Harnessing markets to support sustainable forestry

Photo: Mark van Benthem

Demand can drive positive change in the tropical timber sector. This is the view of international sustainable timber and forest analysts and advisors Probos and the European Timber Trade Federation (ETTF). It’s also the belief that prompted their engagement in the European Sustainable Tropical Timber Coalition (STTC), alongside fellow founding partner and lead funder IDH – The Sustainable Trade Initiative.

The backdrop to the STTC’s formation and mission to encourage sustainable tropical timber procurement in Europe, explained Probos director Mark van Benthem, was IDH’s tropical producer programme in the 2000s. “This supported certification in the Congo basin and via the Amazon Alternative project and Borneo Initiative,” said Mr van Benthem. “It was important work, but we felt that, to enable tropical producers to sustain a high level of certified sustainable forest management, you needed an associated programme to increase demand for their products.” Probos’s discussions with IDH ultimately led to the creation of the STTC, with its broad, more than 80-strong membership including timber businesses and federations, central government agencies, city authorities, certification schemes and NGOs. A core goal was to increase the proportion of total European tropical timber consumption taken by verified sustainable timber to 50%.

“This hasn’t been reached, but we have seen an increase in market share,” said Mr van Benthem. “Importantly, we feel, the work of the STTC, alongside others, including the International Tropical Timber Technical Association ATIBT, has also helped improve the market image of tropical timber. There’s greater recognition that buying sustainable tropical timber supports sustainable forest management and weakens the economic case for forest conversion to other uses  – the use it or lose it argument.” This image building, he added, continues via the STTC website and its newsletter, produced with the ATIBT Fair&Precious tropical timber campaign (F&P). “The high profile STTC conferences, recently run with F&P, have also strengthened sector exchange,” said Mr van Benthem. “They have brought together NGOs, trade, public sector, certification bodies and other stakeholders in a friendly environment for constructive discussion.”

Another STTC focus was development of European federation sustainable procurement policies. “We discussed how to convince federations – and individual companies – to implement policy plans and codes of conduct on sustainable procurement comparable to the successful programme of the Netherlands Timber Trade Association,” said then ETTF Secretary General and now ATIBT board member André de Boer. “I was asked to develop a plan, financed by IDH, to get the ETTF’s national federation-members to adopt such policies. The ambition was implementation of action plans by at least five federations, which was achieved. Their task was to set credible goals for members to increase share in trade of sustainably produced tropical timber.”

According to Mr van Benthem, this work paved the way for the Thémis data collection tool and portal, which is supported by the Programme for the Promotion of Certified Forest Operations (PPECF) the STTC and IDH. Also backed by ATIBT, Belgian trade federation Fedustria and French association Le Commerce du Bois, its role is to collate and analyse sustainable tropical timber purchasing data. This can then be used by associations and businesses’ to set sustainable procurement growth targets.

Going forward, Mr de Boer sees scope for further European trade exchange on sustainable tropical timber market development. “It would make sense for trade federations to recommence meetings, perhaps funded and organised by IDH or another donor, where members can discuss specific problems and opportunities of the tropical timber sector,” he said.

Probos believes the STTC’s role as a data gathering and information exchange platform can also grow in significance, as can its lobbying of policy makers. “We also see supporting market uptake of sustainable lesser known tropical timber species (LKTS) as vital work for the STTC,” said Mr van Benthem. “Increasing the market for LKTS can strengthen the economic case for uptake and maintenance of certified sustainable forest management.”

 

ATIBT at 70 focused on the future

To mark its 70th anniversary, the International Tropical Timber Technical Association (ATIBT) ran a discussion forum on its stand through the three days of the Carrefour International du Bois (CIB) in Nantes. General manager Benoît Jobbé-Duval said the aim of the Forum at the French timber trade show, which was the biggest to date with 14,000 visitors and over 600 exhibitors, was to celebrate ATIBT’s seven decades of achievement, supporting the technical, economic and environmental development of tropical timber industries. But the focus was also very much on current projects and plans to develop the organisation’s role.

