The Forest Certification Matrix provides one of the most complete and up-to-date information guides on all 39 different certification schemes, which will be updated on a regular basis.

CEPI managing director Teresa Presas said that in today's market climate forest owners, customers and governments all need to make informed decisions on forest certification.

"CEPI is in a useful position to channel information on forestry issues, for those trying to find their way," Presas said.
The rate of certification has dramatically increased since 1994, when only a few million hectares of forest worldwide were certified.
Now some 170m hectares is certified, a figure that continues to increase.

The online matrix will allow users to electronically compare information on all existing certification schemes and the labels issued against them, with internationally recognised criteria.
Users can click on and generate a single scheme PDF document on any one of the certification schemes, which contain full information on each initiative.

It will allow on-screen comparison of up to three schemes at a time, and visitors can also interact with an online comments facility.

An independent third party on behalf of CEPI has developed the matrix. Visit: www. forestry certification.info

Story by Andy Scott