Autumn 2005 - WWF UK

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.