Market demand and political support is required if a phased approach to forest certification is to be successful, according to the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes’ (PEFC) Council.
Announcing the publication of a position paper outlining key issues and requirements for a graduated approach for developing countries, council secretary-general Ben Gunneberg said the backing of key consumers and governments was necessary to realise the step-by-step concept.
The phased approach is designed to give developing countries a way of demonstrating gradual compliance with certification standards through a series of predetermined steps.
Mr Gunneberg said such a concept would probably entail use of different wood tracking systems, labels and communication efforts which would add considerably to costs.
He questioned how the market and governments would react to the less demanding steps of a gradual approach, when there was already some reluctance to give preference to fully developed certification systems.
The council intends to work with institutions such as the International Tropical Timber Organisation to deliver a feasible solution, once market and political support can be demonstrated.
