1. Meeting of Consultative Group on Forestry Matters for International Negotiations (12.10.2006) 41 st Session of International Tropical Timber Council Presented by Dr. Bipin Behari Deputy Inspector General of Forests Survey and Utilization Division Ministry of Environment & Forests

2. 41 st Session of the International Tropical Timber Council (ITTC) & Associated Sessions of its Committees The Forty First Session of the International Tropical Timber Council (ITTC) and the associated Sessions of the four Committees are scheduled to be held in Yokohama, Japan from 6-11, November, 2006. Normally, the ITTC Sessions take place twice a year once in November/ December at its head quarter at Yokohama, Japan and the other in any of the producer/consumer countries during May/June/July. The Forty First Session of the Council will be presided by the Chairperson of the Council, Mr. Koichi Ito (Japan). Executive Director, ITTO will present a report to the Council on activities of the Organisation and other developments of relevance to the Organisation.

3. 41 st Session of the International Tropical Timber Council (ITTC) & Associated Sessions of its Committees The Forty First Session is significant as this is the first Session at its Headquarter, Yokohama in Japan after the adoption of the new agreement ‘International Tropical Timber Agreement, (ITTA) 2006’. The ITTA, 2006 is now open for ratification. The Indian Delegation actively participated in the four rounds of the Negotiations and contributed significantly in the adoption of this new agreement. It is expected that member countries will focus on the ITTA, 2006 during the 41 st Session of ITTC.

4. International Tropical Timber Agreement, 2006 ITTA, 2006 is a continuation of the previous agreement, focusing on world tropical timber economy and Sustainable Management of tropical forest resources. The main features of ITTA, 2006 are: Encouraging timber trade and an improved management of tropical forests. Provisions for information sharing, including non-tropical timber trade data. Consideration of non-tropical timber issues as they relate to tropical timber. Promoting Sustainable Management of tropical timber producing forests. Focus on timber including soft-wood species. Additional enfaces on non-timber forest produce and a mention of the Environmental services. Improved collection of statistics and its reporting. Separate Sub-Account for thematic sub-programmes.

5. India’s Views Expressed During Negotiations The re-negotiated instrument should remain a commodity agreement focused on trade of tropical timber and timber products. It should not extend into trade in environmental services as this is being explored in other international fora. This commodity agreement under United Nations’ Conference on Trade and Development (UNCAD) should not be converted into an environmental agreement. The change of name of ITTO to ITFO can not be agreed as it may give rise to inclusion of items other than trade of tropical timber and timber products in its ambit. The new agreement should not include changes in the definitions or items other than timber and timber products. It should not widen is scope on environmental and other forest related issues.  Certification of forests and forest products is being discussed within the mandate of World Trade Organization (WTO). The re-negotiated agreement should not include any mention of forest certification and its procedure as it can not be agreed under any international certification affecting the sovereign rights of the member countries.

6. International Tropical Timber Agreement, 2006 Preamble: Contains 20 clauses recognizing the importance of: Timber and related trade to the economics of timber producer countries. The multiple economic, environmental and social benefits provided by forests, NTFP and environmental services in the context of Sustainable Forest Management. Noting the role of good governance, clear land tenure arrangements and cross sectoral co-operation in achieving Sustainable Forest Management and legally sourced timber exports.

7. Recognizing the need to promote and apply comparable Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management as important tools for all members to assess, monitor and promote progress toward sustainable management of their forests. Recognizes the need for increased investment in SFM, including through reinvesting revenues generated from forests, including from timber-related trade. Recognizes the need for enhanced and predictable financial resources from a broad donor community to help achieve the objectives of this Agreement.

8. International Tropical Timber Agreement, 2006 Objectives (Article 1) : Contains a brief chapeau and 19 clauses stating the objectives of the ITTA, 2006: To promote the expansion and diversification of international trade in tropical timber from sustainably managed and legally harvested forests and to promote the sustainable management of tropical timber producing forests by: contributing to sustainable development and to poverty alleviation Promoting market intelligence and encouraging information sharing on international timber market with a view to encouraging greater transparency and better information on markets and market trends Strengthening the capacity of members for the collection, processing and dissemination of statistics on their trade in timber and information on the sustainable management of their tropical forests

9. Encouraging members to develop national policies aimed at sustainable utilisation and conservation of timber producing forests and maintaining ecological balance, in the context of the tropical timber trade Strengthening the capacity of members to improve forest law enforcement and governance, and address illegal logging and related trade in tropical timber. Encouraging information sharing for a better understanding of voluntary mechanisms such as, inter alia certification, to promote Sustainable Management of Tropical Forest, and assisting members with their efforts in this area. Promoting better understanding of the contribution of Non-Timber Forest and environmental services to the Sustainable Management of Tropical forests with the aim of enhancing the capacity of members to develop strategies to strengthen such contributions in the context of Sustainable Forest Management, and co-operating with relevant institutions and process to this end. Identifying and addressing relevant new and emerging issues.

