Poland has become the second new country to achieve Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes (PEFC) approval in 2008.
The Polish Forest Certification Scheme has been backed by the PEFC Council and follows the approval of Estonia’s certification scheme.
Poland has 8.6 million ha of forest cover, equating to 28% of the country. Some 82% of the forests belonging to the state, with 1.4 million forest owners managing a further 16%.
“We are delighted with the endorsement as it provides choice for our forest owners and also for the timber and paper sectors which play an important role in our economy and our trade links with other countries,” said Dr Jaroslav Oktaba, secretary-general of PEFC Polska.
“The international recognition of our national system means that companies can fully participate in the global trade of certified products.”
PEFC has also announced the start of the consultation process on the re-endorsement of PEFC Spain, which is open until May 13.
