Enabling Markets to Work for Forests

WWF and the GFTN attended the XIIIth World Forestry Congress, a week-long dialogue held October 18-23, 2009 in Buenos Aires, organized by the government of Argentina in collaboration with the Forestry Department of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, attracting 4,500 participants from over 160 countries. Throughout the week speeches, workshops, round-table discussions, poster presentations, parallel events, exhibits, study and technical tours will provide a forum for the exchange of personal experiences and for discussions on topics related to the conference theme, "Forests in development – a vital balance."

WWF strategically engaged attendees through three side events and an institutional presence in the Congress exhibition hall, focusing on how companies, governments, financial institutions and other key stakeholders could contribute to the conservation of the world’s valuable and threatened forests.

At the Congress, WWF challenged government leaders, NGOs and businesses, in a keynote presentation delivered by Rodney Taylor, Director of WWF International’s Forest Programme, to back an ambitious target on stopping forest loss—zero net deforestation by 2020—as a major element of efforts to avert the looming climate catastrophe.

To support this target, WWF addressed the critical role that forest companies play in providing solutions to climate change through responsible management of forests and plantations by showcasing its leading, innovative solutions—GFTN and New Generation Plantations Project—at a special event that attracted over 255 attendees. The discourse demonstrated how the global marketplace can be harnessed as a key force to conserve the world’s valuable and threatened forests, while providing economic and social benefits for the businesses and people that depend on them.
 
"WWF believes companies in the forest sector can play a critical role in providing solutions to climate change through sustainable management of natural forests and plantations,” said Rodney Taylor, Director of WWF-International’s forest programme.

Experts in industry and government shared their experiences and insights into how markets can advance responsible forestry and trade practices. Representatives from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Forest Commission (COMIFAC) and State Forestry Administration of China shared how these market mechanisms are key to conserving the vital forests in their countries.

“WWF through GFTN has been instrumental in promoting responsible forest management in the Congo Basin, achieving credible certification for 4.7 million hectares since December 2005,” said Martin Tadoum, COMIFAC Deputy Executive Secretary.

Industry also recognized the vital role of responsible forest management and trade practices in their business operations, asserting that environmentally and socially responsible business practices not only benefit the world’s forests but also their commercial objectives.

“We view our commitment to responsible forestry and credible certification as a worthwhile investment. Sustainability and environmentally and socially responsible practices are good business for us,” said Savio C. K. Chow, President of Export, China Flooring Holding Co. Ltd, a GFTN Participant in China and Peru.

For more information contact Hisayo Fujikawa (hisayo.fujikawa@wwfus.org)