April 2013 Newsletter | 1 WWF GFTN NEWSLETTER JULY 2013
April 2013 Newsletter | 1
WWF GFTN NEWSLETTER JULY 2013
April 2013 Newsletter | 1
CONTENTS
GFTN is WWF’s initiative to eliminate illegal logging and transform the global marketplace into a force for saving the world’s valuable and threatened forests. By facilitating trade links between companies committed to achieving and supporting responsible forestry, GFTN creates market conditions
practices throughout the supply chain.
MESSAGE FROM GFTN HEAD, GEORGE WHITE Illegal logging by any other name is criminal 2
GFTN NEWS Peru’s native community signs second contract for responsible management 3
WWF takes part in annual Forest Movement Europe meeting in Sweden 4The WWF and IKEA partnership: Celebrating ten years of action 5WWF-IKEA extends responsible forest management project in Central Vietnam 6Now available: European timber import data since 1999 from VPA countries 7WWF/GFTN releases Guide to Lesser Known Tropical Timber Species 8Report: EU imports more goods linked to deforestation than any other region 9
GFTN ON THE GROUND
WWF and Tetra Pak launch FSC awareness campaign in Romania 11
CUTTING EDGE INSIGHTS 13
GFTN & CREDIBLE CERTIFICATION
FSC Global Market Survey Report 2012 15FSC launches smallholder fund 16Increasing consumer awareness of FSC in the Nordic countries 17
GFTN & MARKET TRANSFORMATION Sorvizhi-les’ business model promotes responsible management in Russia 18Getting to the root of the problem through wood tracing 19
GFTN NOTES FROM THE FIELD Forests in Khabarovsk under threat 22
FACES OF GFTN 24
UPCOMING EVENTS 25
GFTN AT A GLANCE/GFTN TOOLBOX 26
GFTN GLOBAL STATS 27
Cover: Forests of the Puerto Esperanza community, Peru. © Diego Perez/WWF-Peru
2
Illegal logging by any other name is criminal
For those of us who spend more time at our desks thinking about forests than actually being in them, some issues related to responsible forestry can become abstract. We think about legislation and how it affects markets;; we talk about the
do not give enough thought to illegal logging on the ground itself and its impact.
Despite the huge efforts at the political and legislative levels, amongst companies committed to acting diligently in their purchasing, or forest managers ensuring that their own operations are legally compliant, illegal logging is still rampant. It gnaws away at forests quietly and insidiously, degrading and corrupting as it so often goes unchecked.
crucial habitat for the endangered Amur tiger and other critical species. As those who have studied illegal logging closely will know, it is rarely a case of simple theft of logs when no one is looking. What I saw was an elaborate fraud covered in a thin veil of respectability. “Harvesting permits” existed to essentially allow “salvage logging” of sites that were claimed to be diseased or damaged. Whilst the need for such logging was highly debateable and probably unnecessary, it was approved and the end result was a severely plundered forest riddled with deep skid trails, and devoid of commercial timber for the future – another blow in the death of a forest by a thousand cuts.
Existing as it did in the heart of Amur tiger habitat in the Korean pine–Mongolian oak forests of Primorsky Krai and Khabarovsk Krai, this is obviously of concern to WWF and all who believe that forestry should be practised legally and responsibly, especially in such ecologically fragile places. With only about 500 Amur tigers left and even fewer leopards roaming these forests, every impact counts.
The illegal site I saw was the subject of a successful prosecution, in part brought about by WWF’s efforts to identify the sites and track down the gangs that log them. The region seems to be waking up to the need for greater enforcement and
others. Those who make timber purchasing decisions at work should never forget the power they wield. Silent acquiescence will ensure that illegal loggers and
a difference and show what they will no longer accept illegal logging activities. The often abstract process of digging in to a supply chain and asking the right questions and pushing for the right answers has a dividend – the big cats and the forests of the Russian Far East, as well as other crucial habitats around the world, might get the break they deserve.
George White [email protected]
© WWF / G
FTN
MESSAGE FROM GFTN HEAD
GEORGE WHITE
George White, GFTN Head
3
GFTN NEWS
Peru’s native community signs second contract for responsible management
between the indigenous community of Puerto Esperanza in the Eastern Peruvian Amazon, and Consorcio Forestal Amazónico (CFA), a timber company, to join efforts to responsibly manage 800 hectares of forest, a second contract has been concluded for the management of another 800 hectares. With this new agreement, the community is expected to sell more than 1,300 m3 of responsibly harvested timber from their lands, totalling around US $130,000 per year.
management for both the community and CFA. Secondly, the agreement covers more than 20 timber species, another achievement given that almost all the companies in Peru work with only two or three species, and it is expected to open up new markets for a range of lesser known timber species (LKTS) hence increasing the value of
parties, paving the way for similar future collaborations between them, and beyond that, between other native communities and the private sector in Peru.
WWF/GFTN has supported the work between CFA and Puerto Esperanza through the Living Amazon Project which is funded by the European Union and WWF-Germany and implemented in Peru and Colombia through various local partners: DAR, SNV, TRAFFIC, CorpoAmazonia and Sinchi. This initiative is designed to support the indigenous community’s articulation with the market under the fair trade criteria.
For more information, contact: Rafael Venegas, GFTN Coordinator, WWF-Peru ([email protected])
The challenge of increasing
tropics In May, the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) International Centre hosted a two-day meeting to discuss the myriad of
attracted 80 participants from across the world, and was attended by GFTN Head George White and GFTN Responsible
possible action plans to stimulate growth.
in the tropics from its current 10 million hectares. Since the tropics record a total of about 400 million hectares production forests today, the consensus was that there
case. Economic incentive is one of the key drivers for increased uptake of forests
especially in the area of responsible forest management.
© GEORGE WHITE
/WWF-G
FTN
WWF Global Forest & Trade Network |
Gijs Breukink, GFTN Responsible Forestry Coordinator, speaks at the FSC meeting on tropical forests, May 2013.
