B7-6201/97-10/VIII/FOR Certification Information Service by European Forestry Institute

Objective : To contribute to a speedy flow of information on forest and forest product certification schemes to and in ACP countries such that ACP countries avoid costly mistakes and duplication of effort.

Beneficiaries : Governments of ACP countries; land managers; donor agencies; environmental groups; policy makers; scientists.

Result : Database on certification schemes in electronic form and as paper copies. ACP countries access examples of certification from all around the world, thus enabling accurate decision-making for policy-makers.

Activities : Prepare a series of 5 summary papers summarising key aspects of certification initiatives and processes. Provide information on the Internet, on CD-ROM and as paper copies in book form. Provide information to ACP countries on domestic and international trade, and global markets. Provide background information on forest management processes and other tools used or proposed for sustainable forest management. Provide ten to fifteen selected ATO countries with paper copies on a regular basis.

Coordination : Forest Certification Advisory Group