Forest Destruction: illegal logging and related trade Chatham House meeting, 19th January 2006 Sébastien Risso, Greenpeace

1. Long-term political direction 2. Implementation of EU Regulation for timber licensing scheme and Regulation for timber licensing scheme and negotiation of voluntary partnership agreements (VPAs) 3. Commission report on legislative options 4. Multilateral negotiations to protect forests

What is the end goal of the political action we areWhat is the end goal of the political action we are talking about today ? What is expected to beWhat is expected to be achieved through this process ?

1. LONG-TERM POLITICAL DIRECTION (…) Greenpeace seeks:Greenpeace seeks: A system that guarantees sustainable trade and timber consumption and the protection of the planet’s last primary forests. EU Commission wants:EU Commission wants: To c larify legality, and support better law enforcement and governance in timber- producing countries.

LONG-TERM POLITICAL DIRECTION (...) Limitations and risks of a “phased-approach”:  Legalisation of biodiversity and forest destruction  Disincentive for companies to invest in “true” SFM  Disadvantage for companies that already support SFM. Immediate Actions:  Ban imports of timber and wood products where logged in breach of producer-country laws.  Address legality, equity and sustainability as single issue during VPA negotiations.

LONG-TERM POLITICAL DIRECTION (...) Objectives for the VPAs:  A “positive” definition of legality  A joint, timebound programme of work, including a licensing scheme, establishing sustainable forest management and guaranteeing legal and sustainable wood exports to Europe Main achievements envisaged:  Clear the market of illegal and unsustainable wood products  Integrate ecological and social costs in the price of these goods (contribute to setting a fair price)

2. IMPLEMENTATION OF VPAS A. Staff and financial resources  Assess needs, draw up budget and allocate sufficient resources  Create FLEGT Task Force B. Transparency and consultation  Agree on clear principles and procedures  Create a FLEGT advisory group C. Evaluate existing system for verifying legality  Clarify methodology for the evaluation

October 2005, London, UK

3. ADDITIONAL LEGISLATIVE OPTIONS Objective: Complete and underpin the bilateral regime proposed by the Commission  Ban illegal timber and ensure the supply of legal and sustainable wood.  Make companies accountable for what they buy and sell in Europe.  Reward rather than penalise forest-owners who manage their forests sustainably.

ADDITIONAL LEGISLATIVE OPTIONS (…) Greenpeace expects the Commission:  to publish report with clear recommendations, including timelines. Greenpeace expects Member States:  to act promptly to adopt conclusions, making commitments and recommendations to Commission.

4. MULTILATERAL NEGOTIATIONS TO PROTECT FORESTS  Progress unacceptably slow  Progress unacceptably slow  2006 is a decisive year.  2006 is a decisive year.  Aim: legally binding instrument to protect forests and establish equitable and sustainable trade regime.  CBD COP8 (Brazil, March 2006): a unique opportunity to discuss and make significant progress towards that goal.

CONCLUSION Amazon drought, October 2005

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