International trade federation day focuses on sustainable sourcing

Marketing legal and sustainable timber will be the theme when International Timber trade organisations gather in Geneva during October.

Government representatives, public institutions and NGOs are expected to join timber trade federations for the Third International Timber Trade Federation Day, with the title “Maintaining the momentum – marketing legal and sustainable timber”.

The October 6-8 conference is being held against a background of a disconnection between price-sensitive demand and the high costs related to legal and sustainable production, which risks limiting responsible timber to niche markets.

“A general lack of demand and buyers’ inability to pay price premiums is discouraging for producers, especially those in countries with weak forest governance systems and for whom the relative effort of achieving legality or sustainability certification is substantial compared to counterparts in Europe or North Africa,” said organisers.

The conference, funded by the European Commission through the Timber Trade Action Plan, will provide a forum for discussion and present ideas on improving the visibility and market for legal and sustainable timber.

Legislation, codes of conduct, Voluntary Partnership Agreements and the need for certified timber to be given fair credit in sustainability standards in construction are expected to be discussed.

The event is being held at the Ramada Park Hotel, Geneva. To find out more information visit http://timber.unece.org/