4
Other presentations emphasized the need for FSC to focus on the quality of
compared to the norm, and that a major challenge is the weak governance environment
region are becoming clearer, but inconsistent performance on both the social and
testimony that there is no shortage of interest and passion in making FSC succeed in these regions.
For more information, contact: Gijs Breukink, GFTN Responsible Forestry Coordinator ([email protected])
WWF takes part in annual Forest Movement Europe meeting in Sweden Forest Movement Europe (FME) is a group of European-based non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working on a wide range of forest issues. The annual FME
Senior Advisor, Paper Footprint and Market Change, WWF International’s Pulp & Paper team, where they jointly presented the WWF Living Forests Report. The report contains a series of projections on the growing demand for forest products and the impact this will have on land use, especially on natural forests. Estimating a tripling of
the implication this will have on their work.
White also presented the GFTN programme to the group and discussed its impact and evolution, as well as the lessons learnt from more than 20 years of work in the forest products sector. Participants noted the increase in the level of transparency of the GFTN programme, and its current action plans per recommendations made in the independent assessment of the programme in 2012.
Other matters reviewed at the meeting included the Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPA) process, the development of the EU Timber Regulation and the concerns about
of illegal timber still entering Europe and hence the need for immediate enforcement by Member States. The group also discussed the campaign focused around Indonesian
Asia Pulp & Paper (APP), highlighting the actions taken by the latter to improve its practices.
FME remains an excellent platform for European NGOs to exchange views and approaches amongst like-minded organizations, despite the varying campaign and engagement styles they may adopt on the operational level. “This is a passionate group,” said White, “with enough common ground to be able to share ideas and to collaborate on a range of forest issues.”
Download the full Living Forests Chapter 4 here: http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/how_we_work/conservation/forests/publications/living_forests_report/
LIVING FORESTS REPORT: DEMAND
FOR FIBRE IS EXPECTED TO
TRIPLE BY 2050
© VLADIMIR FILONOV/WWF-CANON
The WWF and IKEA partnership: Celebrating ten years of action WWF and IKEA have worked successfully together as partners since 2002. Today, that partnership runs joint projects in 13 countries to promote responsible use of resources with a special focus on the forest and cotton production and markets. The partnership also strives to inspire other companies and networks to address environmental challenges and create a better and more sustainable way of living worldwide.
WWF and home furnishings retailer IKEA share the same values and want to see
and shows how a similar partnership can lead to truly responsible business practices.
“We can do a lot to improve standards in our own supply chain by working with suppliers and so on, but some issues are systemic and not something we can solve on our own. Together with a strategic partner with expertise, like WWF, we have a much bigger impact. And because IKEA is a big market player, we have a responsibility to be part of a wider movement,” said Simon Henzell-Thomas, IKEA Sustainability Policy & Partnerships.
George White, GFTN Head, offered his take on the partnership, “Working with partners like IKEA across a range of countries has allowed us to begin to transform forestry
As a result, the work undertaken in the partnership has allowed GFTN to work more effectively on a global level.”
In fostering responsible forest management to secure forest values for both present and future needs, the WWF-IKEA cooperation takes a four-pronged approach: combat illegal
and protect High Conservation Value Forests (HCVF).
The 10 years of partnership and still counting have scored many tangible breakthroughs, examples of which include:
Combat illegal logging
partnership’s initiative.
illegal logging.
to promote responsible forest management in the country.
which nearly two million is supported by WWF/GFTN. Nine forest management
foresters, wood processing companies and the public.
“IKEA IS A FORERUNNER IN SOME AREAS, AND
A GOOD EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW IN
TRANSFORMING MARKETS ON A LONG-
TERM BASIS. AT THE SAME TIME, WE
CONTINUE TO CHALLENGE IKEA IN ITS WORK
TOWARDS BECOMING A MORE SUSTAINABLE
COMPANY.” HÅKAN WIRTÉN,
SECRETARY GENERAL, WWF-SWEDEN
5WWF Global Forest & Trade Network |
Legal logging in the Russian forest.
6
of farmers have been introduced and trained on forest management. This has
Promote responsible and legal timber trade
illegal export was published in cooperation with the Russian State Customs Academy.
developed following a gap analysis conducted on local rattan and acacia suppliers.
Map and protect High Conservation Value Forests
the future.
Download the full report here: http://awsassets.panda.org/downloads/factsheet_responsible_forest_management_20130614.pdf
For more information, contact: Per Larsson, GFTN Manager, WWF-Sweden ([email protected])
WWF-IKEA extends responsible forest management project in Central Vietnam Phase four of the WWF-IKEA project on “Promoting sustainable forest management in central Vietnam” has been approved and
The project aims to maintain natural forests in Central Vietnam and to reduce IKEA’s risk of purchasing wood from high-risk areas. Project focus activities include supporting the forest restoration vision of the Vietnamese Government to connect
companies to meet timber legality requirements.
Under phase three, training was given to ten timber product export companies that are IKEA suppliers, on EU and US timber legality requirements to help them meet increasingly exacting market demands.
integrated the “Forest restoration plan to connect natural forests in the Central Annamites” into the Provincial Forest Development toward 2020.
Another noteworthy achievement of the previous phase was the decision in 2012 by the Vietnamese government to be a part of the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) programme. Negotiations are now ongoing for a FLEGT Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) for Vietnam. Once the VPA is signed, compliance will be a pre-export requirement for all timber players in Vietnam including forest owners, sawmills, traders, manufacturers and retailers. The VPA is expected to be signed by early 2014.
The new phase of the project further aims to increase awareness of FLEGT and VPA requirements to IKEA suppliers and local
For more information, contact: Anh LeThuy, Central Annamite Landscape Manager, WWF-Vietnam([email protected])
© LO
UISE CARLSSON/WWF-S
WEDEN
Quang Tri Smallholder Forest Group.
7
Now available: European timber import data since 1999 from VPA countries Trade data on wood products imported to the European Union (EU) from Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPA) partner countries since 1999 is now available.
Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs) are bilateral agreements between the EU and timber exporting countries, which aim to guarantee that the wood exported to the EU is from legal sources and to support partner countries in improving their own regulation and governance of the sector by increasing public participation in the forest sector and reducing illegal logging.
