Estonian forests achieve first PEFC certificate
31 March 2010The first PEFC forest management certificate in Estonia has been issued.
The certificate Covers 55,000ha of forests under a group of 44 forest owners.
“The wood industry is one of the largest industries in Estonia, providing employment for about 16,000 people,” said Mart Kelk, secretary-general of the Estonian Forest Certification Council.
“With two-thirds of the total timber production exported, PEFC certification is essential as it provides access to global markets for certified timber.”
Mr Kelk said the council had received further Estonian forest owner interest in becoming PEFC-certified.
The certification marks the completion of a pilot project started in early 2009 to pioneer PEFC certification in Estonia.
