Indonesia’s ability to export sustainable forestry products has just been given an adrenalin boost. All products recognised by the Indonesian Forestry Certification Cooperation (IFCC) will receive automatic accreditation from the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).
This endorsement from PEFC, the world’s largest sustainable forestry certification system, validates Indonesia’s ability and willingness to manage its forests in a sustainable and transparent manner. The endorsement began in October and follows recognition by the European Union and Australia of Indonesia’s Timber Legality Assurance System (SVLK).
Secretary General of PEFC International, Ben Gunneberg, stated, “This endorsement signifies a turning point for Indonesia, a country still struggling to combat high deforestation rates. Forest certification represents an important mechanism to verify and promote sustainable forest management, thus safeguarding the environmental, social, and economic benefits that forests provide.
“This is especially important in a country like Indonesia, given the significance of its forest resources both in terms of protecting biodiversity and its contribution to supporting local livelihoods. PEFC-endorsed forest certifications enable people to choose good wood, wood that comes from forests that have been independently verified as sustainably managed. We encourage companies and consumers alike to opt for PEFC-certified products to support forest owners in Indonesia who manage their forests sustainably.”
The process for setting the IFCC certification standard started in 2012. It was drafted in partnership with members of the standardisation committee and approved by the IFCC board of directors in 2013. It was submitted to the PEFC Council for endorsement this year. The certification is valid until 1st October 2019, when it will be subject to renewal.
The chairman of IFCC, Dradjad H Wibowo, noted, “While some people may perceive a conflict between sustainable forestry and economic development in Indonesia, endorsement of the IFCC by PEFC shows that both are possible. With many companies and consumers in the world acknowledging the PEFC certificate as a guarantee of quality products including wood, pulp, paper and its derivative products that come from sustainably managed forest, the endorsement therefore opens new opportunities for exports from Indonesia which, in turn, can create job opportunities and economic development. We now ask all of our stakeholders to observe and respect their IFCC accreditation, so we can ensure the standard remains a credible mark of our forestry management.”
Aida Greenbury, managing director of sustainability at APP, commented, “Sustainability in the pulp and paper sector is something that the industry must work towards if our products are to reach a broader global marketplace. Certification is an important part of this as it acts as a benchmark that is recognized and trusted by international customers.
“However, as an industry leader, we aim to exceed certification standards to ensure the industry more quickly towards sustainable practices. That is why we are committed to Zero Deforestation and why we continue to work with multiple stakeholders in the forest landscapes.”
As Japan becomes the latest Asian country to join PEFC as a National Member, a number of other countries are also exploring options to achieve similar recognition, with India, New Zealand, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, South Korea, and Thailand advancing their national systems for consideration by the certification system.
