In the Media
New online tool supports fight against illegal logging
June 28, 2012
Canada Newswire
The World Resources Institute (WRI) today announced the launch of the Forest Legality Risk Information Tool, an open-access global information website designed to assist purchasers of forest products in securing fiber from legal sources. The risk tool, a project of the Forest Legality Alliance, was partly funded by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) through its Conservation and Community Partnerships Grant Program. The tool is also supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development.
“Our hope is that the information in this tool will make it easier and cheaper to examine forest product supply chains and improve transparency in the marketplace,” stated Adam Grant, WRI Senior Associate. “We are pleased to be working with SFI and other partners to raise awareness and equip participants in forest product supply chains with practical, interactive and freely accessible tools so they can exercise due care and keep illegally harvested forest products out of the market.”
Illegal logging is a critical international issue, one that represents a major concern for buyers of forest products worldwide. Reports estimate that illegal activities may account for more than one tenth of the total global timber trade, representing products worth at least $15 billion a year. The United States and the European Union, the two largest consumers of imported forest products, have both passed legislation to ban the importation of forest products that were illegally harvested in their country of origin.
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Keywords: Asia, forest carbon, forest legality risk tool, illegal logging, tool