A formal agreement that (unlike a resolution) leads to binding actions. Ir becomes part of the agreed body of decisions that direct the work of the COP and UNFCCC Secretariat. Decisions enter into force immediately, are binding on all Parties and do not require further ratification, accession or acceptance by Parties.

The removal of forest and undergrowth (NSW-EPA, 1995)

Refers to change of land cover with depletion of tree crown cover to less than 10%. Changes within the forest class (e.g. from closed to open forest) which negatively affect the stand or site and, in particular, lower the production capacity, are termed forest degradation (FAO, 1998)

The conversion of forest to another land use or the long-term reduction of tree canopy cover below the 10% threshold (FAO, 2000)

The direct human-induced conversion of forested land to non-forested land. (UNFCCC, 2001)

Clearing of tree formations and their replacement by non forest land use (PEENRA website)

A secondary forest that has lost, through human activities, the structure, function, species composition or productivity normally associated with a natural forest type expected on that site. Hence, a degraded forest delivers a reduced supply of goods and services from the given site and maintains only limited biological diversity. Biological diversity of degraded forests includes many non-tree components, which may dominate in the under canopy vegetation. (UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA, 2001)

Forest that delivers a reduced supply of goods and services from a given site and maintains only limited biological diversity. It has lost the structure, function, species composition and /or productivity normally associated with the natural forest type expected at that site. (ITTO, 2002)

Formerly forested lands severely impacted by intensive and/or repeated disturbance (such as mining, repeated fires or overgrazing) with consequently inhibited or delayed forest regrowth. These include barrens areas, Imperata grasslands, brushlands, and scrublands. (Chokkalingam, U. and Wil de Jong, 2001)

Former forest land severely damaged by the excessive harvesting of wood and/or non-wood forest products, poor management, repeated fire, grazing or other disturbances or land-uses that damage soil and vegetation to a degree that inhibits or severely delays the re-establishment of forest after abandonment.(ITTO, 2002)

An office, ministry, or other official entity appointed by a Party to the Kyoto Protocol to review and give national approval to projects proposed under the Clean Development Mechanism.