Pan African Forest Certification initiative
A central focus was one of the most significant initiatives it’s been involved in to date – the development of the Pan African Forest Certification (PAFC) Congo Basin initiative. Endorsed in December by PEFC International, it is the first regional scheme to come under the latter’s global certification umbrella and is being seen as a model for development of others. It brings together the national PAFC schemes of Gabon, Republic of the Congo (RoC) and Cameroon. ATIBT, led by president François Van de Ven, has been development and standardizing body, with input from RoC Forest Economy minister Rosalie Matondo, International Tropical Timber Organisation Executive (ITTO) director, Sheam Satkuru and Thais Linhares of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). PEFC Development Officer Thomas Seyvet said the world-first project was developed with a range of aims; to drive certification efficiency, cut costs, share expertise and best practice, encourage certification uptake across the Congo Basin and facilitate marketing of its certified timber and wood products.

Thémis
The ATIBT Forum also looked at the Thémis initiative to drive European procurement of verified sustainable timber, in which it has been a development partner, together with French timber trade association Le Commerce du Bois (CDB) and Belgian timber, wood furniture and textile federation Fedustria. Devised by sustainable timber and forestry analyst and advisor Probos, with IT specialist Graphius, the key elements of Thémis are its data collection tool and online portal. Development of the project benefited from Probos’ experience in monitoring and reporting on verified responsible sourcing by members of the Netherlands Timber Trade Association (NTTA) for 11 years now. This highlighted the impact the process can have on trading patterns. The NTTA has used the data to set baselines for targets, until today 94% of members’ total imports are third party certified sustainable. The exercise can also have market benefits for federations. The environmental commitment and support for SFM it demonstrates helps differentiate member companies.

Dryades
Led by ATIBT and Le Commerce du Bois, with Netherlands timber market development body Centrum Hout as technical partner, it is supporting development of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and French FDES environmental and health certificates for tropical timber products. Mr Jobbé-Duval said the objective is to strengthen commercial prospects for tropical timber in an international market which attaches increasing importance to environmental performance and validation.

 

In this spotlight: Christophe Janssen, Interholco Vice President Production and Sales

Photo: Interholco

In this spotlight Christophe Janssen, Interholco Vice President Production and Sales describes its operations and objectives as a Fair&Precious partner.

STTC/Fair &Precious: How would you describe Interholco; what you do and what you stand for?
Christophe Janssen (CJ): More than 400 customers in 50 countries know Interholco as a leading providers of some of the finest hardwood from the Congo Basin. Our wood is made in Africa, where value is added. This benefits a community of 16,000 people living in one of the most landlocked areas of the Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville – RoC). Our teams also process wood to the most demanding environment, social and governance standards, those of FSC certification, helping drive development. Of Interholco’s 1,400 employees across Africa, the Middle East and Europe, more than 900 are in the Congo, where they’re paid a living – not just a minimum – wage. Company-run facilities in the RoC also provide vital services. In 2021 alone, our medical centre saw 13,962 patients – with indigenous peoples treated free. Our library, the largest in the Sangha department of north Congo, boasts over 9,000 books and Interholco IT and English courses are free to all.

STTC/F&P: Why did Interholco become a F&P partner?
CJ: We were involved with the F&P, from inception to launch. Its objectives are in line with our vision to provide ‘Sustainable Wood, Made in Africa’, not just a simple product derived from forests, but a forest of solutions. Our mission is to help combat climate change and substitute use of energy-intensive materials, to give value to natural forests, promote social equity and co-create change with renewable, recyclable, sustainable, traceable and carbon positive material.

STTC/F&P: Can tropical timber retain its share of the European market
CJ: Yes. After years of negative communication about tropical wood, timber from sustainably managed forests is becoming more desirable, thanks to its exceptional natural characteristics, environmental performance and socio-economic benefits. Third party organizations verify its environmental credentials on site and, among professionals, the image of tropical wood has improved significantly. But there is still a long way to go. We must now make consumers aware that using certified African wood is positive for people, climate and planet. Businesses lack the time and financial resources to promote this virtuous product, which is why development of F&P as a communications tool is vital. It is key to promote good species of wood for the right use and to replace non-virtuous materials whenever possible.

STTC/F&P: So can the tropical timber sector rebuild and grow its presence in Europe?
CJ: Yes, but to move forward we must join forces and gain support. Political back-up is crucial. Unfortunately, there is still a lot of misinformation about using wood generally. We must make the wealth of benefits it yields better known and understood. Best practice can help people understand what we do and why our wood is good.

