The union minister for environment and forests Suresh P Prabhu on Wednesday presided over a meeting of the representatives of the state governments, related union ministries, NOG's, business chambers and experts on the draft outline of the proposed legislation.

Prabhu had earlier personally written to the state chief ministers to give their opinions and suggestions on the draft outline of the legislation. In the Wednesday's meeting, the state governments were represented by their forest ministers and senior officials. Discussions were held on sections pertaining to prohibition of certain activities without prior informed consent, benefit sharing on prior intimation regarding commercial application, notification of bio-diversity heritage sites, power to notify threatened species, national and state bio-diversity funds under the draft legislation.

The participants feltthat a closer look needs to be given to the section on prior informed consent as many parts of it were vague. There is also a need for very strict material transfer agreements. On the section on benefit sharing some members said that there was a need to include non-monetary benefit sharing also.

In another related development on Wednesday, Prabhu told the members of the parliamentary consultative committee attached to his ministry that he was making every effort to involve every MP and every cross sections of the stakeholders in consultations on issues relating to his ministry. This is being done, he said to invite suggestions on how to tackle the problems faced by depletion of forest cover and environment degradation in the country.

Over the past few weeks the minister held meetings with groups of MPs representing the western ghat region, coastal region, the metros, the tribal areas and reserved constituencies.

The members felt that the NGO culture must grow as this would be the best bet against thedepletion of forest cover. If afforestation increases tremendous benefits will flow like increase in rainfall. It was also felt that tribals must be provided with some land where they can cultivate their own crops. This is necessary if the practice of shifting cultivation is to be reduced. Some members referred to this year's unprecedented heat wave in Orissa and wondered if it was directly or indirectly related to deforestation. It was the opinion of some members that the tribals should be accepted as protectors of forests.

The need for a survey on survival rate of baby plantations and causes for mortality was also suggested. NGOs and universities could be involved in making the subject of conservation more interesting. The need for coordination with the horticulture department in the Union agriculture ministry was also suggested. Some members felt that panchayat's needed to be scientifically told about the role in afforestation.

In his concluding remarks, Prabhu stated that moves are afoot for closercoordination with the department of wasteland development in the Union ministry of rural areas and employment. It is also being considered to make some allocation for forest plantations under DRDA scheme.