– tracks imports since 1999 from the current 14 VPA partner countries of which six are developing the systems agreed under a VPA, while eight are negotiating with the EU. In all, the publication points to the potential value of timber to be imported under Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licences. VPA partner countries with an operational FLEGT licensing system based on that agreement can issue FLEGT licences. In the timber trade, FLEGT-licensed timber offers a distinct advantage in the European market since all timber products with a FLEGT licence automatically comply with the EU Timber Regulation.
View the report here:
VPA countries currently in the
system development phase:
Cameroon
Central African Republic
Ghana
Indonesia
Liberia
Republic of Congo (Brazzaville)
VPA countries in negotiation phase:
Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
Democratic Republic of Congo
Gabon
Guyana
Honduras
Malaysia
Thailand
Vietnam
WWF Global Forest & Trade Network |
8
WWF/GFTN releases Guide to Lesser Known Tropical Timber Species The heavy exploitation of a few highly valuable commercial timber species such as mahogany, afrormosia, ramin and rosewood – due in major part to the insatiable demand from consumer markets – has meant that many of them are now vulnerable or threatened by extinction. Even in forests where there are good levels of forest management, there is a risk of a shift in species composition in natural forest stands. This over-exploitation can also dissuade many
for their concessions, as many of these high value
In order to make responsible forest management the norm over the long term, markets must be developed for lesser known timber species (LKTS). Many forest concessions in the tropics can contain over 100 different tree species, yet the majority of these species are not being marketed because there is no market for them currently. Many of these species characteristics are simply not even known, and could perform just as well as many of the traditionally used species.
Harvesting and sourcing a wider portfolio of species, including LKTS, can also help build a healthy business case for forest managers and reduce reliance on a few species as the primary source of income. The use of LKTS, in combination
value export markets, could help make responsible forest management a more viable alternative in many of WWF’s priority places. Markets are hard to change, so to enable the market for LKTS, there
these alternative species.
WWF/GFTN has developed a guide – led by GFTN-
provide information on these valuable but often overlooked LKTS, to encourage their use and to ensure that the world’s most threatened timber species are not harvested into extinction. The guide provides details on more than 50 possible alternative species and their end uses, as well as information on GFTN participants supplying those species.
Access the LKTS guide via MyGFTN, the website available to GFTN participants.
For more information, contact:Gijs Breukink, GFTN Responsible Forestry Coordinator, ([email protected])
1
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
A GUIDE TO LESSER KNOWN TROPICAL TIMBER SPECIESJULY 2013
4
AFRICAN MAHOGANY(Khaya ivorensis)
AFRICAN WALNUT (Lovoa trichilioides)
AFRORMOSIA (Pericopsis elata)
ASH (Fraxinus spp.)
BIRCH (Betula spp.)
BOSSE (Guarea spp.)
BOXWOOD (Buxus spp.)
BRAZILIAN MAHOGANY (Swietenia macrophylla)
BRAZILIAN ROSEWOOD (Dalbergia nigra)
DARK & LIGHT RED MERANTI (Shorea spp.)
AFRICAN CANARIUM (Canarium schweinfurthii)ANDIROBA (Carapa guianensis, Carapa procera)SANTA MARIA (Calophyllum brasiliense)
ANDIROBA (Carapa guianensis, Carapa procera)SANTA MARIA (Calophyllum brasiliense)
GUARIUBA (Clarisia racemosa)TIMBAUBA (Enterolobium schomburgkii)
AFRICAN CELTIS (Celtis mildbraedii/ zenkeri)LOTOFA (Sterculia rhinopetala)
GUARIUBA (Clarisia racemosa)
KANDA (Beilschmiedia mannii)
GUARIUBA (Clarisia racemosa)
ANDIROBA (Carapa guianensis, Carapa procera)OBOTO (Mammea africana)
OGEA (Daniellia ogea)
GERONGGANG (Cratoxylon arborescens)
USING THIS SPECIES... END USES...
GARDENFURNITURE
INTERIORFURNITURE
VENEER
DECKING
RAILWAYSLEEPERS
FLOORING
WINDOW FRAMES
ENGINEERING &CONSTRUCTION
POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVESClick on any alternative species for more details. Click on end uses to view alternative species by end use.
ALTERNATIVE SPECIES
LAUAN, SERAYA
BAHIA ROSEWOOD, JACARANDÁ DA BAHIA
BIG LEAF MAHOGANY
BOX
DIAMBE, BLACK GUAREA
AFRICAN TEAK
CONGOWOOD, TIGERWOOD
ACAJOU BASSAM, ACAJOU BLANC, DEKE, ACAJOU
AFRICAN ELEMI, MUPAFU
NATAL STINKWOOD, NATAL ELM
CARAPA, CRAB WOOD
CARAPA, CRAB WOOD
CARAPA, CRAB WOOD
JACAREÚBA, GUANANDI, LANDIM, OLANDIM, LANDI, OCURE
JACAREÚBA, GUANANDI, LANDIM, OLANDIM, LANDI, OCUREMURURÉ, TULPAY, MATAPALO, OITY, CARACO
MURURÉ, TULPAY, MATAPALO, OITY, CARACO
MURURÉ, TULPAY, MATAPALO, OITY, CARACO
NSOU, FARO
WAWABIMA
BATIBATRA
AKOK, BOGO
AFRICAN APPLE, BASTARD MAHOGANY
OTHER NAMES OTHER NAMES
1 OF 3
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FEATURESFSC CERTIFIED SUPPLIERS
CERTIFICATE CODE
FSC LICENSE #
WWF/GFTN OFFICES
Central & West Africa
496
High
Moderate dimensional stability
670 when Dry
Durable, but soon after felling, logs should be treated chemically, extracted and converted to prevent insect attack
Slightly coarse
Easy
Stained African Canarium is so similar in appearance to African Mahogany (Khaya ivorensis) that it usually requires an expert to differentiate between the two. Also, a substitute for Okoume (Aucoumea klaineana) for plywood. The grain sometimes produces a very attractive stripe figure on quarter-cut surfaces. Interlocked grain and silica content have very high blunting effects on cutting tools. To process the wood, tungsten tipped cutters may be required.
