Republic of the Congo and EU take stock of progress in VPA implementation

The Republic of the Congo and the European Union held the fourth meeting of their Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) Joint Implementation Committee (JIC) in Brazzaville on 22-23 June.

TTF reaction to EU Aftermath: Market Volatility and Continued Support for EUTR

Nearly a week has passed since the vote to leave the EU and the events of the week have certainly been tumultuous. The dust and anger may have settled slightly but the picture is still not that much clearer.

Council of the EU adopts conclusions on FLEGT Action Plan

On 28 June 2016, the Council of the European Union adopted conclusions on the independent evaluation of the EU Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Action Plan and the review of the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR).

What does Brexit mean for forests?

For many living in the UK but feeling European, the referendum verdict comes as a great shock. Fern staff feel the decision particularly strongly as we have offices both in Brussels and the UK.

Sharp increase in murders of forest and land defenders

The number of people killed for defending their land, forests and rivers from destructive industries rose sharply in 2015, making it the deadliest year on record according to a report published today by Global Witness.

Cameroon, the new AROE Manual released: an important step towards FLEGT licensing

This Manual was produced by the Centre de Recherche et d’Action pour le Développement Durable in the context of a project funded by the FAO FLEGT Programme in Cameroon.

New survey out to tailor due diligence training for your needs

A new timber project about responsible sourcing is calling for input to a 4 min. survey to help shape training for small and medium-sized enterprises on how to meet the due diligence requirements under the EU Timber Regulation.

Côte d'Ivoire: New forest enforcement agency shows its teeth

Officials in Côte d'Ivoire have seized one of the country’s largest ever hauls of illegal timber, following an inspection by a new enforcement agency set up in April 2016. The seizure, and the enforced closure of the company involved, mark a shift in Côte d'Ivoire’s response to illegal logging.

EU, US and Australia increase enforcement of laws to combat illegal timber trade

Government agencies in the EU, Australia and the United States are stepping up enforcement of laws that aim to stop illegal timber from reaching their markets.

Stepping up EU action to protect forests is not optional but the only way forward

Greenpeace analysis of the FLEGT evaluation
Illegal logging and related trade remain persistent global problems despite the positive impacts of EU actions undertaken since 2004. A recent independent evaluation assesses the progress of EU action in tackling illegal logging since the launch of the EU action plan on Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT), more than ten years ago.