Editing Agenda 21/SECTION II Chapter 11 COMBATING DEFORESTATION (section)

===(b) Data and information===

11.32. Reliable data and information are vital to this programme area. National Governments, in collaboration, where necessary, with relevant international organizations, should, as appropriate, undertake to improve data and information continuously and to ensure its exchange. Major activities to be considered are as follows:

* a. Collecting, consolidating and exchanging existing information and establishing baseline information on aspects relevant to this programme area;
* b. Harmonizing the methodologies for programmes involving data and information activities to ensure accuracy and consistency;
* c. Undertaking special surveys on, for example, land capability and suitability for afforestation action;
* d. Enhancing research support and improving access to and exchange of research results.
* (c) International and regional cooperation and coordination
* 11.33. The international community should extend to the Governments concerned necessary technical and financial support for implementing this programme area, including consideration of the following activities:
* a. Establishing conceptual framework and formulating acceptable criteria, norms and definitions for systematic observations and assessment of forest resources;
* b. Establishing and strengthening national institutional coordination mechanisms for forest assessment and systematic observation activities;
* c. Strengthening existing regional and global networks for the exchange of relevant information;
* d. Strengthening the capacity and ability and improving the performance of existing international organizations, such as the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), FAO, ITTO, UNEP, UNESCO and UNIDO, to provide technical support and guidance in this programme area.