Gabon scheme meets PEFC benchmark

29 April, 2009

Gabon is the first African country to have a forest certification scheme that meets PEFC’s sustainability benchmark requirements.

PEFC International hailed the endorsement as a landmark and a “step in the right direction”, especially as currently 90% of the world’s certified forests are located in temperate forests in the northern hemisphere.

The endorsement relates to the Gabonese Forest Certification Scheme (PAFC Gabon) and will run for three years instead of the normal five years.

“Given the enormous challenges faced by many African countries, reflecting the larger constraints of low income, weak policies and inadequately developed institutions, the result is that much more impressive and so far exceptional in the African context,” said PEFC International.

Timber-based products originating from PAFC Gabon certified forests can now use the PEFC label, gaining access to all global markets requiring PEFC certification as proof of sustainability.