W H A T Y O U N E E D T O K N O W A B O U T S O U R C I N G T R O P I C A L W O O D S
QShould I avoid certain species or wood from specific countries ?
A . No . Any reliable importer will know which species and products are readily available , and there are hundreds from which to choose . Importers will handle all the permits and documents necessary to legally trade in any product or species .
If you are concerned about using an “ endangered ” species , be reassured that tropical species in trade are not “ endangered .” There is protection for several species that for either political or scientific reasons have to be regulated . Those species are part of an international treaty known as CITES , the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species . And , just because a species is listed on CITES , it does not mean the species is unavailable . Review the article on CITES in this issue if you would like more details on CITES listings and what it means to wood users . See page 34 .
QHow do I know the wood I purchase is from a legal source ?
A . Buying from a reliable importer is the first step . They handle all documentation , logistics , inventory , and are familiar with legal requirements of the country of export and in the United States in order to conduct trade . See page 50 for a list of reliable suppliers .
Illegal logging is a problem that occurs in every country – even within the United States . Illegal logging is generally understood to mean that timber is harvested , transported , processed or sold in contravention of a country ’ s laws . In developing countries the underlying causes of illegal logging are rooted in a lack of strong regulatory and judicial systems and most is used for domestic purposes , never entering international trade . Illegal logging hurts everyone in the industry and is especially offensive to those people in developing countries who rely on the forests for their livelihood . IWPA members subscribe to a Wood Purchasing Policy that pledges them to conduct trade in wood products in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations of timber-producing countries . IWPA members have also expressed their views on illegal logging in a public statement that can be found at www . iwpawood . org .
QAre there advantages to buying “ certified ” wood ?
A . The concept of certification and “ certified ” wood is still being debated among producers , industry , governments , scientists , environmental organizations and consumers . Certification is a voluntary marketing promotion tool that is based on audits of forestry practices . Some certification systems also include a social component .
Wood that is not “ certified ” does not mean it came from an unsustainable source . On the contrary , the emergence of certification has brought about recognition of the responsible forest management in developing countries . Individual tropical countries have forged ahead with their own national sustainable forest management practices and systems . In other cases , companies have chosen to align themselves with programs of the SFI ( Sustainable Forestry Initiative ), PEFC ( Pan European Forest Council ), ISO ( International Standards Organization ), CSA ( Canadian Standards Association ), or the FSC ( Forest Stewardship Council ) to market their products . The supply of certified wood products is very limited both here in the United States and abroad . More than 90 percent of the total area certified is still in the northern hemisphere , with about half of the certified forest area located in Europe and around 40 percent in North America . Developing countries only account for about 10 percent of the total forest area certified . ( Forest Products Annual Market Analysis 2002-2004 United Nations .)
There are costs associated with certification and so far , consumers have generally not shown a willingness to pay more for certified products . The market for certified woods remains a niche one .
IWPA members are familiar with the forestry practices of exporting countries . Consumers are encouraged to ask questions about the environmental practices of producer countries and the purchasing policies of IWPA members .
QWhat opportunities and advantages exist for using lesser known species ?
A . Lesser known species are gaining in popularity . The U . S . market is reluctant to adopt new woods until they have good experience in working with the species and have confidence in its long-term availability . Using lesser known species provides advantages to the environment along with potential cost savings to buyers . Lesser known species are a perfect fit in many custom , high-end and niche projects .
Tropical forests hold a multitude of species . By using more species from the forests when they are harvested , we are expanding the value of forestland , not just the forest areas that hold high-value species . In the long-term , this means less forestland will be converted or cleared for agriculture or other non-forest related activity .
Consult an IWPA member for cost and availability information on lesser known species . IW
10 IMPORTED WOOD