Update on FLEGT VPA processes internationally Presentation by Jannik Vaa, EU Delegation, Accra

Update on FLEGT VPA processes internationally

Presentation by Jannik Vaa, EU Delegation, AccraJune 7th, 2011

West Africa Forest Governance Forum

What is FLEGT?

• FLEGT- Forest Law Enforcement Governance & Trade.

• International concern over illegal logging

• Strong political commitment to address this at international and regional levels (expressed in regional summit in 2003 in Yaounde)

• EU response: partnerships to address the problem and new policies to influence consumer demand.

• Frames the interest of European consumer market to reinforce governance reform in timber producing countries.

The VPA• A legally-binding agreement:

– EU (all Member States) and a partner country– Export License assures market of legal compliance

• Targets/objectives :– Work together to stop illegal logging – Strengthen governance & transparency– Improve control, track & verify legal compliance – Reform policy and law – Build capacity – Better capture revenues– Secure & improve market access

VPA• No blueprint : defined together

• EU has requirements – briefing notes– Legality existing laws of partner country– Timber legality assurance system of partner country

evaluated against established criteria– Multi-stakeholder process: ensure credibility nationally

and internationally

• Purpose to strengthen, clarify & apply reforms and what has already been developed