Earlier last month, the ITTO's Global Legal and Sustainable Timber Forum (GLSTF) took place in Macao, focusing on building reliable and sustainable global timber supply chains. FSC’s Asia-Pacific and China teams participated alongside regional directors from Africa and Asia-Pacific.
FSC Africa Regional Director, Peter O. Alele, joined a plenary panel to discuss challenges and opportunities in establishing legal and sustainable timber supply chains. He emphasized Africa’s growing role in the tropical timber trade and the potential for investment in local wood processing facilities.
FSC Asia-Pacific Regional Director, Cindy Cheng, spoke at the Sub-forum on Timber Legality and Sustainability, highlighting FSC’s role in certifying forests across Asia Pacific. She emphasized FSC’s support for forest owners, especially smallholders in meeting regulatory requirements and enhancing the marketability of timber through responsible sourcing.
The EUDR (EU Deforestation Regulation) was a focal point at FSC’s booth, attracting industry queries and providing insights into market readiness across various market actors.
Throughout GLSTF 2024, FSC demonstrated its strengths in regional cooperation, promoting sustainable timber trade and reinforcing the importance of responsible forest management globally.