STTC/F&P: Do you see new applications opening for sustainable tropical timber and timber products?
CJ: Of course the building sector will have a big role to play in this. The industry needs to reduce its carbon footprint and wood is the only building material that is renewable, sequesters CO2 in production and stores it to end of life. Exterior uses are particularly appropriate for tropical hardwoods. They boast higher natural durability, making them ideal for applications such as decking, window frames and fencing without preservative treatment.

STTC/F&P: Do you see potential for growing uptake of lesser known tropical timber species?
CJ: This is important to reduce market pressure on traditional species. It will also add diversity and choice to the market. The challenge is that technical performance testing takes time and research is expensive. Also to make them a viable proposition, forest areas should have sufficient density of LKTS. There must be long-term availability, and sufficient volume to justify industrial transformation and promotion. End-users need both technical assurance and the back-up of marketing for a species.

STTC/F&P: What would be your sales pitch for sustainable tropical timber and wood products?
CJ: “Buy tropical wood from certified sustainably managed forests. No other material yields such benefits for people, climate and planet.” You can substitute energy intensive materials with wood from sustainably managed forests; sustainably produced tropical wood from Africa and other parts of the world allows long-term protection of forests and their flora and fauna, while supporting jobs and social welfare; natural regeneration after harvesting results in higher CO2 sequestration, African wood is relatively cheap given its technical characteristics, repairability and recyclability, so it is safe to use, fire-resistant, future-proof and healthy.

STTC/F&P: Are you optimistic for the future of the sustainable tropical timber sector?
CJ: Of course! If we consider all mentioned arguments it can’t be else.

 

GHG and carbon tools developed for PAFC Congo Basin concessions

Photo: CIFOR

The Programme for Promotion of Certified Forest Operations (PPECF) has commissioned environmental and sustainable forest management consultancy TEREA to develop greenhouse gas (GHG) and forest carbon stock level measuring tools for concession managers operating to the PAFC Congo Basin certification standard.

The GHG tool is currently being field tested. Pilot projects are underway in concessions in Gabon, Congo and Cameroon. The outcomes and any consequent changes and developments will be made ready for evaluation and validation by the PPECF by June. The tool covers main emission sources related to forest operation activities, including fuel and energy use and above-ground biomass loss. It is designed for use to monitor emissions from activities in the forest and from industrial sites and work camps.

Terea says the tool will be made available to concession managers in the form of an Excel table, with separate tabs corresponding to distinct emission sources, and a tab that summarizes all GHG data. This creates the possibility to compare outputs from different forest management units and work sites. “Each reporting year, concession managers will fill in a new table. The tool also allowing comparison of GHG emissions year by year by using a specific table that gathers this annual information,” said Terea. “The reporting modalities to PAFC auditors are not yet defined.”

They added that the tool is designed for ease of use. “All emission factors are already included, the concession managers only have to insert data related to their activities,” they said. “Therefore their main focus is to ensure appropriate data is available for the current year of monitoring. We will provide them with instructions and guidelines and can also give training and support through the first year of use.” The company added that the tool is the first of its kind to be applicable to all forest concessions in the Congo Basin.

Terea’s tool for monitoring Congo Basin forest carbon stocks will use existing studies of stock levels. Then cross check this data with forest concession data, including forest inventory and forest management data. The objective is to cross-check carbon stock data from these existing studies with forest concession data, stratification, first using an Excel tool, then mapping. “The methodology will provide forest operators with a set of tools – configurable calculation sheets, procedures for map constructions, guidelines for interpretation of carbon stocks – along with a user guide,” said Terea.

Concession holders will be the main tool users as part of their compliance with PAFC requirements and, said the company, ease of use is again a priority. The tool, currently under construction, but will be ready for validation mid-2022.

Ghana wood tracking is officially go

The Ghana Electronic Wood Tracking System (GWTS), developed for the country’s Forestry Commission (FC) by Axxon Information Systems, has been officially launched and entered into full operation. The launch announcement was made by Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Samuel Abdulai Jinapor at an event in Akyawkrom.

He said the system, which is described as a ‘sub-component of Ghana’s Timber Legality Assurance System (TLAS), would contribute to the country meeting ‘global standards’ in timber legality assurance. It would also advance implementation of its FLEGT Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) with the EU.

