PEFC’s Strategic Visit to Indonesia Strengthens Regional Forest Certification Ties
Responsible Wood recently visited Indonesia in collaboration with Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) and the Indonesian Forest Certification Cooperation (IFCC). This strategic trip aimed to enhance cooperation among PEFC national governing bodies and fortify the network of sustainable forest management in the Asia-Pacific region.
During the visit, representatives from Responsible Wood, PEFC Asia Pacific, and IFCC engaged in productive discussions with key importers and exporters of forest and wood products destined for Australia. A key outcome of the visit was further understanding the Indonesian market for Australian forest and wood products. These meetings were pivotal in reinforcing the importance of certified forest products in international trade and underscoring the benefits of sustainable forestry.
Matt de Jongh, Sustainability Manager at Responsible Wood, highlighted the trip’s significance:
“Our visit to Indonesia provided an invaluable opportunity to connect with stakeholders across the forestry sector. By strengthening our relationships with importers and exporters, we are promoting sustainable sourcing and ensuring that certified wood products continue to meet the growing demand in Australia.”
The collaboration also underscored the commitment to maintaining high standards in forest certification. The discussions emphasised the need for continued support for certified forest products and highlighted the benefits of certification for both environmental sustainability and economic growth.
Richard Laity, PEFC Asia Pacific Manager, echoed these sentiments:
“The trip to Indonesia has been instrumental in solidifying the linkages between PEFC national governing bodies at the APAC level. Our shared goals of promoting sustainable forest management and enhancing certification standards are crucial for the region. Strengthening these relationships ensures we can collectively address the challenges and opportunities within the forestry sector.”
A key outcome of the visit was reinforcing the PEFC’s presence and influence in the Asia-Pacific region. By fostering closer ties with IFCC and other regional stakeholders, Responsible Wood and PEFC Asia Pacific aim to create a more cohesive and robust certification network. This network is essential for promoting sustainable forestry practices and ensuring certified products are recognized and valued globally.
The trip also allowed the participating organisations to exchange knowledge and best practices. By sharing experiences and insights, Responsible Wood, PEFC Asia Pacific, and IFCC can continue to innovate and improve the certification processes, ultimately leading to more sustainable and responsible forest management practices.
