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New FLEGT section and update
October 2007
CPET have added a new section on the website providing some background and links to further information on FLEGT. FLEGT stands for Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade and is the EU Action Plan sets out a programme of actions that forms the European Union’s response to the problem of illegal logging and the trade in associated timber products. See the new FLEGT section here.
In the future we will provide regular updates on the FLEGT process in the newsletter and on the website. The first update is given by DFIDs FLEGT facilitator Hugh Speechly.
FLEGT Update
Cameroon has joined Malaysia, Ghana and Indonesia in starting formal VPA negotiations. Bilateral technical working group sessions have been held in each negotiating country to examine the systems they propose to assure the legality of their timber exports to the EU. Negotiations are expected to be finalised in 2008. Several other countries, including Liberia, Congo Brazzaville, Central African Republic and Gabon have formally indicated their intention to start negotiations.
DFID has engaged consultants to assist the European Commission Delegations in Ghana and Indonesia with FLEGT VPA preparations. Andy Roby, currently Head of Environment and Corporate Social Responsibility at the UK Timber Trade Federation will work in Indonesia, while Jaap Vermaat, supported by Clare Brogan from the consulting firm FRR, will provide similar services in Ghana.
The European Commission has engaged consultants to undertake an impact study of potential additional options to address trade in illegal timber entering the EU but not covered by VPAs. This will inform an impact assessment report to be published by the Commission, expected by January 2008.
The FLEGT Regulation, adopted in December 2005 specifies the formation of a committee to oversee its implementation. The FLEGT Committee, which comprises representatives of the Commission and Member States, convened on 16 July. The principal topic is the FLEGT Implementing Regulation, which will describe in detail how the authorities in each Member State will implement border controls for timber shipments from VPA countries when the licensing system becomes effective.
