world news - 20.02.2003
Finland: 22 million hectares of forest certified
Over 50 systems of certification exist world wide. Many , far too many, especially when one considers the fact that many of these labels of quality are only valid regionally and not nationally. A real jungle of valuation systems and very difficult to extricate oneself from.
What the consumer is concerned about is to kwno which are the key rules that consitute an environmentally friendly management of a country's forest resources. In general, the definition of a "well managed forest" is according to the principals of sustainable development.
Most of all, it means respecting the already existing habitat, the waterways, seeing that young forests continue grow and recognising their worth. In addition it means harmonising the natural elements with the employment the forests give to the local population. To be granted certification, in practical terms the company must be able to guarantee the origin of the wooden used and be able to trace each of the stages in the production of the article.
About 22 million hectares of, about 95% of Finnish Forest, have been certified by the Finnish Forest Certification System, Ffcs.which accounts for almost all of the country's forest are managed by the Finnish Forest industries Federation. A very high percentage when compared with the rest of the world . In 2002, certified forests throughout the world amounted to 92 million hectares of forest.
See also:
- — JAPAN — THE LOG MARKET TURNS WEAKER
- — Softwood Talks Off-Course
- — ITALY — REPORT ON THE FURNITURE INDUSTRY
- — Pulp Price Increase
- — In 2002 the timber and pulp and paper export cost increased by 10.1% and their share accounted for 4.9% of Russia's export abroad versus 4.7% in 2001