Helping the WWF Global Forest and Trade Network to Improve Joint Decision-making

Published May 29th, 2008
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Strengthening the market for responsibly harvested timber and wood products depends on connecting producers with buyers who are linked by reliable standards of certification. The WWF’s Global Forest and Trade Network (GFTN) is WWF’s effort to eliminate illegal logging and improve the management of valuable and threatened forests. The GFTN does this through forming a strong marketplace network for responsibly managed forest products and supporting achievement of a uniform standard of quality, specifically Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification. The GFTN coordinates companies, communities, forest partners, and NGOs in more than 30 countries around the world. Yet harmonizing the protocol and procedures of this complex, global network is no easy task.

In early 2008, WWF sought CBI’s assistance to help build consensus among its diverse network leadership on procedures related to how buyers and producers of responsibly harvested wood products operate together. To date, CBI has worked closely with GFTN leaders from around the world to facilitate alignment with the rules of GFTN participation and membership obligations.
CBI has facilitated four meetings for the GFTN:

  • The Latin America-Caribbean Regional Meeting - Panama City, Panama
  • GFTN Shareholders Meeting - Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam
  • GFTN Global Annual Meeting - Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam
  • GFTN Participation Requirements Workshop - Frankfurt, Germany

 

Through this work CBI has learned about the key challenges and opportunities surrounding the market for responsibly managed forest products. Some of these include:

  • The need to balance diverse interests and geographical nuances of the forest products market in an environment where production areas are concentrated and demand is diverse;
  • The power of convincing large actors to join the network (e.g. Ikea, BlueLinx) and their potential market influence;
  • The importance of focusing responsible forest management and purchasing practices in key eco-regions and markets;
  • The importance of effectively managing language and cultural difference in negotiation across a truly global network.

CBI hopes that its continued assistance will contribute to conserving the integrity of the worlds most valuable and threatened forests. For more information, please contact CBI Washington DC Office Director, Merrick Hoben.