STAKEHOLDER VIEWS ON FOREST CERTIFICATION

"THE GHANAIAN PERSPECTIVE"

Introduction

· facilitate discussion on creating a better understanding of stakeholder views on Forest Certification schemes

· Alhassan Attah

- Timber Export Development Division(Ghana Forestry Commission)

- London Office Manager

Areas Covered

· Overview

· Comparability of schemes

· Credibility Factors

· Conclusions and Recommendations

Overview

· 1980's - Debate on boycotts of tropical timbers

· Result:Evolution of Forest Certification schemes

*International Level - FSC

*Regional Level - PEFC

*National level - GFCS

Objectives of schemes

· "Good forest practice

· Recognition of responsible forest management

Outcome?

· Proliferation of schemes

· Confusion in the market place

· Juggling for position in markets

· PR

· Differences raising questions

Comparability of Schemes

n Comparability and mutual recognition of schemes is being encouraged by:

* Race to put certified timber on market

* Growing market demand

* recognition that differences exit in forest structure and quality

* Differences in stakeholder expectations

WAY FORWARD

· COMPARABILITY OF SCHEMES

· MUTAL RECOGNITION OF SCHEMES

Credibility criteria

· Consensus on definitions

· Independence of assessment teams and certification bodies

· Market acceptance of Certificates and Labels.

· Quality of assessment

· Regulatory framework

Conclusions

· Inter- governmental agencies e.g ITTO to continue to create for a for discussions on certification

· International support and cooperation for reporting systems in producer countries

· Establish regulatory body for certification schemes(Gov't/Professional )

MATRIX STRUCTURE FOR CERTIFICATION