Tropical Forest Foundation Q&A: Spreading the Message of Reduced Impact Logging
Q: How does TTF get the message out to the users of wood about the benefits of RIL?
Johnston: I spend a lot of time on the road. I'm constantly speaking at and attending conferences and international meetings, and visiting universities, giving speeches around the world and visiting our training centers. To succeed in changing the way people think about forests, we have to be an active part of the dialogue surrounding sustainability, which is a constantly evolving debate.
We've also just finished developing an education unit for architects and designers. It's an educational program that talks not only about TFF but also about forestry in general. We know that once architects and designers can understand the precautions companies take to log sustainably and preserve the forests, they will feel more comfortable using wood. We want specifiers to understand how many communities around the world depend on sustainable logging. If an architect or designer cares about these people, then they will specify tropical wood from a reputable supplier.
We also wanted to counter the idea that specific certified wood is the only type of acceptable wood. Less than 10% of the forests are certified by any of the various programs. If an architect or designer is buying from reputable companies they don't necessarily have to buy certified. Good companies are buying legal wood from well managed sources. Specifiers can make life easier for their suppliers by not always specifying certified wood.
Q: Does TFF offer a certification scheme?
Johnston: We do. The TFF RIL Verified standard encompasses a number of the things we've talked about. The basis of our program is legal compliance. Then we add chain of custody, and finally sustainable practices. It's like a pyramid – each step builds on the last.
We help forest managers work towards any certification standard they wish to meet – or just to improve their practices. Our overall goal is not to force companies into certifying if they don't feel it is right for their business model. TFF believes that sustainable forestry practices should be the ultimate end game.
Q: Is anyone else doing what you do?
Johnston: No. Everyone just works with us!
For more information about the Tropical Forest Foundation or their Reduced Impact Logging program, you can visit their website at: http://www.tropicalforestfoundation.org.
Frequently asked questions
What is Reduced Impact Logging (RIL) and how does TFF promote it?+
TFF promotes RIL by actively participating in the global sustainability dialogue through conferences, international meetings, university lectures, and visits to training centers. The organization works to change the way people think about forests and sustainable logging practices.
Does tropical wood need to be certified to be considered responsibly sourced?+
No. Less than 10% of forests are certified by any program, and architects or designers buying from reputable companies don't necessarily need to specify certified wood. Good companies source legal wood from well-managed forests, and not always requiring certification makes life easier for suppliers.
What is the TFF RIL Verified standard?+
The TFF RIL Verified standard is built like a pyramid, starting with legal compliance as its base, then adding chain of custody, and finally sustainable practices. It helps forest managers improve operations or work toward any certification standard they choose.
Why should architects and designers specify tropical wood?+
Many communities around the world depend on sustainable logging for their livelihoods. Once architects and designers understand the precautions companies take to log sustainably and preserve forests, they can feel comfortable specifying tropical wood from reputable suppliers.
Does TFF require companies to become certified?+
No. TFF's goal is not to force companies into certification if it doesn't fit their business model. The organization believes sustainable forestry practices themselves are the ultimate end game, and helps managers work toward whichever standard they choose.
Are other organizations offering the same services as TFF?+
According to TFF, no other organization does what they do—everyone works with them instead.