Statement on Deforestation and Forest Degradation

December 8, 2023 – Brisbane, Australia 

We recognise the irreplaceable role of forests and ecosystems in maintaining the delicate balance of our planet, and the communities around the world who depend on them. Responsible Wood shares the growing concern about continued deforestation and forest degradation.

We are committed to actively addressing these challenges through our role as an accredited Standards Development Organisation by promoting sustainable forest management through independent third-party certification. We stand firm on the principle that certified forests under the Responsible Wood Certification Scheme remain forests, and the products derived from these forests can be managed sustainably for future generations, emphasising management practices that prioritise the longevity and health of forests.

Promoting Healthy Forests: Forests are the lungs of our planet.

Deforestation is a land-use change, where a forest is permanently cleared for another use such as for urban expansion or infrastructure development. In stark contrast Responsible Wood certified forests and forest products are sourced from forests that continually regrow and regenerate.  

Contrary to common misconceptions, “logging” (tree harvesting) in certified forests does not equate to deforestation or forest degradation. Our Standard AS/NZS 4708-2021, sets stringent requirements for sustainable forest management, incorporating international norms, criteria, and indicators. Our Standard ensures that the harvesting of forest products involves carefully planned and controlled activities, including active regeneration and monitoring, preventing both deforestation and forest degradation.

Save Our Forests: An artist’s impression of a future without trees.

Certified sustainably managed forests play a pivotal role in addressing these major global threats, whilst acknowledging the delicate balance between economic development and environmental protection and supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.  

Consumers can confidently choose products with the PEFC and Responsible Wood labels, knowing that they support well-managed forests, contribute to climate change mitigation, are sourced from transparent and traceable supply chains including ensuring the fair treatment of workers and harvest methods that align with best practice, evidence-based sustainable forest management. 

For more information, click here to read our complete Statement on Deforestation and Forest Degradation.

The EU Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR), which entered into force on 29 June 2023, aims to decrease the production and consumption of commodities and derived products linked to deforestation and forest degradation entering or leaving the EU market. The EUDR covers a wide range of timber products, including sawn timber, wood-based materials, paper, and furniture, as well as rubber.

Our Standards are already well-positioned to meet many key elements of the EUDR, and we are working intensively to align them more closely with EUDR requirements. Responsible Wood/PEFC chain of custody certified companies and PEFC-certified forest managers will soon be able to benefit from our practical solutions to enable them to successfully implement EUDR.

For more information please refer to PEFC International, click here.