92002E1811

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1811/02

by Nicholas Clegg (ELDR) to the Commission

(24 June 2002)

Subject: Illegal logging

In the light of recent attention given to the problem of illegal logging in the run up to the World Summit on Sustainable Development and the regional forest law enforcement initiatives in Asia and Africa and given that the European Commission is preparing an Action Plan to Combat Illegal Logging and related Illegal Trade, to be presented to the European Parliament and Council by the end of the year, could the Commission confirm where the funding to implement activities with partner countries will come from?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(17 July 2002)

Funding for actions to assist wood-producing countries to combat illegal logging and its associated trade can potentally come from two main sources:

- the Community development budget assigned to that country, for financial and technical or economic co-operation. Priority areas for use of these funds are set out in Country Strategy Papers and National Indicative Programmes, in agreement with the partner country;

- the budget line for tropical forest and the environment. Funds from this budget line are disbursed through an open call for proposals. Some funds are also available to finance the activities of international organisations outside the call for proposals.