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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


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

7

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


SW-COC-004046 / SW-CW/FM-005327 / SW-COC-004733 / SW-FM/COC-004622

Wijma Douala:

BV-COC-070607


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


GARDENFURNITURE

INTERIORFURNITURE

VENEER

DECKING

RAILWAYSLEEPERS

FLOORING

WINDOW FRAMES


GARDENFURNITURE

INTERIORFURNITURE

VENEER

DECKING

RAILWAYSLEEPERS

FLOORING

WINDOW FRAMES


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:

([email protected])

Deforestation in East Kalimantan, Borneo.


© 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 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


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


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.


© 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


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


“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.



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

([email protected])

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


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/


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