The EU and Laos conclude the third formal negotiation towards an agreement on combating illegal logging and promoting trade in legal timber products

The European Union (EU) and Laos held their third round of face-to-face negotiations on a Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) on Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT). The talks took place in Brussels, Belgium from 17-21 June 2019. The Agreement aims to establish a system to verify the legality of timber products harvested and exported by Laos. This helps to promote trade in legal timber products, improves forest governance and contributes to combatting illegal logging.

Responsible trade in tropical timber: exporting and importing countries explain the actions they are taking

Representatives from tropical timber exporting and importing countries discussed responsible trade in timber at a session during the Asia-Pacific Forestry Week in Incheon, Korea on 19 June 2019.

UNEP-WCMC reports on EUTR implementation

The UN Environment World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) has published its latest briefing note on the implementation of the European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR), which covers the period March to April 2019.

EC publishes results of consultation on action against tropical deforestation

The European Commission has published the results of a public consultation on its roadmap towards an EU “Communication on Stepping up EU Action against Deforestation and Forest Degradation”.

New resource for timber buyers on benefits of FLEGT-licensed products now available in French, Italian and Spanish

Timber buyers can now visit a new webpage in English, French, Italian or Spanish to learn about the business benefits of trading in FLEGT-licensed timber and the social, environmental and economic benefits that such trade brings to producer countries.

Reminder: Consultation on EU action on deforestation

The European Commission’s public consultation on EU action against deforestation closes on 25 February 2019.

To legality and beyond — new resource for timber buyers on benefits of FLEGT-licensed products

Timber buyers can now visit a new resource to learn about the business benefits of trading in FLEGT-licensed timber and the social, environmental and economic benefits that such trade brings to producer countries.

EC launches consultation on EU action on deforestation

The European Commission (EC) has launched a public consultation to help develop an integrated EU approach to combatting deforestation, protecting forests and promoting sustainable supply chains.

How timber trade deal talks with EU improved governance in Guyana

The process of negotiating a timber-trade deal with the EU has improved forest governance in Guyana, and more gains are expected as implementation gets underway.

Drive for legal timber boosts worker safety in Ghana

Across Ghana, workers who cut down trees in forests, move timber from the forest to factories or process wood into finished goods can expect these and other improvements in the coming months. That’s because, as Ghana implements new systems for ensuring the legality of its timber and timber products, a spotlight is shining on worker safety like never before.