9 June 2006
The World Bank has initiated its review of the 2002 Forest Policy and Strategy and a draft report will be open for public comments in August.
In 2002 the World Bank implemented its newest Forest Strategy and Forest Policy. Almost four years later, the Bank has initiated a mid-term policy review which was originally scheduled to begin over half a year ago. With little publicity, observers are concerned that the review might not receive adequate analysis. The review process is being lead by two forestry consultants hired by the World Bank who are assessing forestry projects and policies while conducting phone interviews with stakeholders and affected parties.
The guidelines for the World Bank Forest Strategy Implementation Review suggest that the focus will be on forest sector projects but will not systematically analyze the indirect impacts on forests by non-forest lending. In addition, there will be an additional round of visits to the following countries: China, Indonesia, Vietnam, India, Cameroon, DRC, Madagascar; Tanzania, Russia, Georgia; Bosnia and Herzegovina, Argentina, Brazil, Honduras and Paraguay. Finally, a web link will be opened to allow comments from the public.
Those interested in submitting comments to the reviewers must do so before June 30, 2006. The summary of the review will be submitted to the Board on September 1, 2006 and publicly disclosed in November 2006. Concerned civil society organizations and indigenous peoples can submit comments and suggestions prior to the release of the draft report by contacting the consultants. See the contact information below.
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