10. International Tropical Timber Agreement, 2006 Sustainable Forest Management – ‘Sustainable Forest Management’ will be understood according to the organizations relevant policy documents and technical guidelines: (Article 2 – Definitions). The definition of ‘producer member’ remained the same as it was in the International Tropical Timber Agreement (ITTA), 1994. The name of the organization remains International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO). As a general rule, the council shall hold at least one regular session a year.

11. Administrative Account The Administrative Account shall include : (a) Basic Administrative cost such as salaries and benefits, installations cost and official travel; and (b) Core operational costs such as those related to communication and outreach, expert meetings convened by the council and preparation and publication of studies and assessments pursuant to Articles 24 (Policy working of the organization), 27 (Statistics, Studies and Information) and 28 (Annual Report and Biennial Review) of the Agreement.

12. Contributions to the Administrative Account for each financial biennium shall be assessed as follows: a)The costs referred to in paragraph (a) above of this article shall be shared equally among producer and consumer members and assessed in the proportion the number of each member’s votes bears to the total votes of the member’s group; b)The costs referred to in paragraph (b) above shall be shared among members in the proportions of 20 per cent for producers and 80 per cent for consumers and assessed in the proportion the number of each member’s votes bears to the total votes of the member’s group; c)The costs referred to in paragraph (b) shall not exceed one third of the costs referred to in paragraph (a) above. The Council may, by consensus, decide to vary this limit for a specific financial biennium; d)The Council may review how the Administrative Account and the voluntary accounts contribute to the efficient and effective operation of the Organization in the context of the evaluation referred to in article 33 (Review); and e)In assessing contributions, the votes of each member shall be calculated without regard to the suspension of any member’s voting rights or any redistribution of votes resulting therefrom.

13. Major Issues to be discussed during the 41 st Session of ITTC Discussion on projects and pre projects - approval of ITTC and funding (Report of 32 nd Expert Panel) Submission of forest statistics through JQ-1 and JQ-2 etc. Phased approaches to Certification Report on the Status of Tropical Forest Management Review of the resources in the Bali Partnership Fund Working of the ITTO in the context of ITTA, 2006 Measures to improve & strengthen the ITTO Project Cycle

14. CITES - Listing proposals by members An important issue would be the consultation on the listing of Internationally traded tropical timber species in the CITES Appendices which have been reported to ITTO since the last session. Emphasis is on effective implementation of the inclusion of Ramin (Gonstylus spp.) in Appendix-II of CITES India’s view point on this issue as outlined in COP-13, is given below, which may be reiterated: To support first time inclusion of a species in Appendix I or II To support up gradation from Appendices II to I To oppose deletion of species from Appendices To oppose down listing from appendices I to II To Support only decisions which are in tune with India’s pro-conservation stand To oppose dilution of CITES provisions 41 st Session discussions.... Contd.

15. ITTC is supported by four committees open to member countries. The committees advise and assist the council on policy and project issues. These committees are: Committee on Reforestation and Forest Management Committee on Economic Information and Market Intelligence Committee on Forest Industry Committee on Finance and Administration. This committee advises the Council on matters related to the budget and other funding and administrative issues concerning the management of the Organisation.

16. Committee on Reforestation and Forest Management Main activities: Ex-post evaluation of projects and discussion on projects and pre-projects for their approval and funding. Review and update the ITTO Guidelines for the conservation of biodiversity in tropical timber producing forests. The promotion of the ITTO Guidelines for the Management, Restoration and Rehabilitation of Degraded and Secondary Tropical Forests. Two sub-activities will be considered under this activity: a.Contributed to the Global Partnership of Forest Landscape Restoration and the implementation of the outcomes from the Petropolis workshop. b.Continue to arrange National level Workshops to promote the ITTO Guidelines for the Management, Restoration and Rehabilitation of Degraded and Secondary Tropical Forests. Monitor and assess the environmental, social and economic costs and benefits of forest plantation development and utilize that information to promote new plantations. Contribute appropriately to national and international efforts in the area of prevention and management of fire in relation to tropical timber producing forests (Colombia, Philippines and Peru).