“We are aware that one factor that has affected the country’s performance in the international timber market is lack of technology,” said Mr Jinapor. “Completion of this technological infrastructure positions Ghana to remain relevant on the market and forms part of the basis of our VPA. Bringing us closer to concluding this aspect of our dialogue on providing assurance of trading only in legal timber with the EU.”

The GWTS, which has been running in development mode for a while, was created with funding from UKAid. It is designed for use by a range of stakeholders, including FC staff, forest managers, mill owners and wood product exporters, with up to 500 users able to access it simultaneously.

FC President John Allotey said it enabled full disclosure of forest management and timber trade information via online dashboards, facilitating establishment of chain of custody for the domestic market and exports. Using the system, he added, any inconsistency in data entry can be rapidly identified, checked and corrected.

Mobile apps allow data capture in remote locations and synchronize data transfer to the GWTS and there are specific software modules tailored to the activities of forest owners, contractors, transport companies, sawmills, wood processing firms and timber traders. FC staff can use the system for on-site capture of field inventory data, log transportation records, log and processed wood stock and timber export information. They can then verify information against a central database.

Mr Jinapor also announced the simultaneous launch of Ghana’s web-based E-Property Mark Registration and Renewal System. Contractors and loggers must renew their ‘property mark’ twice a year to operate and, to date the process has taken an average of two months. “With this new application it can be completed in a day,” said Mr Allotey.

Mr Jinapor said the launch of tracking and e-property mark systems was part of a government agenda to bring digitisation to all aspects of national life. He also stressed government commitment to sustainably manage and develop Ghana’s forests.

ATIBT ever more active for tropical timber at 70

The environmental, economic and social development of the tropical forest industry is more important than ever, says ATIBT. 

To mark its 70th anniversary, the International Tropical Timber Technical Association (ATIBT) is hosting a special forum at the 2022 Carrefour International du Bois in Nantes.

“It will be a major occasion for us, with a range of discussions, presentations and seminars,” said ATIBT managing director Benoît Jobbé-Duval. “Attending will be members from the tropical timber industry from Africa and Europe, experts from academia and ministers from Congo Basin countries and our donors. It will be an exciting event with considerable interest for the wider timber sector and we’re expecting a strong audience of show visitors and other delegates.”

The Forum will naturally cover ATIBT’s development and achievements over seven decades. But Mr Jobbé-Duval stressed the principal focus will be its current wide ranging activities and  ambitions for the future. To further the environmental, technical and economic development of the tropical forest industry and grow the international market for its certified sustainable timber and wood products. “It will essentially be about our core objective, which to sum up is to grow the tropical forest economy by supporting good governance and helping increase the value of legally and sustainably certified forest and timber to avoid deforestation,” he said.

The rationale for the 1952 launch of ATIBT, at the instigation of the UN Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) was somewhat different. “Europe was in post-war reconstruction and its forests were depleted,” explained Mr Jobbé-Duval. “ATIBT was created to research and enhance the technical and logistical capabilities and develop the export capacity of the African tropical timber sector as a source of wood for Europe.”

The organisation, he added, worked closely with the French Tropical Forest Technical Centre (CTFT) to establish the technical performance of tropical species and their suitability for different applications and to help improve timber production. “Today we work on these and other technical issues with the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development CIRAD, which integrated the CTFT and today operates worldwide,” said Mr Jobbé-Duval. “We also have a close association with Gembloux Agro Bio-Tech at the University of Liège and its professor of tropical forestry Jean-Louis Doucet and with technical centres in Africa.”

While some aspects of its technical activities remained constant, however, ATIBT’s role increasingly widened. Its focus turning ever more to enhancing forest maintenance as both an economic engine for tropical countries and an environmental resource for both them and the wider world. “In the Congo Basin, where we principally operate, the forestry sector is vital to national economies and the biggest employer after states themselves,” said Mr Jobbé-Duval. “As we move into the post-fossil fuel era, it will become even more important. Enhancing and developing the industry is key for producer countries’ future.” Sustainable forest management, he added, is central to maintaining both its economic and environmental value. ATIBT was involved in implementation of the first forest management plans in the 1990s. Into the 2000s it became increasingly focused on promoting forest and timber industry certification and its interlinked goals to enhance the environmental, economic and social performance of the sector.

Subsequently, it became involved in the development of the EU Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) initiative. It supports countries in their implementation of FLEGT Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs) and associated timber legality assurance systems. It also works with timber businesses, and particularly small to medium-sized enterprises, in meeting the due diligence requirements of European importers under the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR).

