After two years’ work, Belgian Timber Federation member Saelens Trading has achieved Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for 8,200ha of virgin tropical forest in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil.
Company director Henri Saelens said: ‘We did this in conjunction with our major supplier in sawn hardwood timber and plywood, Maracai, and are the first in Mato Grosso to have achieved certification.’
Saelens Trading has been dealing with Brazilian forest products for the past eight years.
Mr Saelens said: ‘We have only specialised in a few tropical species from specific areas in Brazil. But lesser known and excellent species are waiting to be ecologically harvested and protected for future generations.
‘We are a member of the Belgian Timber Federation and work closely with WWF Belgium. We are also a member of Club 97, a forest and trade network of different companies that promotes timber products coming out of sustainable and well-managed forests around the world.’
