EU Markets Open Doors to Indonesian Timber
Jakarta. Indonesia will maintain its good reputation at the European Union's timber market, which is known for its strict controls and quality requirements, a minister said on Thursday (30/11).
Since November last year, when Indonesia's timber legality verification system (SVLK) was recognized by the EU, the country has shipped to the regional bloc more than $1 billion worth of certified timber products.
The legality verification system is in accordance with the EU's strict Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Action Plan that was launched in 2003 to reduce illegal logging.
"This is a milestone for Indonesia. The FLEGT licensing allows all Indonesian timber products with the SVLK [certificates] to enter the EU market," Environment Minister Siti Nurbaya said in a statement.
EU Ambassador Vincent Guérend said the FLEGT licensing is about something more than just trade, as it benefits people and the planet.
"We confirm our support and trust to the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. The FLEGT partnerships aim to benefit both people and the planet. They strengthen rights, increase prosperity and help Indonesia in its efforts to manage its forests sustainability and use them to limit climate change," Vincent said.
Siti urged timber consumer countries to support the sustainability policy by not receiving timber from illegal sources.
"We encourage all consumer countries to close down the illegal timber market, to end illegal logging, and support sustainable management of forests," she said.
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