http://tropix.cirad.fr/africa/AIELE.pdf
Groupe Décolvenaere:
Sawn-wood
Wijma Douala:
Sawn-wood
Groupe Décolvenaere:
SW-COC-004046 / SW-CW/FM-005327 / SW-COC-004733 / SW-FM/COC-004622
Wijma Douala:
BV-COC-070607
Groupe Décolvenaere:
FSC-C009192 / FSC-C092829 / FSC-C012782 / FSC-C041197
Wijma Douala:
FSC-C013971
GFTN-Cameroon
www.gftn.panda.org/about_gftn/contacts/
Pinkish when freshly cut but darkens to light brown mahogany colour
AFRICAN CANARIUM (Canarium schweinfurthii)
GARDENFURNITURE
INTERIORFURNITURE
VENEER
DECKING
RAILWAYSLEEPERS
FLOORING
WINDOW FRAMES
ENGINEERING &CONSTRUCTION
GARDENFURNITURE
INTERIORFURNITURE
VENEER
DECKING
RAILWAYSLEEPERS
FLOORING
WINDOW FRAMES
ENGINEERING &CONSTRUCTION
GARDENFURNITURE
INTERIORFURNITURE
VENEER
DECKING
RAILWAYSLEEPERS
FLOORING
WINDOW FRAMES
ENGINEERING &CONSTRUCTION
DISTRIBUTION
HEARTWOOD COLOUR
DENSITY Kg/m3
SILICA CONTENT
MOVEMENT IN SERVICE
JANKA/SIDE HARDNESSIN (LBS. OF FORCE)
DURABILITY
TEXTURE
WORKING QUALITY
OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST
MORE INFORMATION
ALTERNATIVE SPECIES
9
Report: EU imports more goods linked to deforestation than any other regionDespite the European Union’s commitment to reduce gross tropical deforestation by 50 per cent by 2020, the EU imports far more goods that are associated with tropical deforestation (crops and livestock) than expected, according to a new study published by the European Commission.
study.
This puts the EU well ahead of other industrialized regions: Eastern Asia, including
hectares during the same period.
The study, “The impact of EU consumption on deforestation,” shows that while the majority of crops and livestock products that can be linked to tropical deforestation are consumed at local or regional level, almost 36 per cent of those traded internationally go to the EU. Increases in consumption of oil crops such as soy, palm oil and related products as well as meat consumption are all major drivers of deforestation in tropical areas.
“The EU Commission, Member States and the European Parliament need to act now and review all policies that are linked to the consumption of resources derived from tropical deforested areas if we really are serious about tackling our share of the global
see no evil’ when it comes to the destruction of forest areas outside the EU. We need to reduce our environmental footprint by looking at how our resource consumption affects these countries.”
“There is no silver bullet to the problem of deforestation,” Schulmeister said. “What
agricultural, trade and consumer policy which are all vital in tackling the EU’s role in deforestation.”
Read the full report here: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/forests/impact_deforestation.htm
For more information, contact:
Deforestation in East Kalimantan, Borneo.
WWF Global Forest & Trade Network |
© SIMON RAWLES/WWF-CANON.
10
GFTN ON THE GROUND
Chinese government takes
responsible managementChina is today the world’s biggest importer, consumer and exporter of timber and other forests products. Over the past decade, a six-fold increase in its gross domestic product has generated new wealth, prompting a rising demand for wood and paper products. In 2007, China’s consumption of wood products reached over 370 million m3 a year and by 2020, it is expected to exceed 470 million m3.
There is no better time than now to see the Chinese government take steps to steer the country towards responsible consumption and production of forest products in China through important policy changes. The policy development and business engagement in forest sectors run by the Forest Programme at WWF-China have contributed in part to this global shift and market transformation in China today.
New procurement code for China
the standard of what constitute environmentally friendly wood products throughout the full supply chain – from documentation-supported origin of raw materials from
inspection and tests rules employed. The Code promotes the purchase of legal wood, and documents showing proof of legality of the raw material have to be requested at the time of purchase. The new Code is one of the key components of the Chinese government’s procurement system while it is also a standard for all other consuming companies that are not government agencies.
“WWF welcomes the progress made by the Chinese government in promoting more responsible consumption for environment-friendly forest products,” said
the Code through engagement of sector leaders, including key GFTN participants, via the China Green in Home Alliance formed in August 2012. WWF sponsored a comprehensive research paper and then a conference on government procurement, which was a crucial part of the consultation process for concerned government
continue to promote the Code by increasing awareness, building capacity and enforcing transparency to make it a driving force towards responsible consumption, production and trade of timber products throughout China.”
New guidelines for sustainable trade of forest products
In another strong move to tackle illegal logging and secure sustainable trade and over-seas investments for forest products, the State Forestry Administration of China (SFA)
Investment for Chinese Overseas Enterprises,” a critical document that serves as a call to action for all stakeholders to tackle illegal logging and to promote responsible trade and overseas investment for forest products.
the EU Timber Regulation and the US Lacey Act.”
In the development of this Guideline, WWF-China was both SFA’s partner and sponsor, facilitating a study tour in December 2011 to Ghana and Gabon on Forest
Training on responsible forest management and trade to Chinese forest companies in Gabon by Chinese and local governments and WWF.
© BEDE LUCIUS MOUSSAVOU MAKANGA/WWF
11
Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade Voluntary Partner Agreements (FLEGT VPAs) and organizing several multi-stakeholder roundtables. An exciting development arising from this SFA initiative is the interest generated in other sectors in China – for example, a similar guideline for responsible mining for Chinese overseas enterprises is now in the pipeline.