17. Committee on Economic Information and Market Intelligence Main activities: Report on completed projects and pre-projects Ex-post evaluation of projects and discussion on projects and pre-projects for their approval and funding Market access Forest and Timber Certification Selected data and analysis from ITTO Annual Review and Assessment of the World Timber Situation - China. Market study on Tropical Plantation Timber Products Assist the Trade Advisory Group (TAG) in organizing and holding the ITTO Annual Market Discussion on the world tropical timber trade during the 42 nd session of the ITTC Review of the Timber Marketing in Two Significant Tropical Timber-importing Countries Study on subsidies effecting the tropical timber products Auditing of existing tracking systems in tropical forest industries Consider further work on forest law enforcement and illegal trade in timber and timber Products. Enhancement of statistical work and training workshops of statistics. Monitor progress being made regarding the comparability and equivalence of certification systems. Economic valuation of the forest sector with particular reference to the Amazon Basin.

18. Committee on Forest Industry Main activities: Report on completed projects and pre-projects. Ex-post evaluation of projects and discussion on projects and pre-projects for their approval and funding. Promote wood based Bioenergy using wood residues and wastes in tropical countries. Promote private investment through facilitating information exchange on investment opportunities - organization/convening of investment promotion forum/seminar. Assess opportunities for and promote development of non-timber forest products and forest services, which can improve the economic attractiveness of maintaining the forest resource base. International conference on the transportation of timber products.

19. Status of Projects and Pre-Projects sent to International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) for Financial Assistance S. No. Name of the ProjectTotal Cost (in US$) ITTO Assistance (in US$) State Govt. Assistance (in US$) Present Status 1ICFRE project - "Establishment of a network to facilitate collection processing and dissemination of statistics pertaining to tropical timber and other forestry parameters in India" PD 291/04 Rev. 2 (M) (Project) 241,478216,37825,100 by ICFRE This project was authorized financing by the ITTC during in its 39th Session. The MOU has been signed and sent to ITTO on 28.3.2006. The Yearly Plan of Action (YPO) has been finalised. The first instalment of money has been received & project activities have started. 2“Sustainable & multi-purpose forestry to settle the tribal shifting cultivators of Tripura State in India by providing viable economic activities” PPD 111/ 05 Rev. 2 (F) (Pre-project) 58,11448,11410,000 by TFDPC Tripura Government This pre project proposal has been approved by the ITTC in it’s 38th Session at Brazzaville, Republic of Congo but the funding is still awaited. It is likely to be funded this time. 3“Productivity enhancement of tropical forests of Uttar Pradesh State using colonal technology” submitted by SFRI, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. 9,96,9396,41,9223,55,017 by UP Government 32nd Expert panel of ITTO has given comments which have been forwarded to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, U.P. for needful.

20. 4“Durability enhancement and utilisation of plantation, grown Eucalyptus and Popular Wood for solid and bio- composite” industry submitted by FRI, Dehradun. 1,13,30085,30028,000 by FRI, Dehradun This project has been examined by the 31st Expert Panel and the comments of the 31st Expert Panel were communicated to Director, FRI, Dehradun on 14.3.2006. Revised project proposal as per 31st Expert Panel was received and examined. Accordingly it has been sent to Director, FRI for further improvement. 5“Sustainable Forest Management through Community Development for manufacture of Bamboo based composite in the state of Orissa”, submitted by Indian Plywood Research & Training Institute (IPRTI), Bangalore, India. 35,70,46521,17,96514,52,500The observation of 32nd Expert Panel of ITTO was communicated to Director, IPRTI and he has submitted the improved/revised pre-project proposal recently. It is under examination/ processing. 6Pre-Project Proposal – ‘Regional Workshop on Processing, Marketing and Trade of Quality Wood Products of Teak Plantations’ submitted by KFRI, Peechi, Kerala 151,2691,06,53944,730 by KFRI The Pre-project was approved by IITC and ITTO has communicated for its funding. The MOU has been received which is under process in this Ministry. The clearance from FCRA (MHA) is awaited which is being pursued personally. Extension of project and pre-project 7.“Operationalizing of Sustainable Forestry Development with Community Participation in India”, being executed by IIFM, Bhopal. 5,15,8502,75,5002,40,350The extension has been given to this project during the 39th Session of ITTC without any additional funds for a period of 2 years starting from January, 2006. 8.“Sustainable Management Of Non- Timber Forest Produce (NTFP) in Maharashtra State, India”. 82,67264,52218,150The extension was given to this pre- project upto 31.12.2005 during the 39th Session of ITTC at Yokohama, Japan. Forest Department of Maharashtra is facing problem regarding Auditing.

