Meeting on Asia Forest Partnership (AFP)
Summary

July 31, 2002, Tokyo, Japan

A Preparatory Meeting on Asia Forest Partnership (AFP) was held on 31 July 2002 in Tokyo, Japan. An informal session was held in the morning to discuss the draft text on AFP with the participation of representatives from governments and international organizations. In the afternoon, a formal session was held to share and understand on-going initiatives relevant to AFP objectives. The civil society including NGOs and industry were invited to the afternoon session in addition to the participants of the morning session. The list of participants is attached (Annex I).

Morning Session

1. After intensive discussion and exchange of views, a draft text on AFP, which is to be submitted to the WSSD as a Type 2 initiative, was produced. The text is attached as Annex II.
2. Japan announced the next steps for AFP as follows:
   • Friday 9 August 2002
     Registration of the Type 2 document on AFP with the UN Secretariat
   • Thursday 29 August 2002 (15:30-17:00)
     A "side event" on AFP at WSSD at Ubuntu Village in Johannesburg
   • Saturday 31 August 2002 (to be confirmed)
     Official launch of AFP at WSSD in Johannesburg
   • November 2002 (Date to be confirmed)
     The first meeting on AFP, in Japan immediately following after the 33rd International Tropical Timber Council (ITTC).

Afternoon Session

3. NGOs and international and governmental organizations were invited to make presentations on their activities under two themes: (a) Prevention of Forest Fire and Rehabilitation and Reforestation of Degraded Lands, and (b) Combating Illegal Logging. The program of proceedings is attached as Annex III.
4. Following the presentations, participants exchanged views on the presentations. It was noted that these urgent issues should be addressed through cooperation and AFP would provide a useful framework for this purpose. The importance of participation by Major Groups was stressed in carrying out activities under AFP. Regarding illegal logging, the importance of action by importing countries as well as producing countries was underlined.