Environment and development ministers have promised action against illegal logging at a key G8 conference in Derby attended by the Timber Trade Federation (TTF).
The TTF’s corporate social responsibility adviser Andy Roby made a presentation to ministers on the positive role played by the UK timber trade in promoting the sourcing of verified legal and sustainable timber.
Ministers supported a British-led initiative at the two-day meeting and issued a statement vowing to help poor countries fight the illegal timber trade, including taking steps to stop the import and marketing of such products.
UK international development secretary Hilary Benn said he was “delighted” with the support, despite the commitment not being as strong as intended due to US opposition to any change in trade regulations.
The statement commits G8 nations to “encourage, adopt or extend public timber procurement policies that favour legal timber” and help producer countries through combating corruption and strengthening law enforcement.
It read: “We will share our technical knowledge, help develop tools and build the capacity to detect and prevent illegal logging and apprehend and prosecute offenders.”
G8 nations will use remote sensing, geographical information systems and other tools to monitor forest activities and conditions.
