PEFC (the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) has published its Governance Review, conducted by Z/Yen, outlining 39 recommendations aimed at further improving the effectiveness of the world’s largest certification scheme. The review supports the restructuring of the organisations’ governance to ensure that PEFC International meets its objective as set out in the 2007 Strategic Plan.

In developing and managing the Review, Z/Yen convened an international panel of experts. The panel, chaired by Lord Jamie Lindsay of UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service), included Björn Andrén of Holmen Skog AB, John Dee of Planet Ark, Hans Drielsma of Forestry Tasmania, Dr. Maharaj Muthoo of the Hari Environment & Development Society, Frederick O'Regan of the International Fund for Animal Welfare, and Dirk Teegelbekkers of PEFC Deutschland e.V.

The PEFC Board of Directors has carefully considered the recommendations in its last meeting and has instructed PEFC to prepare changes to its statutes and other documents to enable the creation of a Stakeholder Forum. This Forum is being created to provide stakeholders with whom PEFC has, until now, not been able to engage successfully, with rights and responsibilities in the organisation. The General Assembly, which will take place in Canberra, Australia at the end of October 2008, will decide about the creation and exact set-up of this new body. PEFC is also pleased to respond positively to the first recommendation, which advises PEFC to publish the governance review to validate its commitment to transparency.

"We are very pleased with the work of the panel. I'd like to use this opportunity to again thank them and all other participants in the review process for their excellent contribution", Mr. Gunneberg added. "We also welcome further feedback from interested partners while we are considering how best to follow up on the recommendations."

To download the PEFC Governance Review, please click here.

Note to Editors

For further information about Z/Yen’s work with PEFC please contact Ian Harris on +44 207-562-9562.

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