NRDF’s progresses towards FSC certification

Since 2009 NRDF has started the planning process to “re-introduce” community

based FSC certification in its project areas. “Re-introduce” because most of the NRDF current partners were part of the SWIFT FSC certification programme, back in 1998-2001. The main drive for NRDF to look into FSC certification again is the high demand for FSC timber oversea and the higher timber prices offered to landowning groups for certified timbers. FSC certification will also improve and further strengthen the sawmill and forest management activities in the project areas, and it will be easier to link with REDD+ initiatives that are currently progressing in the country. June was a very important month for NRDF, taking important steps towards FSC certification. SPC, the Secretariat of the Pacific Community has confirmed their support to help NRDF to become the Group certificate holder and also MLST (Marovo Lagoon Sustainable Timber) has become a very important partner to develop the FSC export marketing. The plan is to prepare for a FSC Audit at the end of this year, involving the sawmill operation in Vella (Green Gold Forest Products) and a timber producer in Marovo (Kongukolo Tribe). Once NRDF is certified as Group entity it will be able to extend to other areas in Choiseul to certify more members.

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NRDF NEWS - JUNE 2011

was delivered in Gizo. Besides the benefits for all the people in Leona village, the order from OXFAM means a major milestone in the timber history. It has set an important step to support the development of a secure and high priced market for sustainable managed timber. It has become the new benchmark for NRDF and its producers groups in Vella Lavella and Choiseul and is considered as a new encouragement to choose for sustainable forest management and FSC certification.  Part of the money paid in by OXFAM will be used for training and testing (of forest management procedures) in order to get ready for the FSC audit planned at the end of this year.

OXFAM timber order for Green Gold Forest Products

June was a very good Month for the sawmill operation in Vella Lavella. As part of their earthquake/tsunami rehabilitation programme (extension from 2009) OXFAM Australia gave GGFP and order to cut 103 m3 of hardwood. Reason for OXFAM to give GGFP this high priced order was that the timber should come from a sustainable managed forest and the knowledge that GGFP is in progress towards FSC certification. At the end of June all the timber