Autumn 2005 - WWF UK

WWF-UKFOREST&TRADENETWORKAutumn20051Newsletter

Contents1 Annual Members Meeting 20052 Leaving Message From Rachel Hembery3 Introduction from the New FTN Manager, Steve Crewe4 Membership Fee Reminder5 Constructor Sector Update6 Paper Sector Update7 Member News8 WWF Global & Forest Trade Networks News9 Other WWF / Forests News10 Feature: The Heart of Borneo11 Useful Reports12 Useful Websites

1WWF-UK FTN Autumn Newsletter 2005Annual Members Meeting 2005The 2005 Annual Members’ Meeting was held on14 September at Northampton Saints rugbyground. Many thanks to Travis Perkins, who kindlyhosted the meeting, and to all those FTN memberswho attended.A summary of the meeting will be sent to allmembers. If you would like to have a copy of thepresentations please contact James Horne,jhorne@wwf.org.uk2Leaving Message FromRachel HemberyI have thoroughly enjoyed the past two years,even though there have been some challengingtimes, and I feel that genuine progress has beenmade within the FTN. Thank you all for yoursupport, commitment and hard work – I hope youcontinue to lead the way, ensuring a positiveimpact on the world's forests.I’d also like to thank Catherine for her tirelesscommitment and dedication to the FTN, and togive a warm welcome to James Horne who hasrecently joined the team. I wish you all the verybest for the future.

3WWF-UK FTN Autumn Newsletter 2005Introduction from the New FTNManager, Steve CreweI am very pleased to have started work as the newWWF-UK Forest & Trade Network Manager.Thanks to the hard work put in by the team hereover the past few years, under the guidance of theprevious WWF-UK FTN Manager Rachel Hembery,we now have in place a sound set of proceduresand guidelines for operating a successfulpartnership. I am keen that we should now buildon this and that FTN membership should returnvalue for money. I believe it is now time to turn ourattention to how we can raise the profile of theWWF-UK FTN to gain stakeholder recognition foryour efforts and I would be interested to hear yourviews on this subject, particularly with regard to thetarget audience and on how it can be reachedinexpensively.WWF-UKFOREST&TRADENETWORKIn addition, I will always be pleased to receive anddiscuss with you any comments you might haveregarding the operation of the WWF-UK FTN, theservices available to you and, of course, any othermatters where I might be of help.I am very much looking forward to working with youall as we continue jointly to bring about the muchneeded improvement in the way the world’s forestsare managed and I hope to speak to all of youeither face to face or at least by telephone over thecoming weeks.My contact details are as follows:Mobile: 077718 10683Email: screwe@wwf.org.uk

6WWF-UK FTN Autumn Newsletter 2005Paper Sector UpdateWWF GFTN Europepaper initiativeA meeting of the WWF GFTN Europe PaperInitiative (EPI) on 15 March in London was attendedby many UK FTN members as well as the FSC-UK,and WWF representatives from several Europeancountries including Russia. The major topics were acoordinated approach and update on Finland, anda more in-depth look at Russian FTN pulp andpaper members. In addition, a GFTN paper supplierquestionnaire was presented, andrecommendations were made for new target FTNmembers in the UK, and more broadly for Europe.Minutes of the meeting and the supplierquestionnaire are available from CatherineLawrence: clawernce@wwf.org.ukHadley Archer, the consultant coordinating the workof the EPI, has moved to WWF Canada. WWFGFTN is hoping to recruit a new EPI coordinator tobe based in Europe and who will work closely withthe UK and German FTNs.For the July 2005 paper sector update, e-mailCatherine Lawrence: clawernce@wwf.org.uk

