The purpose of the country-led discussions is not to determine if the growing role of local and regional governments is effective or ineffective but, rather, to find ways to improve the quality of "on the ground" forest-related activities.

Objectives of the workshop:

• Analyzing the implications of decentralization in key aspects of forest management for the development of National Forest Programmes (nfps) and to identify strategies for nfps to effectively address this issue
• Sharing experiences of countries that have decentralized their forestry systems with countries currently rapid processes of decentralization, including transitional aspects of decentralization
• Deriving lessons learnt from countries that have implemented decentralization that are relevant to other countries in the process of decentralization
• Preparing proposals for consideration related to decentralization, federal/centralized systems of forestry and their implications on nfps for UNFF 4 (3-14 May 2004 in Geneva)

Key elements in decentralizing forest management:

• Effective, open and two-way liaison and coordination between the central and regional governments is essential. Each party must have a clear understanding of each other's roles, responsibilities and legal authority in the sharing of forest management.
• Government processes at all levels regarding forest management must be transparent and accountable, and include adequate public participation in the decision making process.
• Municipal governments must have sufficient human and financial resources to be able to manage, monitor and protect forests effectively.
• Local governments often need a greater understanding of the long term value of forests. This requires a slow process of civic education and cultural change.
• In handing greater responsibility to local governments, it is important they are not given the more burdensome tasks and the least valuable resources to a manage. This serves as a disincentive to local authorities to manage their forests sustainably.
• Political stability at the regional or local level, supported by proactive civil society groups, can better ensure forests are managed sustainably. Similarly, stability at the central level also enhances the decentralization process.
• Appropriate sharing of decision-making authority and responsibilities for forest management between different levels of government is crucial. This includes effective financing arrangements and revenue sharing mechanisms.