21. ITTO’s other activities in India ITTO sponsored a National level workshop on Criteria & Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management of Tropical Forests, which held at IIFM, Bhopal, from 24 – 28, April, 2006 Another National level workshop held on the Implementation of the ITTO Guidelines for the Restoration, Management and Rehabilitation of degraded and secondary tropical forests, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu from 22-25, August, 2006. National level report is to be prepared on the status of implementation of the Criteria & Indicators for SFM in tropical forests in India. Ministry has given this job to IIFM for which ITTO’s financial assistance for US $ 10,000 has been provided. An ITTO Diagnostic/Technical Mission visited India in September, 2006 to identify the limiting factors in achieving ITTO Objective 2000 and recommend for financial support for relevant thematic areas to further strengthen SFM in India.

22. Recommendations of National Workshop on Criteria & Indicator for Sustainable Forest Management (held at IIFM, Bhopal from 24-28, April, 2006) 1.Bhopal-India (B-I) Process of SFM has taken inputs from different international processes / initiatives including the overall framework of ITTO set of C&I. It is therefore recommended that the reporting format of C&I of B-I process should be used for reporting to Government of India and international agencies. For reporting to ITTO the information gathered under B-I reporting format could appropriately be converted/transferred into ITTO reporting format 2005 (ITTO and MoEF). 2.The framework of C&I for SFM evolved under Bhopal-India Process needs to be implemented in all forest types of India with appropriate adaptations (MoEF/SFDs). 3.JFM/PFM is recognized as most potential strategy for Sustainable forest management. Therefore, it is recommended that periodic monitoring of C&I for SFM should be done in collaboration with the participating communities (MoEF/SFDs).

23. 4.There is a need to have SFM Cell functional at state and national level for compilation, collation and reporting the progress of SFM to SFDs, Government of India and international agencies. 5.Periodic monitoring, evaluation and research would require financial resources, which should be made available through budgetary provisions in SFD/GoI and ITTOs budget. 6.MoEF/IIFM should provide necessary policy guidelines for implementations of SFM. ICFRE, SFDs and state forestry institutions should be appropriately involved in the work. 7.Forest Certification is an important market driven tool to support responsible forest management. In order to make it happen effectively & practical, capacity building and institution development would be desirable. ITTO should support the forest certification related activity in India. It is recommended to have national forest certification council in place as soon as possible. 8.An independent body at national level for accreditation and setting standards and process for phased certification (ITTO/MoEF).

24. Recommendations of the National Workshop on ITTO Guidelines for the Restoration, Management and Rehabilitation of Degraded and Secondary Tropical Forest in India (held at Chennai, India from 22-25, August, 2006) 1.The guidelines for the Restoration, Management and Rehabilitation of Degraded and Secondary Tropical Forests may be suitably modified so as to suit the requirements of all the stakeholders in any given landscape in the Indian context. 2.The ITTO – IUCN may consider assisting the development and implementation of a Pilot Project for Forest Landscape Restoration of degraded forests in India. 3.The document “Restoring Forest Landscapes: An Introduction to the Art and Science of Forest Landscape Restoration” may be replaced with an actual ITTO manual specifying the steps for forest landscape restoration in tropical forests. 4.The concept of Forest Landscape Restoration may be linked with the existing programmes like JFM/FDA in the country.

25. 5.The guidelines for Forest Landscape Restoration may also be incorporated into the Ministry’s other guidelines e.g., guidelines for National Afforestation Programme, Greening India etc. 6.There is an emergent need for training and capacity building especially for the field level staff for implementing such projects. 7.There is a need for outreach/dissemination of the concept of Forest Landscape Restoration through regular workshops/training courses meant for field level functionaries. 8.Increased Public-Private-Panchayat Partnership may be encouraged to facilitate and develop Forest Landscape Restoration projects.

