Speaking at today’s event, PEFC International secretary-general Ben Gunneberg said the endorsement was a “turning point” for 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,” said Mr Gunneberg.
“This is especially important in a country like Indonesia, given the significance of its forest resources, both in terms of protecting biodiversity and its contribution to supporting local livelihoods.”
Purwardi Soeprihanto, executive director of the Association of Indonesian Forest Concession Holders, said the PEFC endorsement marked a new era in the development of a voluntary sustainable forestry certification system.
“Supported by the national accreditation scheme, SVLK, we expect international markets to be increasingly receptive to Indonesian forestry products which are promoted as sustainable,” he said.
The accreditation was established in October and is valid for five years. It follows the EU and Australia’s recognition of Indonesia’s Timber Legality Assurance System (SVLK).
