Wood and forest resources in general are among the essential natural resources for our daily lives. However, frequent exploitation without planning to meet enormous consumption demands has greatly impacted these natural resources. As a result, illegal logging and substandard wood products are on the rise. Therefore, PEFC was established with the aim of protecting forest resources and consumers from the above issues.
Discover PEFC
PEFC (The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) is a non-profit organization founded in France in 1999. This organization’s objectives revolve around ensuring that the harvesting and conservation practices of plantations and forest owners comply with international environmental standards. Through this, it helps protect ecosystems while promoting sustainable forests. As an independent third-party organization, all processes from inspection and verification to certification issuance by PEFC are conducted rigorously, clearly, and transparently.
Who are the members of the PEFC organization?
Since its inception, PEFC has grown significantly and become one of the world’s leading non-profit forestry organizations, even surpassing FSC in popularity with over 296 million hectares of certified forest. Currently, this organization is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, with a total of 91 members, including:
- 57 independent national members applying PEFC standards.
- 34 members are international organizations, including businesses and non-profit organizations with policies and operational objectives aligned with PEFC standards.
Vietnam is also one of the member countries of PEFC. Therefore, the Vietnam Forest Certification Scheme (VFCS), developed by the Vietnam Forestry Science Institute, is considered equivalent to PEFC certification under international regulations.
Why is PEFC important?
Protecting forests worldwide
The demand for wood products is increasing daily, so if not properly controlled, forest resources will quickly be depleted because it takes several years, even decades, to grow a forest. Therefore, this certification is essential as it sets specific criteria to help businesses manage, harvest, and produce wood sustainably, avoiding waste of forest resources while protecting the ecological environment.
Enhancing business credibility
The strictness and transparency in this certification inspection and verification process prove that any product with this certification fully meets the environmental and sustainable management standards set by PEFC. Therefore, businesses producing such products will easily gain trust and priority in the eyes of consumers and other business partners.
Furthermore, as PEFC is an international certification applicable in many different countries, businesses not only have the opportunity to enhance their reputation and brand image, but also expand their business market to large and demanding countries such as the US and Europe.
Assurance for consumers
With the rampant problem of illegal logging and products made from wood of unknown origin, PEFC-certified products are the perfect solution for consumers. With this certification, consumers can be sure that the product has been quality-tested and sourced from sustainably and legally managed forests.
Conclusion
PEFC and its national members of this non-governmental organization are working tirelessly every day to combat illegal logging and protect forest resources worldwide. Therefore, let’s join this journey by becoming a member of this organization or prioritizing the use of products with clear and transparent forest certification.