26. 1.Development of National Forestry Database Management System Support for information technology. 2.Development of Forest Certification Mechanism in the country. 3.Institutionalization of Criteria and Indicators at the National level towards Sustainable Forest Management (SFM). 4.Strengthening of Research and Development to increase the productivity in forest areas. 5.Establishment of a National Forestry Policy Analysis Facility for speedy implementation of SFM. 6.Support for promoting Public-Private Panchayat Partnership (PPPP) in sustainable forestry development. 7.Development of Integrated Forest Fire Management System / Mechanism in the country. 8.Support for promoting high-tech/Clonal plantations in forest areas and private sectors. 9.Establishment of facility for research and development of Non-Timber Forest Products to address the issues of rural poverty and employment. Important Thematic/Thrust Areas for further strengthening the Sustainable Forest Management in India (as an outcome of the National Workshop held at Amity, Noida on 23 rd September, 2006)

27. 10.Training and Human Resource Development for implementation of SFM. Promotion of traditional knowledge to provide livelihood opportunities to the tribals. 11.Capacity building for Regulating Timber Trade. 12.Establishment of forest extension centre, one in each District / Division in phased manner. 13.Support for strengthening the wood based industry, value addition and marketing etc. 14.Development of community based Sustainable Forest Management model for timber and NTFPs. 15.Development of comprehensive monitoring system for Sustainable Forest Management and the removal of impediments. 16.Development of code of conduct and processes for different sectors in forestry such as logging, sawmilling etc. 17.Support for bio-diversity research and conservation systems. 18.Support for strengthening VSS institutions. 19.Conservation and management of Mangroves.

28. Measures to improve and strengthen the ITTO Project Cycle At its 40 th Session, the Council authorized the Expert Panel (EP) to proceed during its 32 nd meeting along the lines described below: “In the case of new projects, the EP is authorized to use the new appraisal system as its primary decision tool in the 32nd Panel meeting while reserving the option to provide decisions counter to those indicated by the appraisal system. In such instances, explicit justification will be supplied. The results from this experience will be used to provide further amendments and enhancements to the system as appropriate”. The mandate also included a provision that the Panel will continue to use the old appraisal system to evaluate revised projects.

29. Experience The Panel members appreciated the use of the Scoring tables and accompanying Table of Award Criteria as it proved to promote: A more systematic, complete and uniform approach towards the analysis of project and pre-project proposals Objectivity of appraisal Focussed discussion on the individual aspects and award criteria Consensus on the decision of the rating category The Panel members experienced some constraints in applying the new appraisal system. There was sometimes a great difference, upto 20 points, on the scores between the two evaluators for the same project. Further analysis is needed to understand the causes of these differences.

30. International Tropical Timber Council – 41 st Session 6-11 November 2006,Yokohama, Japan Agenda Items Serial No. Provisional Agenda ItemsAnnotationsComments 1234 1.Opening of the SessionThe Forty-first Session of the Council will be opened by the Chairperson of the Council, Mr. Koichi Ito (Japan). No Comments 2.Ascertainment of the QuorumThe Executive Director will report to the Council on the state of the quorum requirement for the start of the Session. No Comments 3.Adoption of Agenda and Organization of Work [Document ITTC(XLI)/1] The Council may decide to consider and adopt its Agenda. On the schedule of meetings, the Council may consider the draft schedule distributed under Decision 5(XXII), and the advice of the Informal Advisory Group (IAG) and undertake due consultations in the Chairperson's Coordinating Bureau, issuing the time-table daily and at more frequent intervals as necessary. No Comments 4.Report on Membership of the Council The Executive Director will report on the status of membership of the Council No Comments 5.Report of the Credentials Committee [Document ITTC(XLI)/3] The Council may consider and adopt the Report of the Credentials Committee and approve the credentials of delegations. The forms in respect of Indian delegation are to be sent urgently for this purpose. 6.Distribution of Votes for 2006 [Document ITTC(XLI)/1 Annex] The distribution of votes for the year 2006 which was adopted by the Council, in accordance with Article 10(6) of the ITTA, 1994, at its Fortieth Session, is shown in the Annex to these Annotations. In accordance with Article 19(4) of the ITTA, 1994, the approved distribution of votes will be used for the assessment of the contribution of each Member to the Administrative Budget for 2007. No Comments