Training for Chinese companies in Mozambique on Guidelines on
Sustainable Forest Management
WWF facilitated a two-day training in May 2013 on “Guidelines on Sustainable Forest Management” for Chinese business operations in Mozambique. Delivered jointly by the SFA and the National Directorate of Land and Forests of Mozambique, the programme shows the support of both governments towards responsible forest management. More than 65 participants from both governments and the private sector attended the
expressed interest in more of such training and roundtable sessions.
Such engagement through training, held annually in Gabon since 2011, is starting to have its impact on business practices. According to an International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) study, in 2010, only 818,932 hectares of forests (out of total of nearly three million) held by Chinese companies in Gabon had forest management plans. Today, 1.2 million hectares have newly developed management plans. Furthermore, four Chinese companies who hold more than 1.5 million hectares of concessions in Gabon have indicated their willingness to join GFTN. “We are pleased to see such positive results arising from the training conducted in collaboration
For more information, contact: JIN Zhonghao, GFTN Manager, WWF-China ([email protected])
WWF and Tetra Pak launch FSC awareness campaign in RomaniaOnly one in four Romanian consumers knows what the FSC logo on cardboard packaging represents, according to a survey commissioned by GFTN participant Tetra Pak in Romania.
The survey was conducted as part of the “Discover FSC packaging” campaign launched by Tetra Pak and WWF-Romania, the aim of which is to promote FSC packaging and to make consumers aware of how their choices can contribute to environmental protection.
One of the world’s leading manufacturers of food processing and packaging products, Tetra Pak became a GFTN-Sweden participant in 2006, covering the companies sourcing of liquid carton board. Tetra Pak is today also a GFTN-North America participant. GFTN’s mission to eliminate illegal logging and transform the global marketplace into a force for saving the world’s valuable and threatened forests is shared by Tetra Pak, which is committed to business practices that protect resources for future generations.
WWF Global Forest & Trade Network |
WWF staff crossing a stream. Retezat National Park, Romania.
© ANDREAS BECKMANN/WWF-CANON
“Following a series of information campaigns about the importance of recycling cardboard packaging, we are now bringing forward the importance of renewable resources, such as forests. With this campaign we are adding to the efforts of WWF-
Dumitru, Communications Manager, Tetra Pak South-Easter Europe.
The survey shows that only 14 per cent of Romanian consumers have seen the FSC logo on products and 24 per cent know what the logo stands for. On the other hand, 53 per cent of interviewees expressed preference for products that come in FSC
and to offer a bigger protection not through restrictive legislation, but through rewards for market actors who choose to focus on society, nature and sustainability alongside
bring about a real change – bigger responsibility in industry players and society at large. ”
The survey was commissioned by Tetra Pak and conducted by Exact Research and Consulting. It is representative of the 18-59 age group, with medium to high level of education, living in cities and using the internet. The survey was conducted among 728 respondents, randomly selected out of a pool of 2,000 used by the research agency. The data collection was conducted between 10–13 May 2013 and has a level of reliability of 95 per cent.
For more information on Tetra Pak’s GFTN participation, view the public information document here: http://gftn.panda.org/about_gftn/current_participants/doc_downloads.cfm?companyid=3056
12
FSC label on logs.© N.C. TURNER/ WWF-CANON
ONLY 14 PER CENT OF ROMANIAN
CONSUMERS HAVE SEEN THE FSC LOGO ON PRODUCTS AND
24 PER CENT KNOW WHAT THE LOGO
STANDS FOR
13
GFTN CUTTING EDGE INSIGHTS
The road to 100 per cent forest
development have begun to pay off for GFTN-Central Africa who has been
(a Dutch company located in southern Cameroon) in achieving close to 100 per cent
story.
Will you introduce WIJMA and WIJMA Cameroon?
(logging, processing and sale) with headquarters in Kampen (Netherlands) and presence in many countries in Europe, Asia, America and Africa. It is a family-owned company founded in 1897 and is today at its fourth generation.
Forest Exploitation Company). Together, the holding company manages six Forest Management Units (FMUs) and 1,000 employees.
© NORBERT S
ONNE/WWF
© NORBERT SONNE/WWF
WWF Global Forest & Trade Network |
Nursery for afforestation after logging.
FMU
FMU 09021
FMU 09022
FMU 09024
FMU 09025
FMU 11005
FMU 00003
Total
Surface FMU
36,439
61,301
73,318
88,147
71,815
103,407
434,427
36,439
61,301
57,385
88,147
71,815
315,087
36,439
61,301
73,318
88,147
71,815
331,020
School constructed with support from WIJMA.
14
beginning and what motivates you to stay engaged?
In 2000, due to its growing environmental concern, the Dutch Government
Impact Logging technique, for example, allows us to better valorize timber at lower production costs, while our holistic monitoring system ensures we continuously maintain responsible forest management practices, and even to anticipate potential negative effects for timely corrective actions. All these can result in production cost savings by about 10 to 12 per cent.
Trade (FLEGT) will encourage companies to take the extra step from legal
?
administration. This can have a negative impact on FSC since we all know the
You sell mainly to the Netherlands where the market is willing to pay a
Our recommendation is that all consumer countries, like the Dutch government,
international organizations working for tropical forest conservation should lobby at the level of governments and municipalities in these countries.
What are your recommendations for a company that is deciding between
European Timber Regulation (EUTR)?
process that will permit it to align with all the legal requirements, hence leading to
partnership with a logging company this year, one more FMU (103407) came under our management. So our plan is
© WIJM
A
First-aid training.
Measure taken to block road after logging to avoid intrusion in the forest through logging roads.
© NORBERT SONNE/WWF
15
GFTN & CREDIBLE
CERTIFICATION
More than 100,000 hectares
under GFTN-IndonesiaMore than 100,000 hectares of forest concessions operated by
the biggest teak plantation in Indonesia with an area covering 2.2 million hectares, which is divided into 57 forest management units. Five of these are under the scope of the company’s GFTN participation.
“In Perum Perhutani, sustainable forest management principles are adhered to across
Perhutani.
in March 2013. Located in West Kutai, East Kalimantan, PT Ratah Timber manages a total area of 97,000 hectares of natural rainforest. The concession is also project’s pilot site for carbon and biodiversity together with Kyoto University and Payment for Environmental Servicse (PES) with FSC and UNEP.
