The Global Forest & Trade Network (GFTN), part of the World Wildlife Fund, announced recently it has finalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the NWFA to enhance efforts of both organizations to drive responsible forestry in key regions such as the Amazon, Southeast Asia, Congo Basin, China, Russian Far East, and North American forests.
The Global Forest & Trade Network (GFTN), part of the World Wildlife Fund, announced recently it has finalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the NWFA to enhance efforts of both organizations to drive responsible forestry in key regions such as the Amazon, Southeast Asia, Congo Basin, China, Russian Far East, and North American forests.
Through the agreement, both groups aim to engage wood flooring buyers and suppliers, highlight the business value of responsible sourcing, encourage market links between companies committed to responsible forestry and raise awareness of WWF's Priority Places among U.S. flooring companies.
GFTN's technical experts will offer NWFA member companies information on high-risk species and regions, as well as guidance on mitigating risks in their supply chains. GFTN will provide technical assistance to NWFA members through closer supplier engagement, sourcing from GFTN producer companies, implementing robust due care practices for legality, sourcing FSC-certified wood, and utilizing lesser-known species that can take pressure off of rare species that are at risk of overharvesting.
"Flooring is one of the most important products sourced from these forest regions, so this partnership can play a big role in helping NWFA members reduce the negative impact on biodiversity, wildlife and communities," said Linda Kramme, manager, GFTN-North America. "This is an exciting opportunity because it allows GFTN to leverage its efforts beyond just one-on-one engagements with participating companies and allows NWFA to advance its mission of bringing valuable resources and information to its members."
In 2009, the NWFA launched the Responsible Procurement Program (RPP), which is patterned after GFTN's stepwise approach to forest certification from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
"We're looking forward to this collaboration, as it provides a concrete way for our members to reduce their risk in areas that historically have had problems with deforestation," said NWFA CEO Michael Martin. "With the breadth of knowledge and experience WWF brings to the subject, our members can trust they are getting robust information to make sourcing decisions that can protect forests for generations to come."
