Resources for the Future: Trade and Sustainability of Forest Products 11/2

Resources for the Future

Trade and Sustainability of Forest Products: Global Challenges and Opportunities

An RFF First Wednesday Seminar

November 2, 2011

12:45 - 2 p.m.

International buyers of forest products know the importance of identifying sustainable and legal sources—they also know this is challenging in today’s complex global markets. Although estimating the scale of illegal logging is difficult, a recent Chatham House report suggests that illegal activities may account for more than one tenth of the total global timber trade, representing products worth at least $15 billion per year. A significant portion of global deforestation is the result of such illegal activities—and according to the 2006 Stern Review, emissions resulting from deforestation are greater than those produced by the entire global transport sector, making illegal logging a serious concern.

Around the world, private and public procurement policies are focusing on ways to eliminate illegal fiber from supply chains. This includes a shift from voluntary to mandatory government regulations, such as the amended Lacey Act in the United States and the European Union Timber Regulation.

Moderator:

Roger Sedjo, Senior Fellow and Director, Center for Forest Economics and Policy, Resources for the Future

Panelists:

Al Goetzl, International Trade Analyst, Natural Resources and Metals Division, U.S. International Trade Commission

Adam Grant, Senior Associate, World Resources Institute

Nadine Block, Senior Director of Government Outreach, Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc.

What:       RFF First Wednesday Seminar

When:       Wednesday, November 2, 2011, 12:45 - 2 p.m.

                 A light lunch will be available at 12:30 p.m.

Where:      Resources for the Future,1616 P Street NW, Washington, DC

                 First Floor Conference Center

Registration is required.

To RSVP for this event, please visit RFF's event registration page.

This seminar will also be webcast live beginning at 12:45 p.m.

Have a question for the panel while watching the live webcast?

Simply Tweet your question of fewer than 140 characters and include the hashtag #AskRFF.

Watch the Q&A at the end of the event to see if it is selected.

At RFF's monthly First Wednesday Seminar series, scholars and experts exchange ideas and  views with the RFF community on important energy, environmental, and natural resource topics.