Developing countries are hit the hardest. The signs of the times are worrying. This is a complex issue - and a controversial one. I understand that you nevertheless have covered a lot of ground. I am sure that your work will provide valuable inputs to the efforts of the United Nations Forum on Forests .
Financing is important.
However, without a sound national policy framework , finance will change very little. We must therefore constantly review our own efforts in this field and become more effective. On Monday, my colleague, the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, presented aspects of our national forest policy to you all. I would like to take the opportunity to say a few words on how Norway addresses the various aspects of sustainable forest management in our development cooperation. First and foremost, the main goal of Norway s development cooperation is the alleviation of poverty , through economic growth and social development - without depleting the natural resource base.