The Borneo Initiative Q&A (continued)
Continued from page 13
Q: What are you looking forward to accomplishing during your own time leading The Borneo Initiative Market Links Program in the USA?
A: 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. Sustainable wood products are directly related to long term business relationships between importers and exporters and enables more investment in marketing. Another goal is to show this great market that Indonesian producers are ready to meet the needs of U.S. importers when talking about legal sourcing and product excellence. We hope furthermore that North-American companies will follow the example from the Dutch wood and construction sector and will also contribute to our forest certification fund.
Q: Are there lessons you have learned in The Borneo Initiative that you believe are important to the global dialogue about strengthening the health of global forests?
A: Yes, the major lesson is that strengthening the health of global forests is the only way to assure the future of the wood products business. I've always believed that we cannot discuss environment issues without taking the economical social impact in consideration, especially in areas below the poverty level and that depend on this business. Therefore, well managed healthier global forests are directly related to a healthier planet and also to healthier people. The private sector can play a positive role here by creating a market for sustainably produced wood products, and so become a positive actor for the conservation of our natural resources.
— The Borneo Initiative
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between legal and sustainable wood products?+
Legality and sustainability are distinct concepts, and The Borneo Initiative aims to build awareness of this difference in the North American market. Sustainable wood products are directly tied to long-term business relationships between importers and exporters, which enables greater investment in marketing.
Are Indonesian producers able to meet U.S. importer requirements for legal sourcing?+
Yes, Indonesian producers are ready to meet the needs of U.S. importers in terms of legal sourcing and product excellence. The Borneo Initiative's Market Links Program aims to demonstrate this readiness to the North American market.
How can North American companies support forest certification through The Borneo Initiative?+
North American companies are encouraged to follow the example of the Dutch wood and construction sector by contributing to The Borneo Initiative's forest certification fund.
Why is strengthening global forest health important to the wood products industry?+
Strengthening the health of global forests is the only way to assure the future of the wood products business. Well-managed, healthier global forests are directly linked to a healthier planet and healthier people.
What role can the private sector play in forest conservation?+
The private sector can play a positive role by creating a market for sustainably produced wood products, becoming a positive actor in the conservation of natural resources. Environmental issues must also be considered alongside economic and social impacts, especially in areas below the poverty level that depend on the wood business.