For more information, contact: Dita Ramadhani, GFTN Trade Coordinator, WWF-Indonesia ([email protected])
FSC Global Market Survey Report 2012The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) announced the release of its Global Market Survey Report 2012
of whom 98 per cent indicated that they were planning to renew or keep their FSC
The 2012 survey is also the third consecutive year
participate. The 4,595 respondents make up 18.5 per
representing a good response rate for a fair indicator of overall market perceptions, market developments and future trends.
© JOKO SARJITO/WWF-INDONESIA
© FSC A.C.
forest in North Banyuwangi, Indonesia.
© RIZAL B
UKHARI/W
WF-IN
DONESIA
WWF Global Forest & Trade Network |
Ratah, East Kalimantan, Indonesia.
© WWF-IN
DONESIA/RIZAL B
UKHARI
16
existence, the FSC system is well-established in global markets.
76 per cent of respondents) and for non-timber forest products (stated by 71 per cent of all respondents), which include rubber, food and drinks, cosmetics or bamboo.
environment together with the competitive advantage which FSC offers that provides the strongest driving force for FSC in the market.
it transparent that products originate from well-managed forests.
managed forests.
Download the full report here:
FSC launches smallholder fundAs part of FSC’s ongoing commitment to smallholders – comprising small private, family, and community forest owners – who own and manage much of the world’s forestland, the Council launched a smallholder fund that will
readiness, compliance with FSC Principles and Criteria, strengthening smallholder organizations, building capacity for entrepreneurship, enhancing supply chain management
“Smallholders are a cornerstone of the FSC system,” said Kim Carstensen, Director General of FSC International. “This fund is designed to help them – and the forests they
A percentage of the FSC Annual Administration Fee is being used to create the Smallholder Fund. Initial distribution of funding will occur in October 2013. To be eligible, applicants must meet criteria for small or low-intensity production or be
single-use grants at one year, US $5,500–US $40,000 (€5,000–€30,000) or multi-use grants at up to three years, US $5,500–US $66,000 (€5,000–€50,000).
business, with information about how they would use the grant. National and regional
full proposal.
For more information on the FSC smallholder fund:
Team of community forest workers preparing to leave for the forest in Acre, Brazil.
© JOACHIM MEIER-DÖRNBERG
17
Increasing consumer awareness of FSC in the Nordic countriesA recent consumer awareness study in Finland, Norway and Sweden showed an increasing awareness of FSC in these countries. Seventeen per cent of respondents in Sweden were aware of the FSC logo, along with 14 per cent in Finland and 5 per cent in Norway.
similar studies done in 2011 and 2012. For Sweden, it is an increase from 13 per cent in 2011 and 14 per cent in 2012;; in Finland, awareness was 10 per cent in 2011 and 11 per cent in 2012. FSC awareness is notably lower in Norway, but has still increased from 4 per cent in 2011 and 2012.
Swedish consumers take forest issues seriously and realize the importance of making
February 2013. At least 1,000 interviews were completed in each country.
17 PER CENT OF RESPONDENTS IN
SWEDEN WERE AWARE OF THE FSC LOGO, ALONG WITH
14 PER CENT IN FINLAND AND 5 PER
CENT IN NORWAY.
WWF Global Forest & Trade Network |
© FSC A.C.
GFTN & MARKET TRANSFORMATION
Sorvizhi-les’ business model promotes responsible management in RussiaIn collaboration with GFTN-Russia and the local community, Russian logging company Sorvizhi-les has created a business model that not only supports responsible forest management
practices, but also brings new economic opportunities to the local community. The company’s efforts to promote the production of diverse forest products within its FSC
and within the Russian market, Sorvizhi-les produces a variety of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) ranging from wild honey, wild berries, medicinal plants and mushrooms. The FSC concession provides employment opportunities for the local community, as well as recreational grounds for locals and tourists alike.
Sorvizhi-les’s effort to pursue multiple use of forest products as opposed to just timber
of the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games.
The business model of multiple use of diverse forest products was enabled through obtaining additional agreements for secondary use of forests from Russian authorities
NTFP extraction.
Sorvizhi-les’s efforts are being lauded locally due to job creation, resources, ecotourism opportunities and revenue from the sales of NTFPs in the region. Thus far, a total of US $120,000 of revenue have been produced from beekeeping, hunting management and harvesting of other non-timber forest resources. A total share of 49 per cent of compensated costs are received from multiple use.
While Sorvizhi-les has garnered great success on a national and local level, the company recognizes the need to expand the markets for NTFPs and to establish a business case for forest ecotourism services and carbon sequestration. The two biggest challenges
services, such as ecotourism, possible.
environmental and social stewardship. GFTN-Russia has been actively helping the
Russian companies as an example of how responsible management of forest resources
For more information, contact: Alexander Voropaev, GFTN Manager, WWF-Russia ([email protected])
18
Birch trees in autumn colours in the valley of the Bikin River, a boreal forest in Siberia, Russian Federation.
© VLADIMIR FILO
NOV/WWF-C
ANON
19WWF Global Forest & Trade Network |
Getting to the root of the problem through wood tracingStatistics pertaining to deforestation as a result of unsustainable and illegal logging continue to alarm.
In the last 50 years, almost 50 per cent of the world forests have largely disappeared, while an additional 13 million hectares are being destroyed every year. More than 50 per cent of wood exported from the Amazon, Central Africa, Southeast Asia and Russia is illegally harvested resulting in losses of about US$15 billion a year for states, industry and forest owners. It is estimated that 20 to 40 per cent of the total wood production in the world is illegal. In addition, deforestation and forest degradation currently account for up to 20 per cent of global anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions – the third-largest source after coal and oil.
Until irresponsible and illegal practices are effectively curbed, timber-producing countries will continue to lose valuable resources and income. To be fair, there are ongoing efforts to combat illegal logging through initiatives such as the EU Action Plan on Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) promoting bilateral Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs) between the EU and timber exporting countries, the EU Timber Regulation, the USA Lacey Act and the
However, these regulations can only be effective if the country of origin stated
not merely by sighting the accompanying shipping documents as is the common
information about species or origin. WWF considers this lack of control and full
chain.
