| Fact Sheet Released by the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Washington, DC October 16, 2003 Africa Forest Law Enforcement and Governance Ministerial Conference
Representatives of 39 governments and the European Commission accepted a groundbreaking Ministerial Declaration by acclamation in a commitment to eliminate illegal logging, associated trade and corruption in Africa’s forests at the Africa Forest Law Enforcement and Governance Ministerial held in Yaounde, Cameroon, October 13-16, 2003.
The Declaration is a key step in advancing the objectives of the Congo Basin Forest Partnership announced at the World Summit on Sustainable Development and the recently launched President’s Initiative Against Illegal Logging as it lays the groundwork for further action. With the Declaration in place, countries can move forward in their efforts to crack down on illegal activities in protected areas, take actions to respect the rule of law, fight corruption, and encourage cooperation on international trade. Funding for the conference was provided by the United States, France, United Kingdom, and the European Commission.
In committing to the Declaration, these governments acknowledged the importance of Africa’s forests to the livelihoods of the continent’s people, especially the poor, and recognized of the need to achieve good governance in managing forest resources. The Declaration also notes that information on these laws and policies must be “transparently available.”
In addition, the participating nations acknowledged the rights of local populations to participate in forest resource management decision-making and underscored the urgent need for cooperation among national, regional, and international interests to eradicate illegal logging.
More than 600 participants, including forest and environmental ministers, private sector representatives, and non-governmental organizations attended the Conference. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Environment Jeffry Burnam led the U.S. Delegation, which included officials from the Department of State’s Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES) and the White House’s Council on Environmental Quality.
Countries participating in the conference were: Angola, Belgium, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Canada, Republic of Congo, Cote D’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, European Commission, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Italy, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Seychelles, South Africa, Switzerland, Togo, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Information regarding the conference, including a copy of the Ministerial Declaration, is available at
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