Approximately 100 heads of national forestry agencies will discuss ways to implement in practical terms what the ministers propose at the Committee on Forestry. In addition, they will discuss specific ways that forests contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, with emphasis on practical implementation on the ground.
More than 400 representatives of member countries, non-governmental organizations and international organizations are expected to attend the COFO. Matti Vanhanen, Prime Minister of Finland, will speak at the opening session.
A total of 20 side events are planned during the afternoon sessions throughout the week, including topics such as forest law compliance; forests and climate change; forests and bioenergy; invasive species; and forests and conflict. Most of these events will feature presentations by representatives of other organizations and the private sector, followed by informal discussions. For example, the meeting on forest law compliance will feature new guidelines for the use of countries to address illegal logging.