7WWF-UK FTN Autumn Newsletter 2005Member NewsCarillion makes a differencewith Sustainability WeekFrom 6 to 10 June – to coincide with WorldEnvironment Day on 5 June – Carillion staged ahost of events aimed at improving the environmentand promoting sustainability.Carillion sites and offices teamed up with schoolsand community groups to work on environmentalprojects and increase awareness of sustainabilityissues. People were also encouraged to make theirown personal contribution by pledging to dosomething beneficial for the environment during theweek, such as planting a tree, reducing carbondioxide emissions by driving less, recycling waste orreducing water consumption.Quentin Leiper, Carillion’s Director for theEnvironment, explained: “Our Sustainability Weekaims to increase awareness and understanding ofsustainability across the company, encourageemployees to get involved in activities, lead a moresustainable lifestyle and celebrate the good workwe do in the community.“Adopting a sustainable approach to the way we dobusiness is one of our key values, so that we candeliver not only social and environmental benefits,but also benefits for Carillion and all itsstakeholders.”He added: “Everyone can play their part in helpingto make tomorrow a better place – not just forSustainability Week, but throughout the year.”Changes at FOCUS WickesIn February, Wickes Building Supplies was sold toTravis Perkins. Both FOCUS (DIY) Limited andWickes Building Supplies will continue to supportlegal and well-managed timber sources and FSCcertification through separate stringent timbersourcing policies and membership of theWWF-UK FTN.FOCUS Bermuda Range gardenfurniture and ‘Deck in a Box’FOCUS (DIY) Ltd has been working with WorldZone, its supplier of garden furniture in Malaysia,which has now joined the Malaysia FTN. WorldZone is Malaysia’s leading exporter of gardenfurniture with customers predominantly in Europe,North America, Japan and Australia and suppliersof the FOCUS Bermuda Range garden furniture.FOCUS Environment Manager Jo Hirst said: “Weare delighted that World Zone has joined theMalaysian FTN. Our customers can rest assuredthat we are making every effort to source gardenfurniture from legal and well-managed sources byworking with committed suppliers such as WorldZone. The entire Bermuda Range is progressingtowards FSC certification, except the Steamer Chairand Gas BBQ, which are already FSC certified.”Deck in a Box is an FSC modular decking systemwith easy to follow installation instructions, making itthe ideal solution when building a deck or patio areaaround the home or office. Said Jo Hirst: “It’simportant to offer our customers innovativeproducts that encourage sustainable DIY. In thiscase, FSC Deck in a Box ticks every box.” The rawmaterial comes from SCAs, FSC-certified forestholdings in northern Sweden.

8WWF-UK FTN Autumn Newsletter 2005WWF Global & Forest TradeNetwork NewsFor the latest WWF Global Forest & Trade Networkbulletin, please visitwww.panda.org/downloads/forests/gftnbulletinjune05.pdfGreenpeace gives GFTN amber ratingGreenpeace published its annual Garden FurnitureGuide in March, with a league table of UK retailersranked according to the environmental credentialsof their garden furniture range. The guide uses ared/yellow/green traffic light colour coding system,with FSC furniture given “green”, GFTN memberfurniture “yellow” or amber, and furniture fromunknown sources or those not working towardscertification given “red” coding.Europe UpdateAssociation develops newCoC standardWWF Russia, in association with partner companyLesExpert, has developed a detailed new technicalstandard for production and chain of custodycontrols for saw mills in Russia. The new standardhas been field tested, and members of theAssociation of Environmentally Responsible TimberProducers of Russia have agreed to adopt it. Thestandard will improve mill efficiency andorganisation, as well as ensuring reliable woodorigin traceability that complies with FSC STD 40-005. No regulatory requirements exist in Russia forcontrolling or documenting the origin of timber.IKEA renews funding in RussiaFollowing the success of the Association ofEnvironmentally Responsible Timber Producers ofRussia over the last three years, IKEA has approvedUS$215,000 of additional funding for theAssociation over the next three years. Funds arealso allocated for certification training andidentification of HCVF as part of a total forestcertification funding package of US$875,000. TheAssociation is also funded by USAID and from 2006will derive a proportion of its revenue frommembership fees.Asia UpdateWWF China Forest & TradeNetwork is launchedThe China FTN was launched in March as part ofthe Global Forest & Trade Network. The GFTN isnow working in 30 countries with some 400companies that have made commitments toresponsible forest management and responsiblepurchasing of forest products. They include majorretailers such as IKEA, Carrefour and B&Q.The China FTN, which covers mainland China andHong Kong, aims to facilitate trade links betweencompanies committed to achieving and supportingresponsible forestry. It also provides a forum forChinese companies to demonstrate that they areproducing and purchasing forest products in aresponsible manner.

