Forest Development Component of the SFNC Project

Within the SFNC Programmes 'Forest Development Component' that aims at achieving sustainable management of forest resources in the programme area, the State Forest Enterprises were to be provided with an introduction to procedures and issues relating to forest certification, as international markets are becoming increasingly selective about the sources of imported wood and wood products. Particularly since the creation of the 'Forest Stewardship Council' in 1993, interest and demand for certified forest products has accelerated dramatically. The SFEs therefore need to modify and improve their forest management standards to comply with certification schemes to maintain their competitiveness. An introduction to these issues would therefore enable State Forest Enterprises to make better-informed decisions about the benefits of certification.