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.

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.

Republic of the Congo and the EU release 2016 annual report on VPA progress

The Republic of the Congo and the EU have released a joint report on progress in implementing the Voluntary Partnership Agreement in 2016.

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.

Highlights of EC conference on tackling deforestation and illegal logging

On 21-23 June 2017, the European Commission met with stakeholders from across the world to discuss future work on tackling deforestation and illegal logging. The meeting, in Brussels, attracted more than 250 representatives from timber producer and consumer countries, private sector and civil society, indigenous and local communities, European Union Member States, and international organisations.

Contribuciones al plan de trabajo para la implementación del Plan de Acción FLEGT

La Comisión Europea invita a las partes interesadas a comentar su borrador de documento de trabajo: Hacia un Plan de Trabajo 2017-20 para la implementación del Plan de Acción para la Aplicación de las leyes, gobernanza y comercio forestales (FLEGT).

Contributions au plan de travail pour la mise en œuvre du Plan d’action FLEGT

La Commission européenne invite les parties prenantes à faire des commentaires sur son document provisoire de travail : Vers un plan de travail 2017-20 pour la mise en œuvre du Plan d'action sur l’Application des réglementations forestières, gouvernance et échanges commerciaux (FLEGT).

Contributions to the draft work plan for the implementation of the EU FLEGT Action Plan

The European Commission invites stakeholders to give feedback about its draft working paper: Towards a work plan 2017-2020 for the implementation of the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Action Plan.