National Friends of the Earth, alongside partners in Peninsular Malaysia, have published shocking new research that exposes systemic failures in Malaysia's key timber certification scheme, which is used to ensure timber is harvested sustainably. The scheme is known as the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS) and it is endorsed by the globally recognised Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).
These failures mean that timber linked to deforestation, the violation of Indigenous peoples' rights and the destruction of critically endangered tiger habitats is being certified as "sustainable". UK companies are importing timber from Malaysia under this certification scheme and selling it to unsuspecting UK customers. National Friends of the Earth's Malaysian partners have highlighted that the scheme is flawed, and national legislation in Malaysia protecting Orang Asli Indigenous People and wildlife is weak.
This important research makes clear the case for a robust Business, Human Rights & Environment Act to ensure UK companies prevent harm to communities and the environment in their global supply chains.
Three of the companies named in this research have branches in Leicester: Travis Perkins, Howdens and Latham Timber. We have now written to all three companies to express our concerns and ask if they will sign our open letter to Leicester MPs, calling for a new law. We will update this blog when/if we hear back from them!
People wanting to ensure they are only buying truly sustainable timber might be interested in Friends of the Earth's Good Wood Guide.
No comments:
Post a Comment