31. 7.Admission of Observers [Document ITTC(XLI)/Info.3] The Council may decide to admit those States and Organizations which request admission to the Session as Observers. Two lists of such applicants will be submitted at the Session for consideration and decision. The first such list shall contain the names of all States and Organizations which have previously been admitted to the Council Sessions and the second those States and Organizations applying for admission for the first occasion at this Session. No Comments 8.Statement by the Executive Director The Executive Director will address the Council and report on activities of the Organization and other developments of relevance to the Organization. Important activity highlighting the achievements and focusing on future plan of the organization. 9.Report of the Informal Advisory Group (IAG) – Decision 5(XXVI) [Document ITTC(XLI)/2] Pursuant to Decision 5(XXVI), and in order to organize its work for the Session, the Council may consider the report of the Nineteenth Meeting of the Informal Advisory Group (IAG), to be convened on Sunday, 5 November 2006. The report of the Nineteenth Meeting of the IAG will be presented by the Chairperson. No Comments 10.CITES Listing Proposals by Members – Decision 3(XVI) Pursuant to its Decision 3(XVI) the Council may arrange consultations on Members’ proposals to list internationally traded tropical timber species in the CITES Appendices which have been reported to the Secretariat since the last Session. India’s viewpoints are same as specified above. Emphasis here is more on the effective implementation of the inclusion of Ramin (Gonstylus spp.) in Appendix –II of CITES.

32. 11.Annual Review and Assessment of the International Timber Situation [Document ITTC(XLI)/4] The Council may wish to base its discussion on this item on the following: (a)Elements for the 2006 Annual Review and Assessment of the International Timber Situation This is prepared by the Secretariat and comprises statistics and available data on production, imports and exports of timber products, emphasizing tropical timber products, and an analysis of economic and market developments. The Elements for the 2006 Annual Review will be partly based on information extracted from national responses to the ITTO/UNECE/FAO/EUROSTAT Joint Forest Sector Questionnaire and partly from other sources. (i)A General Introductory Statement by the Secretariat Using various sources of information including the Elements for the 2006 Annual Review, the Statement will give an overview of the world timber situation, focusing on tropical timber, including recent developments and the short-term outlook based on available forecasts. The Council may also decide after due discussions the type of statistics and information and the format of presentation Members shall furnish on timber, its trade and the activities aimed at achieving sustainable management of timber producing forests as stipulated in Article 29(2) of the ITTA, 1994. ICFRE has submitted JQ-I and JQ-II on 11.10.2006. After examination, it will be sent to ITTO by 20 th October, 2006. India’s data position is criticized due to lack of proper forestry Non- spatial database. 12.Preparations for the Entry into Force of the ITTA, 2006 [Document ITTC(XLI)/5] The Secretariat will inform the Council on preparations for the entry into force of the ITTA, 2006 This is all about ratification of re- negotiated agreement ITTA, 2006. The main areas of discussion will be thematic approach and funding provisions.

33. 13.ITTO Objective 2000 – Decisions 2(XXIX) and 9(XXX) [Documents ITTC(XLI)/6 and ITTC(XLI)/7] (a)Pursuant to its Decision 2(XXIX), which requested the Executive Director to render assistance, on request, to producer countries to identify, in each country, those factors which most severely limit progress towards achieving Objective 2000 and sustainable forest management and to formulate an action plan to overcome these, the Council will receive the report on the assistance provided to the Governments of Thailand and India; and (b)The Council will also be updated on progress towards implementation of national workshops to train officials, forest managers and forest concessionaires on the effective use of ITTO formats for reporting on forest management. 1.Report on ITTO Technical Mission to Thailand will be presented in the Session. 2.Similarly, report on ITTO Technical Mission to India will also be presented. 14.Progress Report on the Implementation of the ITTO Biennial Work Programme 2006-2007 [Document ITTC(XLI)/8] The Council will receive the progress report on the implementation of the Biennial Work Programme for 2006-2007; This is the action plan for next year. Active participation is required in this to take more projects and other activities in India. 15.ITTO Guidelines for the Restoration, Management and Rehabilitation of Degraded and Secondary Tropical Forests– Decision 3(XXXII) [Document ITTC(XLI)/9] The Council will receive the final report on the implementation of the national training workshops to promote the understanding and use of the ITTO Guidelines for the Restoration, Management and Rehabilitation of Degraded and Secondary Tropical Forests. One such workshop has taken place at Chennai in India from 24-28, August, 2006. The Report has been received and is being improved to send to IUCN and ITTO as early as possible. 16.Measures to Improve and Strengthen the ITTO Project Cycle- Decision 3(XXXVII) [Document ITTC(XLI)/10] The Council may wish to consider the report (document ITTC (XLI)/10) on the implementation of work approved under Decision 3(XXXVII) to review the ITTO Project Formulation Manual and related materials. The Council also agreed to review Decision 3(XXXVII) after a period of two years with a particular focus on the limitation on submission of project proposals with a view to assessing its effectiveness and impact on improving the Project Cycle and the delivery of quality projects. The experience of 32 nd Expert Panel regarding the implementation of new scoring system will be shared for further strengthening the same and final adoption.

