IP/04/980
Brussels, 20 July 2004
Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade
(FLEGT) - Commission acts to combat illegal logging
The European Commission today adopted a comprehensive set of measures
to combat the growing problem of illegal logging and the related trade in
illegally harvested timber that robs governments in affected developing
countries of an estimated €10-15bn every year in lost revenue. The main
elements of the package are: (i) voluntary partnerships with wood-producing
countries badly affected by illegal logging to support and promote governance
reform in their timber sectors; (ii) a regulation that sets up a legally binding
licensing scheme with partner countries to ensure that only legal timber from
these countries is allowed into the EU. The package is based on an innovative
approach that links the push for good governance in developing countries with
the legal instruments and leverage offered by the EU's internal market.
Poul Nielson, European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid,
said: “All major wood importing countries have to recognise the vital role
they must play in closing down the international trade in illegal timber. Today
we are showing the way. I strongly encourage others to join our ranks”.
Commenting on the voluntary agreements that are at the core of the proposed
package, Commissioner Nielson said: “Only by working in close partnership
with wood-producing countries can we hope to have a real impact. The partnership
agreements provide producing countries with the incentives and support required
for them to play a leading role in the fight against illegal logging.”
Nielson concluded: “We want to promote honest logging as an important
contribution to the social and economic development of our partner countries.
And we want to protect our own consumers. Ultimately the European consumer
should be able to by garden furniture with a clear conscience”.
Margot Wallström, European Commissioner for Environment, said:
“Combating illegal logging and related trade is something we committed
ourselves to at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg.
Today's measures show that we are determined to deliver on our
commitments.”
Background
Illegal logging and the associated trade in illegal timber are responsible
for vast environmental damage in developing and transition countries. Illegal
logging is linked intimately with corruption and bad governance, and robs
governments in affected developing countries of an estimated €10-15bn
every year in lost revenue. It also impoverishes rural communities in developing
countries who depend on forest products for a living.
At the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, the EU
pledged to work in partnership with wood-producing countries to eradicate
illegal logging and the trade in illegal timber.
New measures to combat illegal logging follow the European Commission’s
long standing commitment to the sustainable management and conservation of the
world’s remaining forests. Over the past decade the EC has provided more
than €650m to support forest conservation and sustainable management in
Asia, Central Africa and South America.
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