Impact assessment of UK Government’s timber procurement policy

The UK Government has commissioned an Impact assessment of its timber procurement policy. The work will be undertaken by Efeca and shall specifically address the following:

1.  The extent to which the UK government’s timber procurement policy has affected the demand for legal and sustainable timber from the UK market; and if possible how this has contributed to:

i.   Maintaining biodiversity, productivity, health and vitality of forests and minimizing harm to ecosystems ;

ii.   Improved livelihoods for forest dependent peoples;

                                                     iii.  Mitigation of climate change.

2.   The extent to which the UK government has contributed to the impacts of the policy through leadership in implementation of the public procurement policy on timber and through work to harmonise requirements across the EU. 

3.   The extent to which the UK government’s Central Point of Expertise on Timber has contributed to the impacts of the policy through its range of activities.

In addition, a supporting study has been commissioned by Defra to assess the impact of CPET’s assessment and reviews on the performance of the forest certification schemes, particularly FSC and PEFC. This study is being undertaken by Oxford University.

It is anticipated that the research will be completed by November 2010.

CPET has identified key stakeholders who have used or worked with CPET over the years and we hope that you will take a few minutes and respond to Efeca if you are selected for consultation.

Your feedback on CPET performance is as always much appreciated. If you have any examples and cases where the CPET guidance and support have or have not helped you please let Efeca know on email: emily.fripp@efeca.com. Any comments can also be sent to CPET at cpet@proforest.net.

Thank you very much.