UK environment minister Phil Woolas will kick off a two-day illegal logging debate in central London on Thursday.
Mr Woolas is the keynote speaker at the latest Chatham House Illegal Logging Update and Stakeholder Consultation meeting.
Other speakers will include Julia Falconer from the European Commission, who will give an update on the EU Action Plan for Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade, as well as voluntary partnership agreement (VPA) negotiations.
Representatives from countries currently involved in the VPA process, including Ghana, Cameroon, Indonesia and Vietnam will also give updates.
Other subjects being covered include public procurement policies and certification. Rachel Butler of the government’s Central Point of Expertise on Timber and Timber Trade Federation chief executive John White will form part of the line-up.
