Based on a scrupulous examination of their findings, and after extensive discussions with our TFAP partners and FAO member countries, a number of decisions have been taken. In seeking ways to make the TFAP more effective, we have benefited from the advice of an ad hoc group of experts familiar with the Plan. This may prolong the process of development of national forestry action plans, but it will ensure that the results of these plans are appropriate and endure the test of time. To assist countries toward this end, the consultants recommended the development of Country Capacity Projects, which are designed to support the efforts of participating countries in strengthening their institutional capacity to undertake the necessary policy and planning activities. I fully endorse this recommendation and attach the highest priority to the swift implementation of these projects.
Details are yet to be worked out.
These flexible guidelines will, help participating countries determine the objectives, modus operandi and expected outputs of country projects, as well as the approaches needed to ensure the adequate mobilization of both human and financial resources. The TFAP will continue to develop and evolve as the international mechanism for achieving this goal. At its 1989 session the FAO Conference decided on the introduction of a rolling medium-tar m plan covering a period of six years. The increasing awareness of and concern for environmental conservation are creating a parallel requirement for improved knowledge of the state of forest resources. A significant achievement of the current forest resources assessment, to which referred earlier, will be the establishment of a system allowing the continuous global monitoring of the status of forests.