Today ATIBT is most active in the Republic of Congo, Gabon and Cameroon, but also works with the industries of Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of Congo and has a few contacts with the Central African Republic. “We have some linkages too with Liberia, Ghana and Nigeria and would like to further develop our contacts and work with them,” said Mr Jobbé-Duval. ATIBT has also been building bridges beyond Africa. “We have a strong connection with the Malaysian Timber Council and have been developing contacts in Brazil, Guatemala and Peru,” said Mr Jobbé-Duval. At the same time, ATIBT is concerned not to over-extend its resources. “The situation in the Congo Basin forest sector remains complex and challenging, there are ever more topics to address and issues to resolve,” said Mr Jobbé-Duval. “We must keep that in mind as we develop connections with other countries.”

ATIBT’s major donors include the FAO, Germany’s KfW promotional and development bank (via the Certified Forestry Promotion Programme (PPECF), the French Development Agency, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the EU. Currently its membership comprises 55% industry professionals, concession managers, timber producers and traders, 45% experts from academia and research institutes, and trade associations. “Our aim is to grow membership overall,” said Mr Jobbé-Duval. “But, in particular we want to attract more people working in the sector, to get their input and engage with the industry even more effectively.”

ATIBT’s role is also to talk out to the market about the capabilities and potential applications of tropical timber and the positive social and environmental impacts of using certified wood and timber products. Five years ago it stepped up its activity here with the launch of the Fair&Precious campaign. With its consumer and specifier-facing website, which through images, articles and films covers everything from the workability, unique aesthetics, and durability of tropical wood, to how certified sustainable forest management provides livelihoods, enhances social welfare and supports forest maintenance. “Tropical timber still has an image problem with many people, who see cutting down trees in tropical forests as inherently bad, a contributor to deforestation,” said Mr Jobbé-Duval. “The central message of Fair&Precious is that certified sustainable timber production is actually a key part of the solution to halting and reversing deforestation and forest degradation.” Fair&Precious industry partners must sign up to 10 commitments, including pledges to protect habitats, flora and fauna and to operate ethically to ensure the welfare of workers and communities living in and around forests. Last year these were further validated through research by Gembloux Agro Bio-Tech, which demonstrated that supporting certified sustainable forest management was the best way to meet them all.

Fair&Precious has also worked closely with the Sustainable Tropical Timber Coalition (STTC), which is dedicated to analysis and development of the European market for certified tropical wood. Its funding by Dutch government-backed IDH-The Sustainable Trade initiative ended recently, but ATIBT expects interest from donors to secure its operation for the coming years.

Lobbying on behalf of the tropical timber industry is another ATIBT function and recently it has been vigorously pressing the 2024 Paris Olympics organisers’ to drop their rule barring use of tropical wood in Games buildings and other developments. “The ban was a poor decision, potentially undermining trust in sustainable tropical timber, and we’ve had discussions with the organisers and Paris mayor,” said Mr Jobbé-Duval. “We’re optimistic for a positive outcome.”

Recently, ATIBT has also been working to strengthen the PEFC certification scheme’s foothold in Africa, taking on the role of project leader for PAFC (Pan-African Forest Certification) Congo-Basin. Bringing together the national PAFC bodies of Cameroon, The Republic of Congo and Gabon, it is the first regional certification scheme to be PEFC endorsed. It’s maintained it will increase efficiency and encourage uptake of certification across all three countries and, combining their resources, achieve greater market impact.

With the implementation of the EU’s Green Deal, ATIBT sees its role becoming more relevant still. “A major objective of the Deal is to combat deforestation, while we support uptake of certified sustainable forest management – it’s one and the same thing,” said Mr Jobbé-Duval.

The organisation also backs in principle the proposed new EU regulation to combat so-called imported deforestation and forest degradation, although is concerned by some aspects. In its current form, the regulation would supersede the EUTR, assimilate elements of FLEGT VPAs, and end FLEGT licensed timber’s due-diligence-free, green pass into the EU. “FLEGT VPAs have made a significant contribution to improving tropical forest governance and in countries where they are advanced, we believe they should continue to be supported,” said Mr Jobbé-Duval.

