Forests are where timber comes from, and when we lose forests around the world to deforestation, whether from illegal logging or conversion of land for agriculture, this undermines the future of the industry. With no forests, there is no future for the industry.
This is why all TTF members, both under our Responsible Purchasing Policy, and both UK and EU law, must only trade in sustainably sourced timber. By growing the market for sustainable timber, we can help ensure our forests stay standing.
Unfortunately, not all countries have strong laws in place to preserve forests and ensure timber is sustainably sourced. FLEGT, which stands for Forest Law Enforcement, Governance, and Trade, is an integral to the UK and EU’s efforts to expand sustainable practices.
Countries which become FLEGT-licensed by improving their forest practices, and shifting towards sustainable forest management, benefit from the EU Action Plan by gaining superior market access into the EU and UK markets – a strong economic, market incentive for keeping forests standing.
The UK and EU member states have a strong partnership with the 15 countries currently implementing or negotiating their Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) – the prerequisite before FLEGT-licensing.