WWF Global & Forest TradeNetworks News (cont)WWF-UK FTN Autumn Newsletter 2005The new FTN in China is open to a broadrange of companies:• Forest managers and harvesting companies• Primary wood processors• Importers• Manufacturers• Exporters• Retailers• AssociationsFor more information on how to apply to the ChinaFTN, and on its current participants, please visitwww.forestandtradeasia.org/guidance/China_and_Hong_Kong/English/7/281/Or contact Mr Jin Zhonghao, China FTN Manager:t: +86 10 6522 7100, ext 3284f: +86 10 6522 7300e: zhhjin@wwfchina.orgFive Perhutani teakdistricts appraisedNusa Hijau, the WWF Indonesia FTN, hascompleted baseline appraisals in five forest districtsin east Java managed by the parastatal PerumPerhutani, the world’s largest teak producer. Theplantation forests in the five districts cover 140,000hectares. Certification action plans are beingprepared for the districts and it is expected thatPerhutani will become the first forest member ofNusa Hijau next month. The Tropical Forest Trusthas been working with Perum Perhutani in centralJava since 2003.Africa UpdateFive producers completebaseline appraisalsThree logging companies in Cameroon and two inGhana have undergone baseline appraisals thisyear with assistance from the GFTN. The next stepwill be to complete certification action plans forboth mill and forest operations. Several morecompanies will follow over the next few months,including a major Ghanaian plantation teak exporter.WWF clarifies positionon FORCOMSFollowing a series of meetings with the sponsors ofFORCOMS (Independent Forest ConcessionMonitoring System in Central Africa), WWF hasformally stated that it does not endorse theinitiative. FORCOMS is being developed by theInterAfrica Forest Industries Association (IFIA), theWorld Conservation Union (IUCN) and Global ForestWatch. Early publications by the initiative mistakenlyincluded reference to WWF as a sponsor.FORCOMS will be a voluntary initiative based onself-reporting by forest concession holders againsta range of legality and SFM indicators. It is intendedthat an independent body will oversee the system,carry out limited spontaneous field verifications andpost reports on a website aimed at the tropicaltimber market and broader public. WWF’sengagement with the forest industry in the regionwill be based on adherence to GFTN requirements,including a commitment to credible certification andregular independent audits of progress.

9WWF-UK FTN Autumn Newsletter 2005Other WWF / Forests NewsIndonesian NGOs call to stopclear-cutting natural forestsin Sumatra1 AUGUST 2005Eyes on the Forest, a coalition of Sumatranenvironmental NGOs, has called on all companiesthat are clear-cutting natural forests based onIndustrial Timber Plantation Licences (IUPHHK-HT)issued by governors or heads of districts to issuean immediate moratorium on all such operations.The coalition also called on companies sourcingtimber from such activities to immediately stop alldeliveries.The Indonesian Ministry of Forestry (MoF) iscurrently reviewing the validity of these licences.Eyes on the Forest supports the review as a verysignificant step towards the conservation of someof the country’s remaining natural forests. Locallyissuedlicences have been used to clear large areasof natural forests in disregard of MoF regulationsthat protected them.According to WWF, the review offers an opportunityto develop new concepts in prosecuting theinvestigators of illegal logging and taking the buyersto court.Read more atwww.panda.org/about_wwf/what_we_do/forests/news/news.cfm?uNewsID=22231Forest Crime File22 JULY 2005Forest Crime File is a Forests for Life programmebulletin, presenting the latest news of relevance tothe issue of illegal logging and forest crime.Read more atwww.panda.org/downloads/forests/forestcrimefilejuly05.pdfMediterranean cork oak forestsreceive first FSC certification4 JULY 2005WWF applauds the world’s first FSC certification ofcork oak forests and products in the Mediterranean.The forest owners and processors’ certificationrecognises that their forests and operations aremanaged to the highest international social andenvironmental standards.WWF supports the efforts of the cork sector in Italy,Portugal and Spain in demonstrating theresponsible management of cork oak forests. WWFcalls on all cork producing countries to adoptsimilar measures.Read more atwww.panda.org/about_wwf/what_we_do/forests/news/news.cfm?uNewsID=21677