Thankfully though, technological advances over the last decade have made it possible to produce tamper-proof tracking information on the true origin of
characterization, and the relatively new technologies of DNA analysis for species
precise genetic markers and stable isotopes, hence reducing the possibility of forged chain-of-custody documents and laundering timber from unsustainable and illegal harvests. These science-based methods help companies who source from high-risk areas reduce their risk of buying from objectionable sources. Practical application of such technologies will form an important part of the due diligence system that will strengthen compliance with regulations and for GFTN partner companies to gain better control of procurement processes.
There is still one more component necessary for
and stable isotope markers. There needs to be a database reference comprising species samples collected and analyzed from every region of the world. Under the guidance of a Steering Committee of which WWF is a part of, this global geo-referenced database is already
illegal logging in Sumatra, Indonesia.
© ALAIN COMPOST / W
WF-C
ANON
© WWF-CANON / MIKE GOLDWATER
Illegal logging of high quality timber, Congo.
20
made accessible to accredited laboratories worldwide – will facilitate accurate
origin of wood and wood products.
Meanwhile, until this comprehensive global reference database is complete, however, the DNA and stable istope technologies are ready for use – it just takes
Sniffer dogs
Yet another innovation on pilot trial by WWF-Germany is the use of sniffer dogs to detect illegal timber entering the EU. It is proving to be an effective and
CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).
Regardless of which of the foregoing methods, WWF, as project initiator of stable isotopes and sniffer dogs since as far back as 2004, aims to give all interested stakeholders (companies, authorities, non-government organizations, etc.) an easy, fast and relatively low-cost way to verify the declared origin and tree species, hence affording the supply chain a much-needed transparency that is long overdue.
For more information, contact: Johannes Zahnen, GFTN Manager, WWF-Germany ([email protected])
For more information on:
Wood anatomy
Thünen-Institut;; Dr. Habil. Gerald Koch;; [email protected];; Leuschnerstr. 91;; 21031 Hamburg;; Germany
Forestry and Natural Resources Alex C. Wiedenhoeft;; [email protected];; United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service;; One
DNA
Thünen-Institut;; Dr. Bernd Degen;; [email protected];; Leuschnerstr. 91;; 21031 Hamburg;; Germany
Double Helix http://www.doublehelixtracking.com/
Plant Genetic Diagnostics GmbH;; Dr. Aki Michael Höltken ;; Kuckuckskamp 2;;
Stable Isotopes
Agroisolab;; Markus Boner;; : http://www.agroisolab.de/e-index.htm USGS National Center;; Tyler Coplen;; http://www.usgs.gov/;; [email protected]
Slicing of timber sample to extract DNA isolates.
© AKI MICHAEL HÖLTKEN
Isotope method for identifying timber origins.
© JOHANNES ZAHNEN/WWF-GERMANY
Source: Agroisolab
WWF Global Forest & Trade Network |
“Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship are the cornerstones of the HP Paper
addressing harvesting, biodiversity and the rights of the indigenous peoples. HP wants
HP joined GFTN-NA in 2009 with a participation scope that includes HP branded papers sourced globally. Since joining GFTN, the company has consistently demonstrated leadership in responsible forest products trade. HP teamed up with new
or contains at least 30 percent post-consumer recycled content. HP has set the goal
have at least 30 per cent post-consumer recycled by 2015.
HP also has raised awareness about the importance of printing responsibly and
Lorax,” raised over $89,000 to support WWF’s forest conservation efforts, including an initiative to conserve mangrove forests and protect the endangered proboscis monkey in Indonesia.
“WWF is encouraged by the commitment HP has demonstrated to FSC,” said Linda Walker, Manager of GFTN-NA. The company has made excellent strides in increasing the amounts of FSC in its supply chain over the last four years and is making considerable efforts to raise consumer awareness about the environmental and social
products, HP is helping to safeguard the world’s forests.”
For more information, contact: Linda Walker, Manager, WWF Global Forest & Trade Network ([email protected])
21© ISTOCKPHOTO.COM
OVER 40 PER CENT OF HP’S PAPER IS FSC
CERTIFIED
GFTN NOTES FROM THE FIELD
Forests in Khabarovsk under threatGFTN Head George White visited Khabarovsk in June 2013 with colleagues from the wider WWF Network. The purpose
works in the region and to see how it impacts the wider environment in the region.
The Khabarovsk forests in the Russian Far East (RFE) are dominated by the beautiful Korean pine and oak which form part of the food chain for species like the musk deer, wild boars, Himalayan bears, brown bears and the endangered Amur tigers.
Only about 400-450 Amur tigers remain in the two RFE provinces of Khabarovsk and Primoriye on the Russian side, and perhaps another 50 on the Chinese side of the Amur River, according to estimates from WWF-Russia.
Unfortunately the Khabarovsk forests are under serious threat from a combination of illegal – even legal – forestry activities.
areas that show sign of regrowth are routinely burnt.
Secondly, the ban on harvesting of certain hardwood species such as Korean pine and Amur cork tree, has merely shifted the focus to the remaining high value hardwood species – such as Manchurian ash and Mongolian oak, depriving the community of birds and mammals mentioned above of an important food chain.
Thirdly, the global demand for wood is insatiable and the culture of asking few questions beyond price and quality remains. To date, the impact of the US Lacey Act or EU Timber Regulation has not been felt in this province.
Loopholes in forestry legislation
Illegal forestry activities aside, equally disturbing, if not more, is the timber theft occurring even on authorized logging sites through logging above permitted levels and logging of export quality timber instead of low-quality trees authorized for harvest. Such abuses are particularly common during “intermediate logging” and “sanitary logging”, forestry practices intended to improve forest health by removing sick, dying and poorly-formed trees that inhibit the growth of healthy individuals.
management in Primorsky Province discovered that “during the conducting of such logging most of the trees removed are valuable species (ash, oak, spruce and others) while those trees requiring removal (dead, damaged, slow-growing, etc.) are left on the harvest site”.
