The Borneo Initiative: Legality vs. Sustainability
An interview with Alex Gama, Market Links Coordinator for North America
My goal is to generate awareness here in the North American wood products market about the difference between legality and sustainability and why it is so important to be sustainable.
— Alex Gama, The Borneo Initiative's Market Links Coordinator for North America
Q: How do you measure success in The Borneo Initiative's stated mission?
A: Before The Borneo Initiative came into operation, there were twelve FSC certificates in Indonesia (of which one was a controlled wood certificate), covering 1.2 million hectares (ha). The Borneo Initiative's pledge is to add another 4 million ha FSC certified area. Today, we have added 14 full FSC and 2 controlled wood certificates (together 1.36 million ha – all natural forest) while another 21 forest concessions with 2.07 million ha are still in progress towards FSC certification. Out of a total area of 1.9 million ha FSC certified natural forest in Indonesia, 67% has been facilitated by TBI.
Q: Can you talk about the importance of the North American wood products market to the success of The Borneo Initiative?
A: The continuously growing FSC certification process in Indonesia supported by The Borneo Initiative, now responsible for 4.3 million FSC certified hectares aiming to achieve 8 million hectares by 2018, naturally demands growth in market shares. With the European wood products market in retraction and having the North American wood products market in ascendance, reflected by the 2.5% average growth per year in its economy, the North American market is extremely important, and I would say a key factor to the continuous success of our organization.
Q: In addition to assisting Indonesian producers with certification, what role can The Borneo Initiative play in assisting North American importers looking to source wood products in Indonesia?
A: The Borneo initiative, through its Market Links Program, facilitates direct contact by guiding American importers to Indonesian exporters that are suitable for their company profile and products. We also work among Indonesian exporters explaining particular characteristics of the North American market such as grading and standard sizes in different wood products sectors.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between legality and sustainability in wood products?+
The Borneo Initiative aims to raise awareness in the North American wood products market about the distinction between legality and sustainability, and why being sustainable matters beyond simply being legal.
How much FSC-certified forest area has The Borneo Initiative added in Indonesia?+
Before TBI, Indonesia had 12 FSC certificates covering 1.2 million hectares. TBI has since added 14 full FSC and 2 controlled wood certificates totaling 1.36 million hectares of natural forest, with another 21 concessions covering 2.07 million hectares in progress. TBI has facilitated 67% of Indonesia's 1.9 million hectares of FSC-certified natural forest.
What is The Borneo Initiative's FSC certification goal for Indonesia by 2018?+
The Borneo Initiative is currently responsible for 4.3 million FSC-certified hectares in Indonesia and aims to achieve 8 million hectares by 2018.
Why is the North American market important to The Borneo Initiative?+
With the European wood products market in retraction and the North American market in ascendance—reflected by 2.5% average annual economic growth—North America is a key factor for the continued success of TBI's growing FSC certification efforts in Indonesia.
How does The Borneo Initiative help North American importers source wood from Indonesia?+
Through its Market Links Program, TBI facilitates direct contact by guiding American importers to Indonesian exporters suited to their company profile and products. TBI also educates Indonesian exporters on North American market characteristics such as grading and standard sizes across different wood product sectors.