Going forward, ATIBT sees a growing role in supporting development of tropical countries’ value-added, further processing and finished wood product industries and encouraging their consumption of certified sustainable timber. “Their domestic markets are growing, driven particularly by emergence of more affluent middle classes,” said Mr Jobbé-Duval. “But much of their timber is from what we’d describe as the informal rather than certified sustainable sector.”

Increased market penetration of lesser-known certified tropical species (LKTS) is another goal to reduce supply stress on more popular varieties and make certified sustainable forest management more economically viable. “We are working on this in particular with FSC Denmark and with CIRAD, which has already produced technical 250 species data sheets,” said Mr Jobbé-Duval.

So, there will be plenty to talk about at ATIBT’s 70th anniversary Forum. “The environmental, economic and social role of certified, sustainable tropical timber is only set to grow and we almost have too much to discuss,” said Mr Jobbé-Duval. “We’ll have to be very rigorous in selection of topics.”

  • ATIBT’s forum takes place from June 1-3, preceded by its AGM and gala dinner on May 31.

 

Report evaluates anti-deforestation regulations

Photo: CIFOR

Worldwide countries and regions are implementing import controls to combat global deforestation. A new report compares latest regulatory moves in the EU, US and UK. All three have forest product import rules in development with essentially the same objective, according to the report from US law firm Steptoe & Johnson LLP (S&J); ‘Comparing recent deforestation measures of the US, EU and UK’.

“Their measures recognize deforestation’s harmful climate change effects and seek to address them by prohibiting certain commodities produced on deforested land from being placed on their respective markets,” it states. The report also highlights, however, that there are key differences between the new regulations with ‘market access implications for companies’.

The three new measures are the US Fostering Overseas Rule of Law and Environmentally Sound Trade Act of 2021 (the Forest Act), the EU’s Proposal for regulation on deforestation-free products (Deforestation Regulation) and the UK Environment Act 2021. The EU Deforestation Regulation addresses imports of oil palm, soya, cocoa, cattle, coffee and wood, as well as  ‘relevant products’ made with these commodities. The US Forest Act covers oil palm, soy, cattle, cocoa, rubber and wood pulp and similarly products manufactured from them. Forest risk commodities under the UK Environment Act  are yet to be announced, but those mentioned in consultations are cocoa, coffee maize, palm oil, rubber and soya, and products including them.

Timber and wood products are not encompassed by the new US and UK measures, says the S&J report, as both are maintaining existing instruments barring market access of illegally sourced wood; the US Lacey Act and UK Timber Regulation (UKTR). At the same time, stresses the report, the EU, US and UK rules all include flexibility to change commodities covered.

In its current form, the proposed EU Deforestation Regulation would replace the EUTR, and incorporate aspects of FLEGT Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs) with supplier countries into ‘forest partnerships’. FLEGT licences would count as proof of legality under the regulation, but importers would still have to undertake due diligence on licensed imports to ensure supply chains are deforestation- and forest degradation-free.

S&J says inclusion in the EU Deforestation Regulation of the specific obligation on importers to take steps to ensure commodities are deforestation-free – defined as produced on land that has not been subject to deforestation since December 31 2020 – makes it ‘more extensive’ than UK or US measures. The obligation they impose on importers is to ensure goods are not produced in violation of producer country laws. “The EU Deforestation Regulation can prohibit market access to commodities produced on land that was lawfully deforested,” says the S&J report.

This is an edited version of a longer article from the FLEGT Independent Market Monitor. Click here for more.

Fair&Precious Partners in the spotlight: Fedustria

Fair&Precious Partners in the spotlight

In the latest in our series of interviews with Fair&Precious Partners, we ask Belgian trade federation Fedustria about its role and objectives.

STTC/F&P: How would you describe Fedustria; who you are, what you do and what you stand for?

Fedustria: Fedustria is the Belgian federation of the textile, woodworking and furniture industries. We represent some 1,700 companies in Belgium (of which more than 90% are SMEs), which together create more than 36,300 direct jobs and generate turnover of € 8.9 billion, with 70% coming from exports.

Our mission is to help companies in the textile, wood and furniture industry to develop successfully by preserving and strengthening their competitiveness, which is achieved through a wide range of specialised services.

STTC/F&P: Why did Fedustria become a Fair&Precious member?

