A/RES/54/214 Page 2 Convinced also of the important role of subregional and international cooperation in the management of forest ecosystems and combating desertification, in keeping with the international commitments entered into by the international community, Considering that a synergy of international and national efforts is essential in order to achieve sustainable development, 1. Recognizes the importance of the forests of the Central African subregion, the natural characteristics of which play an essential role in the equilibrium of the biosphere of the entire planet; 2. Welcomes the Declaration adopted by the Summit of Central African Heads of State on the Conservation and Sustainable Management of Tropical Forests, held at Yaoundé from 12 to 17 March 1999,1 encourages the countries of Central Africa to implement to the fullest extent possible the undertakings set out in the Declaration, and recognizes the efforts made by those countries in this respect, in particular with regard to policy coherence and coordination, with a view to the sustainable management and conservation of the forest ecosystems of the Central African subregion; 3. Invites the international community to support the countries of Central Africa in these efforts, including through the provision of financial and technical assistance on a regional basis; 4. Encourages the international community, including the Global Environment Facility and the Intergovernmental Forum on Forests, when considering ways and means of achieving the conservation and sustainable management of all types of forests, to take into account, inter alia, the forests of the Central African subregion; 5. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the General Assembly at its fifty-fifth session on the implementation of the present resolution, within the context of the reporting emanating from the Intergovernmental Forum on Forests and taking into account other reporting requests under the item entitled “Environment and sustainable development”. 87th plenary meeting 22 December 1999 1 A/C.2/54/5, annex.