World Bank: time to get tough on forest crime … In recent years, a number of initiatives have been launched to address the problem of illegal logging, such as the EU FLEGT program addressing forest governance in tropical countries and initiatives in the …
Malaysian timber scheme rejected by Dutch Board of Appeal … The Board of Appeal of the Dutch Environmental Foundation has ruled to uphold a judgement made last year by the Dutch Timber Procurement Assessment Committee (TPAC). TPAC found that the PEFC …
Rhett Butler: using the power of words to transform forestry … Over the past decade, a young man by the name of Rhett Butler has built what is perhaps the world’s most successful one-stop site on tropical forests, Mongabay.com. Attracting more than a …
New PEFC Chain of Custody standard soon mandatory … Reminder: PEFC certificate holders need to be aware that the transition period for phasing in the new PEFC Chain of Custody standard ends on 26 November 2011. After this date, all PEFC certified …
Social issues move into the FSC Chain of Custody standard … FSC has launched a revised version of its Chain of Custody standard, implying several changes to the system that certificate holders should be aware …
Another great year, now let's steam ahead … According to Richard Donovan, Vice President of Forestry at the Rainforest Alliance, FSC members don’t see certification as the silver bullet, but they also don’t see anything else as a silver bullet. And FSC …
Controlled Wood motion in motion: members vote today … Heated discussions on Controlled Wood have resulted in an amalgamation of three Controlled Wood motions into a “Controlled Wood package” to be voted on …
Online traceability system may boost FSC’s integrity … FSC plans to take a huge stride towards enhanced integrity and elimination of fraud with this project. Credibility enhancement measures often involve new restrictions or procedures, which are …
FSC Movers & Shakers: FSC’s Knight in shining armour … "If I was in a rock band, FSC would have been my best selling single". He has been at the forefront of sustainable development for over 20 years. Above all of his contributions to the sustainability …
Controlled Wood: hot in 2008, red-hot in 2011? … Transparency, consistency, credibility: words that express core values for FSC and are often heard in the debate surrounding FSC Controlled Wood. We asked Greenpeace how they see FSC's progress on this …
Increased flexibility for using reclaimed materials in FSC products … FSC has released a new version of its standard “Sourcing reclaimed material for use in FSC Product Groups or FSC Certified Projects” (FSC-STD-40-007 …
Facts and fiction in Al-Jazeera's "Latvia's Pulp Fiction" … Does FSC allow logging practices that lead to widespread deforestation and threaten unique natural values? This is the core message of a TV program entitled "Latvia's Pulp Fiction" produced by …
The global cocoa market is growing fast, but will it benefit the farmers? … Although cocoa is a lucrative business with staggering margins for those controlling the value chain, the producers mostly live in poverty. And it is seemingly impossible to move …
Transforming cocoa farming with Ferrero: The Wassa Amenfi Initiative … The Wassa Amenfi Cocoa Landscape Initiative in Ghana, a pioneering effort led by Ferrero in collaboration with Preferred by Nature, Solidaridad, and Rikolto, represents a significant …
HARMONITOR: Improving clarity on sustainability certification schemes in Europe … In the current landscape where sustainability is a critical global concern, the European Union's HARMONITOR project represents a significant step towards improving the …
Colombian rubber industry ready to embrace EUDR challenges … “It is essential to work together and address the commitments and responsibilities that the EUDR regulation requires.” An interview with Fernando Garcia Rubio, Executive Director of both the …
The Desa’a Restoration Project: Restoring ecosystems, empowering people … An Ethiopian forest isn’t merely being restored; it’s transforming lives. Recently awarded the Preferred by Nature Ecosystem Restoration Verification, the Desa’a Restoration project …
Sustainable forestry in Gran Canaria: A model for arid regions … Gran Canaria, a jewel in the Canary Islands, thrives with lush greenery despite its arid climate. The secret lies not in traditional rainfall, but in a fascinating phenomenon – horizontal …
“Green Prosperity”: A sustainable approach to Vietnam's Acacia industry … In the fast-paced world of global furniture manufacturing, the demand for timber has reached new heights. Vietnam, a key contributor to this market, faces the challenge of meeting …
Gloves are off: Rainbow Warriors Vs. Sustainable Certification … Certification schemes are scoring miserable points in a new Greenpeace report repeating claims that certification is - at best - serving as a tool for greenwashing unsustainable businesses. …