Fedustria: We strongly believe in the importance of sustainable forest management in preserving tropical forests and in providing economic, social and ecological benefits to society. Above that, using more certified sustainable timber is a good way to tackle climate change. By joining forces together with Fair&Precious, we are stronger in sending these messages.

STTC/F&P: The tropical timber sector has battled to hold on to market share in recent times. What do you see as its challenges?

Fedustria: One of the major challenges facing use of wood in general is the negative perception about harvesting wood. Consumers want beautiful wooden furniture, interiors and so on, but they do not seem to understand that a tree has to be cut down to have this wood available. For tropical timber, this negative perception is even worse.

Another challenge are green claims made for other materials, through major promotion campaigns, which are sometimes green washing. We, in turn, must be careful not to let different types of wood or applications compete with each other – there are enough opportunities to use wood and each wood species has its own characteristics and possibilities.

STTC/F&P: Does Fedustria believe the tropical timber sector can recover lost ground in the European market?

Fedustria: We certainly see opportunities to increase tropical timber use, but with certified timber playing a key role in this.

STTC/F&P: Where does Fedustria see greatest possibilities for growing tropical timber use?

Fedustria: We see great opportunities in construction, as one of the key value chains of the European Commission’s Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan. The EC acknowledges the importance of circularity in construction and sustainable tropical timber is a perfect circular, bio-based building material.

STTC/F&P: Do you see new applications opening up for tropical timber in Belgium?

Fedustria: Lots of research and innovation is underway, both in techniques for using it and the species used. We certainly see new applications arising in construction across the EU. That’s why we’re also very active in the European Confederation of Woodworking Industries CEI-Bois, where innovation is monitored closely and technical issues discussed.

 STTC/F&P: Does Fedustria also have a role talking out to the specifiers and the wider market?

Fedustria: In 2021 we launched our ‘Wood: The natural choice’ promotion campaign. It focuses on climate and sustainability as among the many reasons for choosing wood. It aims to make target groups, including architects, interior designer, contractors, journalists and policy makers, aware that wood is an excellent material for multiple applications – https://houtdennatuurlijkekeuze.be.

STTC/F&P: What would Fedustria advise the sales pitch for sustainable tropical timber should be?

Fedustria: “Wood. The natural choice – use more sustainable tropical timber and help tackle climate change!” Moreover, by using certified sustainable tropical timber, tropical forests will have economic value, which is key to safeguarding their future.

 STTC/F&P: Longer term, is Fedustria optimistic for the sustainable tropical timber sector?

Fedustria: Of course. We are strongly convinced of the positive story of sustainable tropical timber. The important thing is that everyone in the value chain is involved and sees the necessity of certified sustainable forest management, from producers to importers to consumers. We just need to repeat our messages again and again, and that’s why we welcome initiatives such as Fair&Precious, which bring all those stakeholders together!

STTC and F&P conference: Tropical sustainability demands the right combination of actions

Photo: CIFOR

IDH Director Markets and SourceUp Willem Klaassens emphasised at the recent joint Sustainable Tropical Timber Coalition (STTC) and Fair&Precious Conference that there was no ‘silver bullet’ for achieving sustainable tropical timber trade. The online event, which attracted an international audience of around 100, was titled ‘Sustainably managed forests as part of the solution to climate change: Recognising the value of certified forests and ecosystems’.

In his opening address, Mr Klaassens said there was a need for additional responses to the challenge of halting and reversing tropical forest loss as strategies to date ‘have achieved limited impact’. Critically what was required were greater alignment and synergies between the multiple organisations and initiatives involved in driving sustainable forest management. “We need action-driven partnership between public and private sectors and other key stakeholders to create value for all,” he said.
The positive that came out of the conference was that there are promising, dynamic projects harnessing commerce to conservation in the forest and timber sectors. Moreover there is increasing integration between approaches and, said Mr Klaassens, the momentum of the EU Green Deal and the global climate agenda is now not just driving the need, but increasing support for further action to achieve deforestation-free supply chains.

Mark van Benthem, Director of sustainable forest and timber trade analysts and advisors Probos, addressed the forest positives of EU and UK certified tropical trade with details from its latest data report on their primary and secondary tropical timber imports. This calculates that if EU and UK imports were 100% certified – and currently the level is 31-36% – there would be beneficial impacts for an estimated 16 million ha of forest in terms of support for sustainable forest management. It also projects that, as certification prevents premature re-entry logging, if all EU and UK tropical timber imports were certified it would have saved 88.3 million tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2020.

