Consultation on UK Indicators of Sustainable Forestry

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Public and expert views are now being sought on a draft set of UK Indicators of Sustainable Forestry, in a consultation period running from 7 February to 2 May 2002.

The Forest Service, in collaboration with the Forestry Commission, plans to publish a set of Indicators of Sustainable Forestry in the summer of 2002. It will contain around 30-40 indicators, describing woodlands, the condition of the woodland environment, woodland biodiversity, timber and other forest outputs, and social aspects of forestry in the UK.

These national-level indicators, which are linked to the UK Forestry Standard, will provide information about the current state of woodlands and their management, and any changes over time, monitoring forestry’s contribution to sustainable development. They will contribute to information about sustainable forestry on a wider pan-European scale, in the lead-up to the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in September 2002.

This is the second round of external consultation on these indicators, following a stakeholder consultation in 2001 seeking views from a wide range of experts in the subject areas to be covered by the indicators.

The document can be viewed on the consultation section of the Forest Service's website www.forestserviceni.gov.uk

Comments on the indicators can be sent by post to:
Corporate Services Unit
Forest Service
Room 34, Dundonald House
Upper Newtownards Road
BELFAST
BT4 3SB

by fax to: 028 9052 4570

or by email to: jim.sutherland@dardni.gov.uk

Any questions about the consultation can be directed to Jim Sutherland (028 90525476) or Pat Hunter Blair (028 90524465).