VPAs give communities a confident voice

FLEGT VPAs are not just about delivering legal timber to the EU, but ensuring greater stakeholder participation in timber sector decision-making in supplier countries to the benefit of ordinary people. Mike Jeffree reports on progress in Ghana, Guyana, Honduras, Indonesia, Liberia and Vietnam.

Lessons learned from independent forest monitoring in Africa

The nongovernmental organisation Fern and its partners in four African countries have reported how independent forest monitoring has had positive effects on forest governance. In a new brief, they share stories of impact and lessons they have learned.

APEC customs officials learn best practices for detecting illegal timber products

More than 100 customs, forestry, and anti-corruption officials and civil society representatives from countries in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum met in Vietnam from 18-19 August 2017 to share best practices for identifying illegal timber and wood products.

World’s largest set of forest-related risk assessments online

NEPCon has published the biggest and most detailed set of risk assessments for timber, palm oil, soy and beef. Among other things, the Sourcing Hub is intended to help companies meet the due diligence requirements of market regulation such as the EU Timber Regulation. It includes assessments of the risks of illegal timber production and trade in 62 countries, covering 87% of global timber production.

Briefing note on the implementation of the EU Timber Regulations, June 2017 - July 2017

Briefing note compiled by UNEP-WCMC as a consultant of the European Commission in close cooperation with the Member States Competent Authorities.

Independent forest monitoring evolves, aided by VPAs

FLEGT Voluntary Partnership Agreements are aiding an evolution in the implementation and impacts of independent forest monitoring in West and Central Africa, according to a new brief by the consultancy Palladium International. The report is based on inputs from 19 civil society organisations and individuals, and it covers eight countries in West and Central Africa.

The EU Timber Regulation implementation and enforcement updates

ClientEarth is looking at how the EUTR has been implemented and is being enforced in each country, and has compiled info-briefings on selected Member States. The info-briefings set out key details of each Member State’s implementing legislation and enforcement approach.

FAO boosts support to promote legal timber trade in Lao PDR

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is stepping up support for the legal timber trade in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic with the official launch of two new projects that will strengthen the roles of civil society and the private sector in improving forest law enforcement, governance and trade (FLEGT) in the country.

Helping Indonesian craftsmen go global, sustainably

Mechanisms to ensure wood is legally sourced are essential to conserve forests, and can also help small businesses expand exports, thereby increasing income. CIFOR scientist Herry Purnomo discusses the importance of this pioneering certification system for small industry, livelihoods and forests in Indonesia.

EU and Thailand hold first talks on forest governance and legal timber trade deal

Thailand and the European Union (EU) have held their first negotiations towards a Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) to improve forest governance and promote trade in verified legal timber products.