10Other WWF / Forests News (cont)WWF-UK FTN Autumn Newsletter 2005Cork cushion – an unlikelysaviour of wildlife?14 JULY 2005A cushion, the first of its kind, could be a new wayin the UK to use cork – not only contributingtowards preserving nature, but also to widening amarket mostly dominated by needs of the winetrade.The new cushion, developed exclusively bysupermarket Sainsbury’s, is made from incrediblysoft and warm sheets of cork, and designers hopeit will create a new commercial incentive for corkproducers to maintain century-old trees andlandscapes which have become a haven for wildlife.Sainsbury’s product technologist David Cattonsays: “We’re hoping to help the cork industrydevelop new markets for its product – for the goodof the environment and its wildlife.”New insights on crediblecertification in Europe21 JULY 2005WWF has updated its evaluation of credible forestcertification in Europe. This follows the completionof three studies to gain insights into how the twoforest certification systems, FSC and PEFC,perform and deliver against key elements WWFconsiders important for a system’s credibility.The three elements on which WWF tested theperformance of FSC and PEFC were:– whether the scheme drives significantimprovements in forest management on theground;– whether a scheme design meets WWF's corevalues on meaningful and equitable participation ofall major stakeholder groups, reliable independentassessment, certification decisions free of conflictsof interest, transparency in decision-making andreporting; and– whether the system delivers consistency acrosscountries.Read more atwww.panda.org/about_wwf/what_we_do/forests/news/news.cfm?uNewsID=22050Kenya carves its placein forest history29 MARCH 2005An innovative WWF project promoting sustainableKenyan woodcarvings from ‘good woods’ hasachieved FSC certification – a first for Kenya.The project encourages the use of farm-growntrees for carving instead of threatened hardwoods,thereby securing carvers’ livelihoods and providinga new income source for farmers. Woodcarvingsmade from neem rather than over-harvestedhardwoods such as ebony can now carry the FSClogo, assuring consumers that the products havenot contributed to the destruction of east Africa’sforests.Read more atwww.panda.org/about_wwf/where_we_work/africa/news/news.cfm?uNewsID=19414, or e-mail DavidHoyle: DHoyle@wwf.org.uk

10WWF-UK FTN Autumn Newsletter 2005News Feature:The Heart of BorneoHeart of Borneo campaignWWF’s mission is to build a future in which peoplelive in harmony with the natural world. In thiscampaign WWF has joined a race against time tosave the Heart of Borneo, one of the last refuges ofthe endangered orang-utan.WWF is attempting to mobilise government supportfor a large-scale conservation programme in theupland transboundary area of Borneo. This is theonly place on the planet where the Indo-Malayanforests of South-east Asia can still be conserved ona large enough scale (approximately 220,000 sq kmof continuous forest) to be permanently viable. Thispredominantly highland area is shared by Malaysiaand Indonesia and reaches out through the foothillsinto adjacent lowlands and into parts of Brunei. Wecall this area the Heart of Borneo.Work still needs to be done if we are to besuccessful in securing the biggest transboundaryforest conservation area since the Congo basin sixyears ago. The future of the amazing Heart ofBorneo is hanging in the balance. It really is now ornever.For more information, go online towww.panda.org/heart-of-borneo

11WWF-UK FTN Autumn Newsletter 2005Useful ReportsWindow of opportunityWWF, MARCH 2005This report shows that throughout the life andeventual disposal of timber windows, the overallenvironmental impact is significantly less than forPVC windows. WWF is encouraging specifiers andbuyers of windows to choose FSC-certified wood.Download Window of opportunity as a PDF file.www.wwf-uk.org/filelibrary/pdf/windows_0305.pdfBorneo: Treasure Island at RiskWWF, JUNE 2005This report supports a 2001 World Bank reportpredicting that all lowland rainforests in Kalimantan– the Indonesian part of Borneo – would disappearby 2010. It also predicts an uncertain future for theisland’s remaining forests. Download Borneo:Treasure Island at Risk as a PDF file.www.panda.org/downloads/forests/treasureislandatrisk.pdfBorneo's Lost World: newlydiscovered species on BorneoWWF, APRIL 2005This report on Borneo, the world’s third-largestisland, highlights the urgent need to conserve thehabitat of endangered species such as orang-utansand pygmy elephants, as well as thousands ofother species, many of which are newly-discovered.Download Borneo's Lost World: Newly DiscoveredSpecies on Borneo as a PDF file.www.panda.org/downloads/forests/newlydiscoveredspeciesonborneo25042005.pdf

12WWF-UK FTN Autumn Newsletter 2005Useful WebsitesWWF International and WWF-UKforest reports:www.wwf.org.uk/researcher/issues/forests/0000000197.asp#IntWWF-UK policy and WWFInternational position statements:www.wwf.org.uk/researcher/issues/forests/0000000198.aspWWF-UK work on forests:www.wwf.org.uk/researcher/issues/forests/Joint ENGO statement on Forest LawEnforcement, Governance and Trade(FLEGT):www.panda.org/downloads/europe/controllingtimberimportsintotheeu.pdfInformation about forest certificationand responsible wood sourcing in theAsia-Pacific region:www.forestandtradeasia.orgThe mission of WWF is to stop the degradation of the planet’snatural environment and to build a future in which humans livein harmony with nature, by:· conserving the world’s biological diversity· ensuring that the use of renewable resources is sustainable· promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumptionwww.wwf.org.ukWWF-UKPanda House, Weyside ParkGodalming, Surrey GU7 1XRt: +44 (0)1483 426444f: +44 (0)1483 426409