FLEGT is big, says Director General for the Environment

In this exclusive interview with the ETTF, European Commission Director General for the Environment Daniel Calleja Crespo describes the first year of FLEGT licensing by Indonesia as a great start. Now, he says, it’s the responsibility of all stakeholders to capitalise on the opportunities presented by this unique timber legality initiative and to take the wider EU FLEGT Action Plan forward.

Lessons and inspiration from Indonesia’s FLEGT experience

Indonesia was not the only one to celebrate its FLEGT licensing launch last year. Other tropical timber exporters engaged in the FLEGT VPA process en route to licensing welcomed the news too. They see Indonesia’s success not just as inspirational, but providing lessons from which they can learn. Mike Jeffree reports

FLEGT boosts civil society self-help

After playing a key role in implementing their country’s FLEGT Voluntary Partnership Agreement with the EU, Indonesian civil society groups are sharing experiences with counterparts in other countries engaged in the initiative.

Indonesian FLEGT licensing greeted as anti-illegal timber breakthrough

As of today, November 15, Indonesia becomes the first country to issue licences under the EU Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT) initiative. These will exempt timber and wood products from further due diligence under the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) and European operator importers are expecting to receive their first licensed cargoes before the end of the year.

Staying up to speed on FLEGT online

A new website has been launched to help EU timber buyers and their suppliers navigate FLEGT licensing.

ETTF offers EUTR due diligence back-up

While supporting FLEGT licensing, the ETTF is also committed to building up support for member companies in meeting due diligence demands of the EUTR.

Wood tracking is live

The introduction of Ghana’s online Wood Tracking System (WTS) has been challenging, but it’s now on course for full roll out, according to George Kuru, managing director of system provider Ata Marie

Ghana transformed and on target for licensing

Ghana’s confidence in its FLEGT VPA process is underlined by its eagerness to open it to scrutiny. Mike Jeffree reports

EU country authorities prepare for FLEGT licences

Across the EU, national FLEGT Competent Authorities (CAs) are preparing for arrival of first FLEGT-licensed shipments, which they will register, authenticate and police. Some countries have appointed the same bodies that act as EU Timber Regulation CAs to the FLEGT CA role. Others are taking a different approach

Cross border cooperation

The impetus for Competent Authorities (CAs) to strengthen EUTR enforcement through collaboration is increasing