PEFC puts forest certification under the EU microscope
1 March 2017 News
“It was fantastic to see so many different experts in one room,” said Ben Gunneberg, CEO of PEFC International, speaking at the first PEFC EU Policy Conference.
“From the European Commission, forest owners, paper federations, FLEGT experts from both the EU and FAO, and experts in tropical forestry and agro-forestry, all coming together to discuss and explore the many opportunities for cooperation and collaboration.”
The PEFC International Board of Directors was also well represented, with the two Vice Chairs, Natalie Hufnagl-Jovy and Sheam Satkuru-Granzella, both taking part in panel discussions.
Forest certification and the FLEGT Action Plan
While forest certification has always been part of the FLEGT Action Plan, recent progress has led to a new motivation and appetite for exploring this subject of synergy with new intensity and depth.
The conference provided an ideal setting to discuss where synergies are already being explored and showing promise, and to consider ways and means for enabling these synergies to be realized in the future.
“It is evident that there is a range of ideas and examples on the synergies between forest certification and FLEGT,” said Sarah Price, Head of Projects and Development, following the conclusion of the FLEGT session.
“From the more obvious synergies, such as national VPAs recognizing certification, to the opportunity for two-way learning and the use of certification as a ‘living laboratory’ to pilot test tough issues such as conversion wood.”
“What’s clear is we need certification to be better recognized for the important role that it plays. In fact, some issues such as conversions, or even new topics and issues, can actually be better handled in certification dialogue than VPA dialogue.”
Forest certification and the EU sustainable biomass policy
In his keynote speech, Mr. Jean-Eric Paquet, Deputy Secretary General of the European Commission revealed the first insights into the results of the consultation on EU sustainable biomass policy.
“The main concern of stakeholders concerning biomass was the impact on climate change and CO2 emissions,” Mr. Paquet reported.
Although no conclusions had been made yet, options for the regulatory approach included extending the existing biofuel regulations to all biomass; a risk-based approach for sustainable forest management supply; to require the use of high-efficiency installations for energy where biomass is used; and limits on the use of round wood.
“The outcome of our consultation showed a risk-based approach to sustainable forest management supply to be the most popular option among those consulted,” Mr. Paquet highlighted.
“There will now be much discussion and further work before the final announcement can be made on the 13 November this year.”