THE European Union (EU) has called for proposals from local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and private sector bodies which will ensure that their members play an active role in negotiations for a Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) to combat trade in illegal timber.

Several months ago, Guyana started formal negotiations with the EU on a Forest Laws Enforcement Governance and Trade /Voluntary Partnership Agreement (EU FLEGT VPA) with the aim to sign a VPA with respect to timber exported to the EU. The main element of that FLEGT VPA Action Plan is a voluntary scheme to ensure that only legally harvested timber is imported into the EU from countries agreeing to take part in this scheme.
The EU FLEGT arrangement will also serve to enrich the Guyana/Norway partnership, since it will demonstrate an inclusive approach involving civil society and the private sector in better enforcement of forest laws and sustainable forest management.
A release from the EU disclosed that activities for involvement of NGOs and private sector organisations in the VPA formation process will be funded by the EU. The activities will include conducting pilot implementation projects, developing sustainable legal alternatives to illegal practices, reinforcing civil society’s monitoring capacities for sustainable use of the forestry resource, developing tools to monitor the evolution of the natural resource, and assisting the private sector to comply with VPAs.
The deadline for submission of Concept Notes to the EU is April 1st 2013. Once agreed, the VPA will include commitments and action from both parties to halt trade in illegal timber, notably with a licence scheme to verify the legality of timber exported to the EU.
The FLEGT VPA will also serve to safeguard the EU market for local forestry products by ensuring that each piece of timber which emanates from the country is traceable.