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Certification Certified wood is still pretty
insignificant (around 7% of total world market), however, every time more and
more certified timber is being introduced on the market. The pressure is from
several sides, from the clients, especially if the client is a governmental
client but in Bolivia the mean reason is the international pressure on the
Bolivian government. Thanks to this pressure Bolivia
implemented its law ‘ley
1700’ which is very similar to
foreign certification regulations such as FSC. In short it means that wood
without this certification simply cannot be released from customs at the time
of custom clearance; in other words: uncertified wood is not allowed to be
exported. |
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What is certification Certification is not simply stopping
any kind of cutting down trees, but a controlled wood cutting instead. This
way the forest do not only remain for future generations but also for the
wood industries itself as well. Timber companies that do not comply with the
rules of the cortication are subject to loose there license. |
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What is controlled wood cutting – more on FLEG (Forest Law Enforcement and Governance) With controlled cutting, first the
region must be mapped previous to the actual cut. The mapping is about the amount of trees, its sizes and its
species. Only trees with a diameter of more than 60cm are sometimes allowed
to be cut, but only if there is enough of the same specie around in the same
area. By cutting an old thick tree the forest is as a matter of fact renewed,
the thinner trees are exposed to much more sunlight which vitalizes the whole
environment. Before cutting down the tree, all branches are cut in order not
to damage neighboring trees. Cycles of sustainability An area must be divided in 20 parts
in which every part corresponds with a year. In the first year one must
execute the controlled cut in the first part only, the second year in the
second part and so forth. After twenty years all parts are being cut. In year
21 one can start cutting again in the first part because the trees are left
untouched the previous 20 years. In this lapse, the trees have become thicker
and are suitable for the cut. This way ROQUE VALENTE is able to operate only
in one area and in one area only. While using the same area time after time,
it should be a surprise that this way is not only sustainable but much
cheaper as well! That’s the ROQUE VALENTE’S mark FSC Hallmarks such as FSC (Forest
Stewardship Council), is nothing else than the previous described controlled
wood cutting*. Along with the controlled cutting, do the hallmarks have the
aim of social benefits to the local public. The local residents must have
direct benefits in terms of income, work and social benefits (schools,
hospitals etc.). ROQUE VALENTE prefers in this respect to pay a higher salary
directly to the employees. The result is the same and besides ROQUE VALENTE
and you as a customer enjoy a higher commitment from the employees resulting
in a better product quality (less waist) as well. This way ROQUE VALENTE
automatically comply with the goals of hall marks such as the FSC. Anyhow, by a sustainable forestry
along a above level salaries, ROQUE VALENTE saves a lot of money: Certified A1
class wood, the best choice thru the best quality against the lowest price! *SmartWood
“Taller de actualización en Certificación Forestal Voluntaria
FSC”, Bolivia Santa Cruz, 24 junio del 2005 |
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