THIRTY-FIRST
SESSION
29
October – 3 November 2001
Yokohama, Japan
DECISION
4(XXXI)
GUIDELINES FOR
ESTABLISHING AUDITING SYSTEMS FOR ITTO’s CRITERIA AND INDICATORS FOR
SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT
The International
Tropical Timber Council,
Reaffirming the commitment of Members to achieve ITTO’s Objective
2000 through international collaboration and assistance and the references to
lack of capacity related to auditing systems for sustainable forest management
in the “Review of Progress Towards the Year 2000 Objective” by
Prof. Duncan Poore and Mr. Thang Hooi Chiew [Document ITTC (XXVIII)/9];
Recognizing the Expert Panel Report on the Development of a
Framework for an Auditing System for ITTO’s Criteria and Indicators for
Sustainable Forest Management [Decision 5(XXVIII)] and its recommendations for
revisions to the draft working documents prepared by consultants pursuant to
Decision 5(XXVIII);
Welcoming the final report prepared by consultants pursuant to
Decision 5(XXVIII) [Document ITTC(XXIX)/16 Rev.1] that incorporates the
recommendations for revision suggested by the Expert Panel and provides an
excellent framework for auditing guidelines for ITTO’s Criteria and Indicators
for Sustainable Forest Management that will be of considerable use and interest
to ITTO Member Countries;
Acknowledging the possible
need for future revision of ITTO Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Forest
Management to enhance their relevance and effectiveness [Decision 9(XXX)];
Noting the growing market for certified timber and the need
to promote and assist initiatives by Members to implement ITTO’s Criteria and
Indicators and build capacity to audit and assess sustainable forest
management;
Underlining
the importance of assisting countries to generate the capacity and resources to
help implement national policies that promote sustainable forest management;
Aware of the need to provide guidance on various aspects of forest auditing
as appropriate;
Decides to:
1.
Take note of the final report prepared by
consultants pursuant to Decision 5(XXVIII) [Document ITTC(XXIX)/16 Rev.1],
and commend it to ITTO Member Countries for their use as appropriate;
2.
Request the Executive Director to distribute
the final consultants’ report to ITTO Member Countries and to other interested
parties upon request;
