The following statement is in response to an article published in the Wall Street Journal on 30 October 2007.
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is the premier international forest certication organization ensuring that forestry practices are environmentally, socially and economically responsible. Its decision to rescind the rights of Asia Pulp and Paper (APP) to use the FSC logo shows that it is a robust and credible system that is committed to the responsible management of the world’s forests.
APP is one of the largest contributors to the clearing of natural forests on the Indonesia island of Sumatra, threatening habitat for endangered elephants, tigers, rhinos and orangutans. The company’s operations are one of the reasons Indonesia suffers the highest rate of deforestation in the world. APP is currently the subject of a police investigation for alleged involvement in illegal logging in Sumatra.
“FSC’s willingness to recognize, and fix, abuses of its system means that companies and consumers buying FSC products can rest easy knowing that they are helping to conserve the world’s forests and wildlife,” said Rod Taylor, Director of WWF’s Global Forest Programme.
WWF calls on all retailers buying APP products to take note of FSC’s decision and to follow its lead.
WWF was a founder and remains a supporter of FSC, which it believes is the most credible forest certification scheme available currently. WWF continues to work with FSC to improve it.
Note to editors
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an independent, non-profit organization that provides standard setting, trademark assurance and accreditation services to companies and organizations interested in responsible forestry. Founded in 1993 by a diverse group of stakeholders, including WWF, FSC’s mission is to promote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world’s forests. For more, see www.fsc.org.