A representative from the financial office of the Department of Social and Economic Affairs (DESA) presented the comparative analysis of options for the location of the UNFF Secretariat.  In questioning, the representative from DESA clarified that the host country pays additional costs of holding sessions away from UN Headquarters.

Nigeria noted, on behalf of the G-77/China, that the comparative analysis does not provide a full accounting of the costs associated with the various venues.  He also remarked that if no decision is taken at this meeting on the location of the secretariat, then its location will default to UN Headquarters.

The US outlined guidelines for promoting sustainable forest management (SFM), and  the Society of American Foresters outlined their work in this area.

Pakiston drew attention to issues faced by Low Forest Cover Countries, including environmental degradation and desertification.

Brazil noted that SFM relies on capacity building in countries and indigenous groups.  She warned against taking on complex issues that are being addressed by other instruments.

New Zealand noted that criteria and indicators for SFM should be adapted to local conditions.

In a debate on the timing of the first high-level segment Costa Rica and others opposed holding the meeting in 2002, citing the heavy schedule for that year.  Other countries supported holding ministerial meetings at that time, as it would allow for input into Rio+10. 

Vice-Chair Slamat Hidayat facilitated consultations, and summarized the discussion at the end of the meeting.

Countries including Canada endorsed early development of criteria for review of the UNFF in five years.  There was agreement that delegates were unprepared to discuss this matter in full, and that lack of discussion was not a clear indicator of consensus.

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