34. 17.Matters Related to Article 16 of ITTA, 1994 –Decisions 3(XXV), 3(XXVII) and 5(XXXIV) Pursuant to ITTC Decision 3(XXV) the Council may wish to consider matters related to Article 16 of 1TTA, 1994. The Council may recall that at its Fortieth Session in Meridá, Mexico, it decided that delegations requesting amendments to ITTC Decision 3(XXV) Annex titled “The Selection Procedures for an Executive Director” should provide the Council with specific text. The Council also decided that Countries wishing to propose amendments should make such amendments available to Members on the first day of the Session and that it would only consider amendments related to the revision of the job description of the Executive Director and the composition of the Selection Panel. This will be an important topic for discussion with great heat and diplomatic lobbying. 18.Enhanced Cooperation Between ITTO and CITES for Ramin and Mahogany– Decision 2(XXXVII) Pursuant to ITTC Decision 2(XXXVII) the Council will be informed on the outcome of the ITTO Expert Meeting on the effective implementation of the inclusion of Ramin (Gonstylus spp.) in Appendix II of CITES. We have to watch our interests in view of our stand in this context. 19.Promotion of Sustainable Forest Management in the Congo Basin–Decision 10(XXXII) [Documents ITTC(XLI)/11 & ITTC(XLI)/12] The Council may wish to consider the reports on the implementation of certain activities added to Decision 10(XXXII) on the “Promotion of Sustainable Forest Management in the Congo Basin” in support of the COMIFAC sub-regional Convergence Plan and 2015 COMIFAC Objectives: (i)Report on a Study on the achievement of synergies between the African Timber Organization (ATO) Action Plan on the Further Processing of Tropical Timber in Africa and the COMIFAC sub-regional Convergence Plan; and (ii)Report on a Feasibility Study for the Implementation of the Revised Training Programmes in Forest Management and Forest Concession Management in the Congo Basin. No Comments. 20.Forest Law Enforcement in the Context of Sustainable Timber Production and Trade– Decision 6(XXXI) [Documents ITTC(XLI)/13 &ITTC(XLI)/14] Pursuant to its Decision 6(XXXI) which authorized the Executive Director, upon request by Producing Countries, to conduct studies and to assist those countries in devising ways to enhance forest law enforcement, taking into account, when necessary, illegal timber trade and its impacts, the Council will receive the reports on assistance provided to the Governments of Brazil and Ecuador. No Comments.

35. 21.ITTO Fellowship Programme – Decision 4(XXVII) [Documents ITTC(XLI)/15 & ITTC(XLI)/16] The Council may consider: (a) the progress report prepared by the Secretariat on implementation of the ITTO Fellowship Programme, as called for in Decision 4(XXVII) [Document ITTC(XLI)/15]; and (b) the report of the Fellowship Selection Panel to be presented by its Chairperson [Document ITTC(XLI)/16]. The Council will announce the final selection of awards based on the Chairperson’s report. No Comments. 22.Special Account and Bali Partnership Fund [Document ITTC(XLI)/17] (a)Pledges to the Special Account and the Bali Partnership Fund The Council may invite Members and Observers to announce any new contributions they may wish to pledge to the Special Account and the Bali Partnership Fund. (a)Review of the resources in the Bali Partnership Fund The Council may conduct a review of the adequacy of the resources in the Bali Partnership Fund to meet the needs of Producing Members to achieve the purpose of the Fund, as called for in the ITTA, 1994, Article 21. [Information on the resources of the Bali Partnership Fund are contained in Document CFA (XX)/5]. (a)Report of the Panel on Sub-Account B of the Bali Partnership Fund The Council will have before it the report of the Panel on Sub-Account B of the Bali Partnership Fund established under Decision 4(XXX) to consider actions/activities, pre-projects and projects that are eligible for funding under Sub-Account B. The Council may consider and adopt the recommendations contained in the report [Document ITTC (XLI)/15]. No Comments. 23.Reports of the Associated Sessions of the Committees The Council will have before it the Reports of the Associated Sessions of the Committees presented by the respective Chairpersons. The Council may consider and adopt the recommendations contained in each of the Reports. This is the most important item of the Session specifying the outcome of each of the four Committees, meetings and discussions.

