Promoting the use of phased approaches to certification in tropical timber exporting developing countries was the focus of a workshop held recently in Bern, Switzerland.
Representatives of certification schemes, timber producers and buyers, certification agencies and environmental organizations attended the workshop, which was funded by the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO).
The meeting took place […]
Promoting the use of phased approaches to certification in tropical timber exporting developing countries was the focus of a workshop held recently in Bern, Switzerland.
Representatives of certification schemes, timber producers and buyers, certification agencies and environmental organizations attended the workshop, which was funded by the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO). The meeting took place from 19-21 April 2005.
Workshop participants reportedly agreed that the verification of legal origin could constitute a first stage of a phased approach. Some also reportedly called for the verification of legal compliance, which would require a more in-depth audit of adherence to relevant laws than is typically carried out as part of the forest certification process. However, others apparently expressed concern that this would “shift the goal posts” for timber-suppliers and would actually hinder their efforts to achieve SFM and certification. More information.