Sectors of the UK forestry and timber industries have met to discuss the formulation of a draft Forest Sector Sustainability Strategy.
Co-ordinated by the Forest Industries Development Council (FIDC), the strategy is intended to help the government’s drive towards sustainable development and generally promote the forestry sector.
Organisations representing timber growers, processors, education and training held their first meeting at the FIDC in Edinburgh on July 23.
Forestry Commission representative Bob Selmes said afterwards: ‘I think the sustainability strategy, when it’s completed, will form a very useful thing with which to promote the industry in the UK and with government. I think the industry has a very good story to tell.’
George McRobbie, chairman of the strategy working group, added: ‘A lot has been done by the sector and, because of the nature of the business we are in, it has good potential to demonstrate that it is a leading light.’
Prime minister Tony Blair has asked five industries to come up with sustainability strategies – forestry, energy, water, tourism and finance. They will be highlighted at the Rio+10 Earth Summit next year.
The working group will meet again in September.
