Human health linked directly to forest health
Environmental degradation is causing serious detrimental health impacts for humans, but protecting natural habitats can reverse this and supply positive health benefits, according to a new WWF report. “Our research confirms what we know instinctively: Human health is inextricably linked to the health of the planet,” says Chris Elliot, WWF’s Executive Director of Conservation.
Peru mahogany decision highlights overlooked timber proposals at CITES
Beyond the headline-grabbing proposals on bluefin tuna and ivory trade, the largest wildlife trade convention meeting this week will also address several timber-related issues – an often overlooked responsibility of the Convention on International Trade and Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES).
Forest and donor countries stump up to reduce emissions
Forest and donor countries have kicked off an important joint process which could speed up action to reduce the 15 per cent of global carbon emissions linked to deforestation and forest degradation.
Europe ducks call for strong bioenergy standard
After several months of delay, Europe has taken the easy way out on sustainability requirements for using solid and gaseous biomass in energy production by giving member countries the ability to adopt individual voluntary standards. “From WWF’s perspective, these recommendations are a worst case scenario,” said László Máthé, WWF’s Bioenergy Coordinator.
Spain Advances Forest Certification in Central Africa
Demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting forest certification in Central Africa and public procurement policies that give preference to certified products, representatives from Spain’s Ministry of the Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs (MARM) and WWF’s Global Forest & Trade Network (GFTN) gathered at the end of February to discuss collaborative efforts on advancing responsible forestry in the Congo Basin.
Wal-Mart Presses Vendors in China to Meet Higher Standards
From Washington Post: Shenzhen, China - Benny Fung, the head of Hong Kong-based soap and cosmetics maker Lutex, seems to have an eye for detail. The meeting room at his factory here in southern China is lined with neatly packed gift baskets. His jacket has a thin purple velvet accent around the lapel to match his purple tie.
Vietnam: Aquiculture, Forestry and Agriculture Exports Rise by 25 Percent
From VoV.com: Aquiculture, forestry and agriculture exports in February totalled over US$1.4 billion, increasing Vietnam’s year-to-date turnover to US$2.8 billion, up 25 percent against the same period last year. Agriculture exports gained nearly US$1.5 billion, rising by 11 percent compared to the same period last year, while aquiculture and forestry exports reaped US$628 million and US$617 million, showing increases of 41 percent and 60 percent, respectively.
The Three Keys to a Successful Sustainability Program
From Greenbiz.com: As Time Magazine recently reported, organizations of all kinds have begun making a gradual and powerful move toward sustainability as they recognize increasing convergences between economic and environmental interests. One increasingly-popular accelerator used by high-profile companies like Walmart is to engage employees in helping to achieve sustainability goals.
Ban on Illegal Timber in EU - Pros and Cons
From NEPCon: During the 15th Illegal Logging Update held at the Chatham House, the idea of banning illegal timber trade under the EU Due Diligence regulation was discussed. Backed by several European governments, the European Parliament has proposed an outright ban applicable to all traders in the marketplace.
A decade on, lower Danube exceeds green corridor targets
A decade after four governments agreed to work together to establish a “green corridor” along the entire length of the Lower Danube River, Europe’s most ambitious wetland protection and restoration programme is well ahead of targets for creating protected areas.
