Bolivian FSC certified forestry and deforestation

legal and certified hardwood

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.

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. Bolivia issues a certificate per cargo only. Unlawful practices are directly rewarded with a lack of the certificate, which disables the possibility for sales (both export and internal market). It is therefore very important to comply with the rules.

certified_hardwood

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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