Abstract
At the ninth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP), scheduled for May 2008 in Bonn, Germany, an in-depth review of the expanded programme of work on forest biological diversity is planned. Historically, forest, as a thematic topic, has been one of the central issues for the Convention. The aim of the in-depth review of the expanded programme of work on forest biological diversity is to promote the further implementation of the programme as opposed to reviewing the programme itself. Procedures for the review are outlined in two decisions, one of which applies to the Convention as a whole (annex to decision VIII/15) and one of which is specific to the expanded programme of work on forest biological diversity (annex to decision VIII/19). The review aims to identify the barriers and priorities relevant to implementation. Japan officially expressed its intention to host COP 10 in 2010. In fulfilling such a leading role, it is necessary to understand the underpinning history and background of the process.
