Thu, Dec 11, 2014
A new initiative that will increase Indonesia's ability to export sustainable forestry products was marked at an event in Jakarta. All products recognized by the Indonesian Forestry Certification Cooperation (IFCC) will receive automatic accreditation from the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).
Endorsement from PEFC, the world's largest sustainable forestry certification system, began in October and follows recognition by the European Union and Australia of Indonesia's Timber Legality Assurance System (SVLK), sending a strong signal that Indonesia is able and willing to manage its forests in a sustainable and transparent manner.
Secretary General of PEFC International, Ben Gunneberg, speaking at the event said: "This endorsement signifies a turning point for Indonesia, a country still struggling to combat high deforestation rates. Forest certification represents an important mechanism to verify and promote sustainable forest management, thus safeguarding the environmental, social, and economic benefits that forests provide.