The issue of forests concerns a large number of people. Political decision-makers, agricultural lobbies, local populations and industry all have interests linked directly or indirectly to the forestry sector. Forests are also of major cultural significance to the indigenous populations and vital for their very existence. It is essential, therefore, to consider social aspects in connection with action to promote forests. Institutional aspects 7.
Government services are responsible for implementing forestry policy.
Institutional control and State influence in many developing countries has been declining in recent years, however. The need for concerted action to protect forests on an international scale has long been recognised at different levels and in various ways. The Convention to Combat Desertification was adopted in 1994. At European level, environmental issues were first presented in EC cooperation policy statements in the mid-1980s, when a chapter on drought and desertification was incorporated in the Lom III Convention. The Community also respects the commitments made at international level.