ICFPA took a stand earlier this year against illegal logging by highlighting the need for forest law enforcement. Its position has been endorsed by the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI).
ICFPA has used the World Summit to outline the commitment the global forest and paper industry has made towards sustainability.
It presented its Sustainability document, which highlights the industry’s contributions to sustainable development, 10 years after the 1992 Rio agreements. Sustainability focuses on the industry’s use of renewable raw materials, energy efficiency and sustainable forest management practices.
“We believe we are global leaders in sustainability, and our aim is to make more countries aware of what we are doing,” said Mecham.
ICFPA’s leadership has also called for continued action to address the 1992 Rio Agreements from the perspective of the forest and paper industry.
Items highlighted include:
-An increase in the development of environmentally sound technologies;
-The development of international economic systems to facilitate sustainable trade in forest products;
-A balance between conservation and sustainable production to meet demand for sustainable products.
ICFPA is a confederation of associations representing the forest and paper industries. Its membership spans 39 countries.
Story by Andy Scott
