreseeable time frame. The DNT should be updated to reflect recent developments in forest policies, such as the Paris Agreement and the SDGs. We also support a clear reference to the bioeconomy as a key element in promoting jobs and growth, especially in rural areas, and in the fight against climate change. Dates: 19-20 September 2018 Location: Bratislava, Slovakia Contact: Forest Europe Laison Unit Bratislava Phone: +421 45 5314 209 E-mail: liaison.unit.bratislava@foresteurope.org www: foresteurope.org/event/13675/ Constructive development of discussions on a legally binding agreement (AML) would be a strong signal to help the European forest sector improve its policy coherence. The next step will be to strengthen the implementation of sustainable forest management and the multifunctional role of European forests.

These complex challenges cannot be met by forest measures alone. In order to address these challenges and strengthen the implementation of sustainable forest management in Europe, it is necessary to strengthen the policy framework for forests in the pan-European region. The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee began its work on 27 February 2012. However, the final consensus has not yet been reached. Three years later, at the Extraordinary Ministerial Conference held in Madrid on 21 October 2015, ministers responsible for forests in Europe welcomed the work of the INC and took note of its report, recognised the draft negotiating text as “the basis for a possible further examination” of the AMLA and agreed that FOREST EUROPE “at the appropriate time and by 2020 at the latest” would explore ” possible ways to find common ground” with respect to the AMLA. Becomes. A round table will be convened to discuss all options for the procedural follow-up to the Madrid Extraordinary Ministerial Decision. In response to this request, the Secretariat organized the “first informal meeting to discuss the possible negotiation of a legally binding agreement on forests in Europe” on 31 October and 1 November 2019 (link).

At this first meeting, progress was made on the possible text of a decision of the Executive Committee and on the preparation of the draft terms of reference of the UNECE Negotiating Group for a Legally Binding Agreement on Forests in Europe (FLBA-NG) (Information Note 1). This historic decision began to take shape at the Fifth Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe (November 2007) in Warsaw, Poland, where a proposal was presented to discuss the possibility of a legally binding agreement on forests. Two working groups have been set up. The first, which operated from November 2008 to October 2009, looked at the potential added value and options for the agreement. The second (January to December 2010) prepared several options for a decision on a possible legal obligation for forests in Europe and prepared a non-paper for such an agreement. Forests play an active role in the sustainable development and well-being of European society. Sustainably managed forests offer society a wide range of benefits in the form of ecosystem services. They have the potential to make a significant contribution to a green economy, create jobs and income, especially in rural areas, and can make an important and active contribution to climate change mitigation.

However, these forests face various challenges such as global warming and extreme weather events. The global economic crisis is contributing to these challenges, affecting forestry and reducing investment in forest management. The results of this first informal meeting will be important to provide clues as to whether and how the LCA discussion process could continue in the future. Please register as soon as possible and allow sufficient time to apply for and process the visa. If you don`t have a sign-up account yet, you`ll need to create a new one. In response to this letter, the UNECE Secretariat is organizing a first informal meeting in Geneva on 31 October and 1 November to discuss the possible negotiation of a legally binding convention on forests in Europe. You can find more information about access to the Palais des Nations and your stay in Geneva here. It should be noted that many participants need a visa to enter Switzerland. Participants who require an entry visa must apply to the Swiss consulate or the competent diplomatic mission of their country before leaving for Switzerland. Participants who require a visa are strongly advised to apply as soon as possible.

Here you will find information on the conditions for entry into Switzerland. The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee began its work on 27 February 2012. For all related information about the negotiation process visitwww.forestnegotiations.org/ delegates who need an entry card, we ask you to register here Contact: Sir…