Mr. Chairman,

1. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

2. At the outset, I wish extend the Group's appreciation to the Secretariat for the very helpful report on this agenda item dealing with Means of Implementation. We note the contents of document E/CN.18/2013/11 and E/CN.18/2013/12 ('the report') outlining the various issues and challenges relating to Forest Financing and the way forward. That report also sets out a number of recommendations that the Group of 77 and China wishes to comment on in this session.

Mr. Chairman,

3. The Objective of the fund should aim at providing new, additional and predictable resources to developing countries, in order to achieve the four global objectives on forests, promote Sustainable Forest Management and implement the NLBI in all types of forests. The fund shall be equally accessible to developing countries without conditionalities and enable direct access to funding by all developing countries with all types of forests. Special need and circumstances of HFLDs, SIDs, LFCCCs, HFCCs countries as well as Africa, shall be taken into account, including for access to finding and also respecting the principle of common but differentiated responsibility

Mr Chairman,

4. With respect to good governance, we are of the view that the creation of more synergies between the Conventions of the United Nations, effective coordination, and resource mobilisation between the major financing institution, stakeholder groups, and communities are vital to the achievement of the of the objectives of SFM.

5. With regards to other forest financing options, we call for the establishment of a voluntary global fund as it is vital to enhance the achievement of SFM. The creation of a new focal area for forests under GEF to be active on its next funding phase is also vital if we are to ensure that GEF contributes meaningfully to the achievement of the four global objective on forests and the NLBI on all types of forests.

6. Strengthening of States and public funding, considering the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilies, is needed for the achievement of SFM and the NLBI implementation, and as well as the establishment of non-market based approaches, along with the promotion of formal and informal appropriate markets for forest goods and services, and the promotion of public-private partnerships are vital for the long term sustainability of forests and SFM and the achievement of the objective of SFM.

Mr. Chairman,
 
7. Despite the number of years we have been discussing about Technology transfer, the rate of technological growth and the gap continues to widen, there is a need to seriously address this issue, have in place the necessary environment to ensure the quick transfer of technology.

8. Developing countries have severe capacity challenges, the removal of conditionalities to allow funding access and the building of capacity to access funds is vital if these funds are to meaningfully achieve their objectives.

Mr Chairman,

9. Finally, the Group considers that stronger language is required in key areas of the recommendations and we feel that more time is needed to discuss the content of the two reports.

I thank you.