36. 24.Election of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the Council for 2007 The Council may decide after due consultations, to elect a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson for 2007. Under Article 8 of the ITTA, 1994, the Council is required to elect a Chairperson and Vice- Chairperson for each calendar year. Under Article 8, paragraph 2, the Chairperson and the Vice-Chairperson, one from among the representatives of producing countries, and the other from among the representatives of the consuming countries, are required to alternate each year between the two categories of Members, provided, however, that this shall not prohibit the re-election to either or both under exceptional circumstances by Special Vote of the Council. No Comments. 25.Dates and Venues of the Forty-second, Forty-third and Forty-fourth Sessions of the Council and the Associated Sessions of the Committees The Council may wish to confirm the dates and venues of the Forty-second Session proposed to be held in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea from 8 to12 May 2007 and the Forty-third Session, scheduled in Yokohama, Japan from 5 to 10 November 2007. For the Forty-second Session, the Council may also wish to consider and decide on the financial resources to organize and convene the Session. In order to maintain the established practice of setting Session dates and venue eighteen months in advance to facilitate logistical arrangements, the Council may wish to set the dates and venue of the Forty-fourth Session of the Council. 42 nd Session: Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (8-12, May, 2007) 43 rd Session: Yokohama, Japan (5-10,November, 2007) 44 th Session: To be decided (Africa’s turn) 26.Other BusinessThe Council may consider any matters raised under this item.No Comments.

37. 27.Decisions and Report of the Session The Council shall consider the proposed decisions and adopt them accordingly. In accordance with Rule 33 of the Rules of Procedure, a report on the proceedings shall be prepared by the Executive Director and shall be circulated to all Members as soon as possible. Through Decision 7(XXXIII) the Council adopted the following procedures for the Council decision making: (a)The Council will give guidance to the Executive Director through the Council Chairperson on routine or non-controversial matters not having financial implications. This guidance will be included in the Report of the Session, not reflected as decisions of Council; (b)In order for draft decisions by Members to be considered by Council, the following procedures will be adopted:  In relation to the Provisional Agenda, Members submit proposals for Council decisions to the Executive Director for circulation to all Members not less than two weeks prior to Council. Each proposal contains three elements: the subject, the purpose of the decision, and the proposed action, including any financial implications. The Executive Director will not circulate incomplete proposals.  Minus Day 1: The IAG considers the proposals for Council decisions from Members, as well as proposals from the Executive Director.  Council Day 1: The Chairperson presents the proposals to Council as part of the IAG report and identifies which, if any, can be handled per item (a) of the decision.  Day 2: The proposals for draft decisions are discussed in Caucuses and via informal consultations.  Day 3: The Council decides the topics it will consider for decision; then the Chairperson, assisted by a small group and the Executive Director, develops preliminary draft decisions for circulation to and consideration by all Members.  Day 4+: The Chairperson’s Open-Ended Drafting Group convenes to discuss and finalize draft decisions.  Noon, Penultimate Day: Final decisions are submitted for translation. Decisions still under negotiation are deferred to the next Council Session. The above procedures were adopted for a six-day Council Session. The Council may wish to review its decision-making procedures. The Council may wish to recall its discussions at the Fortieth Session on the proposal for Decision submitted by the United States of America on “The Participation of ITTO in the Coalition against Wildlife Trafficking”. The Council decided to resume consideration of the proposal at the Forty-first Session in light of additional information relating to illegal trade in wildlife from tropical forests, to be provided by the Secretariat. The Council may wish to consider the information paper contained in document ITTC (XLI)/18. No Comments. 28.Closing of the SessionFollowing any final statements by Delegates, the Chairperson will close the Forty-first Session of the Council.No Comments.