Guido Rutten of IDH-The Sustainable Trade Initiative, explained its SourceUp verified sourcing area (VSA) sustainable landscape programme. This involves establishing ‘Compacts’ in supplier country jurisdictional areas, which implement strategies to meet sustainability targets for multiple forest and agricultural commodities. These are backed by buyers and investors who can highlight their involvement in their CSR policy and marketing.
Director Stakeholder Solutions Gemma Boetekees said the FSC is also addressing the sustainable landscape approach in its Focus Forests project for forests of special social and environmental value. “Rather than delivering a set of principles and criteria for landscape stakeholders to implement, we’re asking them ‘what are your needs’. The FSC is changing,” she said.

Reviewing the EU’s proposed new deforestation regulation, imposing due diligence obligations on first placer importers of six key forest and eco-system risk commodities (FERCs), including wood, Tropenbos International Director René Boot said it must ‘bridge high level policy with on-the-ground experience and need’. “And we need price and other incentives for suppliers,” he said. “If Europe wants sustainable products, it must pay for them.”

The conference also included a keynote from Central African Forest Commission President Hervé Maidou, and a dozen breakout sessions led by an international panel of speakers on topics from fiscal incentives for sustainable forestry, to lesser known tropical species.

Visit www.europeansttc.com for the recordings and a full report on the conference.

Harnessing timber trade to support sustainable forest management

Photo: Mark van Benthem – Probos

If EU and UK imports of certified tropical timber were 100% certified it would benefit 16 million hectares of forest in terms of supporting sustainable management (SFM). This is the headline figure in the new report on trade in certified primary and secondary tropical timber products from forest and timber sustainability analysts and advisors Probos. Commissioned by IDH-The Sustainable Trade Initiative and the European Sustainable Tropical Timber Coalition (STTC), Europe’s sourcing of verified tropical timber and its impacts: What next? was undertaken in association with the Global Timber Forum. It follows previous separate reports on the two tropical timber product groups.

The report analyses the market in 2020, the target year the STTC programme set for EU and UK tropical imports to be 50% certified, and urges ‘redoubling of efforts to drive tropical industry sustainability’ to maintain tropical forests and their critical climate regulation role. The report bases its calculation of EU and UK certified tropical timber imports on the exposure to certification method developed by the FLEGT Independent Market Monitor. This takes the total area of forest certified in a supplier country and applies that percentage to exports to specific markets. By this measure, it estimates that still only 30-36% of EU and UK tropical timber imports are derived from certified sustainable forestry, while 30% are covered by third-party verified legality schemes or FLEGT-licensed. On the basis that SFM prevents premature re-entry logging, the report states, it also reduces emissions, calculating that if all EU and UK tropical imports were certified, there would have been a saving in 2020 of 88 million tonnes of CO2.

Probos Director Mark van Benthem said that increasing global wood consumption must be harnessed to increase uptake of SFM. “End users are returning to timber from more environmentally damaging materials, creating market opportunities for tropical producers, and giving value to forests via verified sustainable timber incentivises sustainable management,” he said. The EU and the UK may not be the leading players in the international timber trade, or in terms of tropical imports, they once were. But, says the report, they remain key influencers in the market and are at the forefront in requiring verified sustainable timber products. The report recommends that they develop new strategies to support tropical producer countries and their adoption of SFM. These include creation of markets for lesser-known tropical species, backing output of secondary wood products in supplier countries and guiding legislative changes that encourage SFM.

At a time when the EU is reviewing the future of the FLEGT scheme, with its proposed new regulation to ensure deforestation-free imports seeing it superseded by new ‘forest partnerships’ with supplier countries, it is also pointed out that 75% of Europe’s tropical timber imports are from countries in FLEGT Voluntary Partnership Agreements. This, says the report, ‘suggests FLEGT remains important to both producing countries and importers’. It also says that ‘increasing certification rates and total imports of certified products via procurement policy, legislation and consumer awareness campaigns are crucial for Europe to maintain its market competitiveness and ability to drive SFM practices abroad’.

“The clock is ticking on the climate crisis and it’s more essential than ever that the EU and UK take leadership in guiding inclusive processes to protect forests and support sustainable timber,” it states. Click here to download the full report.