The pact was discussed at a meeting this week between rural affairs minister Barry Gardiner and Australian forestry conservation minister Eric Abetz, who agreed to stronger co-operation, consistent with Europe’s Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade action plan.
The ministers said that the UK timber procurement policy could be a powerful tool among a range of demand and supply measures to fight illegal logging.
“I am tremendously encouraged by Senator Abetz’s agreement that Australia and the UK should work together to promote policies that combat illegal timber,” said Mr Gardiner.
“Australia can influence many countries in the Asian and Pacific region. The UK is leading the world in public sector demand for legal timber from sustainably managed forests. If countries work together and play their part in regional initiatives as the UK and Australia are doing, we will create the right climate and conditions for change.”
