China was applauded for the greatest increase in forest certification by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) during PEFC Forest Certification Week last week, with an increase of more than 5.5 million hectares of PEFC-certified forest area over the past year.
“It is extremely heartening to see China as a new member achieve such remarkable growth in PEFC-certified forest area – their hard work and dedication is what makes us the world’s leading forest certification system,” said Ben Gunneberg, CEO of PEFC International.
The China Forest Certification Council (CFCC) achieved PEFC endorsement in 2014, and the rapid growth in PEFC-certified forest area in the country underline China’s ambition as a regional leader in sustainable forest management certification.
“We cannot stress enough the multiple benefits that sustainable forest management provide, not only in terms of mitigating climate change, but also in terms of alleviating poverty, safeguarding biodiversity, and all their other services that we benefit from,” added Mr Gunneberg.
Source: PEFC/ Panels & Furniture Asia
