Timber Trade Meet Greenpeace Canada

16 October 2003

A meeting was held between TTF members, Greenpeace Canada and the Canadian High Commission to discuss the future of the Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia and the future of multi-stakeholder agreement, which has been in place since April 2001.

The meeting was updated on the 2001 agreement and the recent challenges that have emerged to its continued effectiveness. All parties agreed that continued discussion was preferable and that achieving a consensus over the future of the rainforest was essential.

A TTF Spokesman Mark O'Brien said, " We had a wide ranging discussion touching a number of issues outwith the specifics of the Great Bear Rainforest, including certification and the importance of achieving mutual recognition between different systems. We were disappointed that Greenpeace continue to be hostile to any system other than FSC, which we believe to be impractical, ecologically counter-productive and monopolistic.

Regarding the specifics of the situation in British Columbia, we must remember that tiny quantities of timber come from this area into the UK market with the entire Canadian yield into the UK amounting to just 4%.

Greenpeace need to engage the US market, the BC Provincial Government and the logging industry to achieve their goals as they did in 2001. Our ability to exercise any influence is minimal. Undoubtedly the election of a less sympathetic Provincial Government plus the economic difficulties encountered by the province put pressure on future decisions. "

For further information call Mark O'Brien on 020 7839 1891

TTF Update Benn on Indonesia

6 October 2003

A Timber Trade Federation delegation met International Development Minister Hilary Benn MP (Monday 6 October 2003) to discuss the African Law Enforcement and Governance Conference in the Cameroon (13-16 October 2003) and progress with the Federation's Ten-point Action Plan to promote sustainable and legal forestry in Indonesia.

A spokesman for the TTF, Mark O'Brien said, " This is the third meeting we have had with Mr Benn, who shows a keen personal interest in the forestry sector. This further consolidated the already excellent relations the TTF has with the Department for International Development. "

For further information contact Mark O'Brien on 020 7839 1891