PEFC and WWF “may never” be aligned

PEFC and the WWF “may never” be fully aligned on sustainable forest management certification, PEFC International has said following publication of a WWF report.

Despite acknowledging PEFC’s progress in stakeholder engagement, WWF’s report says it will continue to focus its efforts on the rival FSC system.

“PEFC regrets WWF's decision to solely focus on one forest certification system, rather than working in tandem with both sustainable forest management systems,” said PEFC International.

“This is regrettable, particularly so as the decision was based on a report of questionable rigour and objectivity.”

It said independent assessments, including one by the UK government had found that PEFC and FSC were equivalent in delivering their sustainability criteria.

PEFC International is calling on WWF to reconsider its decision and to engage fully with PEFC.