2009 saw the tenth anniversary of PEFC. Over the past ten years, we have seen forest certification grow to cover 8% of the world’s forest area and over a quarter of the world’s roundwood production. And of that, PEFC is responsible for two thirds of the areas and volumes.

“Change” – this is how 2008 can best be described for PEFC. Following a strategic review in 2007 and a Governance Review completed in mid-2008, we have prepared ourselves for the opportunities and challenges the coming years will bring.

2007 will be remembered as a turning point for PEFC. The last 8 years have seen PEFC develop from a small regional scheme into the global leader in certified area and volume. It was fitting therefore that in 2007 the PEFC undertook a major strategic review.

Two years ago, PEFC had about 50 million hectares, now we are close to 200 million. The availability of certified wood has increased exponentially: 25% of the world’s industrial roundwood production is currently certified and about two thirds of all certified forests are certified to PEFC endorsed certification systems.

2005 was a very successful year for PEFC forest certification globally. PEFC-certified forest area reached 100 million hectares and continued to increase to more than 187 million hectares by the end of the year. Around 6% of the world’s forest area is now certified, accounting for over 20% of the global industrial roundwood production.