Story so far
1992: Proposal for a convention fails at Earth Summit
1995: Ad hoc open-ended Intergovernmental Panel on Forests (IPF) set up for policy deliberations under Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD)
1997: IPF fails to arrive at consensus on issues such as finance, transfer of environmentally sound technologies and international mechanisms. Open-ended Intergovernmental Forum on Forests (IFF) established to resolve pending IPF issues
2000: IFF's last meeting ends amid persisting differences. United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) set up for five-year period as subsidiary of UN Economic and Social Council
2001: At its first session, UNFF adopts decisions on its multi-year programme of work up to 2005 and plan of action to implement the IPF/IFF's 270-odd proposals. Establishment of ad hoc expert group to mull legal framework on forests also recommended
2002: UNFF's second session adopts Ministerial Declaration. Decision on terms of reference for expert group deferred to UNFF-3.