Summit Declaration (7 June 2007)

G8 AGENDA FOR GLOBAL GROWTH AND STABILITY

Reducing Emissions by Curbing Deforestation

56.
We are determined to assist in reducing emissions from
deforestation, especially in developing countries. Reducing, and in the
long term halting deforestation provides a significant and
cost-effective contribution toward mitigating greenhouse gas emissions
and toward conserving biological diversity, promoting sustainable forest
management and enhancing security of livelihoods.
To this end, we will
encourage the establishment of a pilot project dedicated
to building capacity, creating and testing performance-based instruments to reduce emissions from deforestation in developing countries, in support of and without prejudice to ongoing UN climate change discussions.
We therefore encourage the World Bank, in close cooperation
with the G8, developing countries, the private sector, NGOs and other
partners, to develop and implement such a forest carbon partnership as soon as possible, continue to support existing processes to combat illegal logging. Illegal logging is one of the most difficult obstacles to
further progress in realising sustainable forest management and thereof, in protecting forests worldwide, remain engaged in supporting developing countries to achieve their selfcommitments for halting forest loss and to implement sustainable forest management, as stated in various regional initiatives, i.e. the Congo Basin and the Asia Forest Partnerships. Good results and good practice in international cooperation have also been achieved through ITTO projects and the Brazilian Pilot Program to conserve the tropical rain forests.
57. At the St. Petersburg Summit, we agreed to enhance international
co-operation in the area of sustainable forest management. We welcome the recent agreement at the UN Forum on Forests on a non-legally binding instrument on the sustainable management of all types of forests.
We
note that the effectiveness of this instrument will be reviewed by the
UN Forum on Forests in 2015. Building on these initiatives, we are
determined and urge the international community to strengthen
co-operation and the sharing of best practices at all levels.
Consideration of additional actions on sustainable forest management
could be a possible next step for parties willing to expand on their
commitments.