2010 was in many ways the 'Year of Society'. Our activities were aimed at ensuring increased attention to social issues and greater inclusion of previously disadvantaged or disenfranchised stakeholders in sustainable forest management. We also saw renewed efforts to readjust the balance between the three pillars of sustainable development: environmental protection, economic viability and social equity.

The Rio Forest Certification Declaration contains ten principles intended to guide the future development of sustainable forest management and forest certification around the world.

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.