A case of sanitary logging gone wrong – all valuable timber has been extracted, only trees that are young or dying remain.
22
© GEORGE WHITE/WWF-GFTN
restricted (riparian buffers, pine nut harvesting zones, some wildlife reserves), intermediate and sanitary logging has become a huge loophole for harvesting valuable hardwoods.
So widespread is this type of illegal logging that recent investigations made to eight of the 10 sites by the Khabarovsk
have found all eight illegal.
This type of illegal logging highlights the complexities of illegality: did they have a licence? Yes. Did they meet the conditions of the licence? No. Is it illegal harvesting creating illegal wood? Undoubtedly.
Signs of hope?
The regional government has begun to implement a traceability system to ensure
are just receiving their registration.
The demand for FSC oak and other high value species can also play an important role. A
with GFTN support.
source from the region are advised to take caution, especially when sourcing via China. With similar species available in Chinese forests, the origin of oak and ash especially should be ascertained. The advice to buyers remains simple – buy FSC with full chain of
More information is available in the report, “Illegal Logging in the Russian Far East: Global Demand and Taiga Destruction.” View the full report here:
WWF Global Forest & Trade Network | 23
A protected area close to the Russia-China border, this part of the forest was logged in the 1940s and regeneration is well advanced.
An Aqualigia plant spotted growing wild in the protected area.
© GEORGE WHITE/WWF-GFTN
© GEORGE WHITE/WWF-GFTN
24
FACES OF GFTN
Brice Nganda
Coordinator Forest Programme/GFTN Manager, Gabon, WWF-Central Africa ([email protected])
GFTN Manager for Gabon. He obtained his Engineering degree in forest technology at the l’Ecole Nationale des Eaux et Forêts (ENEF) in Gabon and a Master in Development
He joins WWF from the Ministry of Water and Forests in Gabon, and comes with much
having previously worked as Regional Coordinator of the DACEFI community forestry project.
Daniel Müsgens
study, Daniel specialized in international timber trade and international forest policy and completed his Masters Thesis on the European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR) and Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT).
Sylvie Ratsombath
Consultant Advisor, GFTN-Laos ([email protected] or gftn-[email protected])
Sylvie joined GFTN in May 2013 as Consultant Advisor to manage the GFTN programme in Laos, and to see to the delivery of WWF-Laos’s commitments for the Responsible Asia Forestry & Trade (RAFT) project. Sylvie was born in Paris, France and has Lao origin – with her parents being from Pakse (south) and Vientiane (capital). Sylvie has a background in business and intercultural negotiation, with 15 years of work experience in France and Laos. She has contributed in many different sectors such as New Technology where she did
recruiter and in marketing in the automotive sector. Sylvie previously supported WWF-Greater Mekong on the rattan project, and assisted GFTN with developing market links and exportation with Chain of Custody (CoC) and EU standards. Sylvie has also worked in different Lao private companies and environmental associations as Marketing Manager and Project Manager.
Brice Nganda
Daniel Müsgens
Sylvie Ratsombath
25WWF Global Forest & Trade Network |
UPCOMING EVENTSFSC General Assembly 2014
The 7th FSC General Assembly will take place on 7-14 September 2014 in Seville, Spain.
bring together FSC members and stakeholders from around the world to participate in a unique and well anticipated forum.
The event is open to all members and stakeholders. For more information, contact: [email protected]
GFTN announces 3rd
International Business
Roundtable for Responsible
Purchasing of Timber in Colombia
WWF and GFTN-Northern Amazon & Choco Darien (GFTN-NACD) will hold the 3rd International Roundtable for Responsible Purchasing of Timber in Colombia on Wednesday, 11 September 2013 in Plaza Mayor, Medellín, Colombia.
The Roundtable is an annual meeting point where national and international buyers will converge to seal agreements, develop business networks and share knowledge and insights of the timber industry. It is an excellent platform for companies to meet and forge business ties with other senior decision makers and industry key players. Participation is free.
For more information, contact: [email protected]
26
GFTN AT A GLANCE
GFTN TOOLBOX
North America3
Latin America & Caribbean
3
Africa
3
Europe
3
Russia
3
Asia Pacific
3
Oceania3
Illegal Logging in the Russian Far East: Global Demand and Taiga Destruction
WWF
by-illegal-logging Living Forests Report
WWF
http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/how_we_work/conservation/forests/publications/living_forests_report/
27© 1986 panda symbol and ® “WWF” and “Global Forest & Trade Network” Registered Trademarks of WWF-World Wide Fund For Nature (formerly World Wildlife Fund), WWF-International.
Why we are here
gftn.panda.org
To stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment andto build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature.
GFTN.PANDA.ORG GFTN QUARTERLY NEW
SLETTER JULY 2013
GFTN Contacts
340 MILLION M3
24 MILLION 19 MILLION
208$450 BILLION
GFTN participants trade more than 340 million m3 of timber and fibre
GFTN encompasses 208 global companies, employing over 1.5 million people worldwide GFTN participants have
combined annual sales of over US $450 billion with sales of forest products totaling more than US $62 billion per annum
GFTN participants manage over 24 million hectares of forests
GFTN participants manage nearly 19 million hectares of FSC certified forests, representing nearly 11% of the global total of FSC certified forest area
GFTN GLOBAL STATS
George White
[email protected]+44 1394 420 518
27
Hisayo Fujikawa Harlan
Operations [email protected]+1 202 495 4340
Huma Khan
Communications [email protected]+1 202 495 4686
Gijs Breukink
Responsible Forestry [email protected]+31 6 52 04 6981
Angel Llavero
Responsible Purchasing [email protected]+ 34 600259156
Lisa Dietz
Project [email protected]+1 202 495 4595
Karen Mo
Research & Development [email protected]+1 202 495 4154
List of regional contacts is available at http://gftn.panda.org/about_gftn/contacts/
WWF Global Forest & Trade Network |