Social responsibility usually doesn’t go along with the wood industry. Who knew that they could get returns in premiums from the “environmental and social responsibility” by paying a “small fee” BUT acquiring it rightfully and benefit from “Dollars”? Apparently, some have.
There are debates over the environmental impact make by wood industry in general, and we see very less of “eco-friendly” or “eco-labeling” over the practices in the timber industry. A survey conducted by Department of Forestry in USJP found out that wood produce exporters earn higher sales volume and revenue, just because of they have the proper certification from Forest Stewardship Council over their practices to prove the wood product acquisitions made right. “64% of responders believed FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Certification in their sector was becoming increasingly relevant and 99% of the current certification holders have said they wish to renew their certification. Also, furniture and other wood products sales increased while handicrafts, MDF and other fiberboards exports have been declined in past 5 years.” said Prof. Priyan Perera-Correspondence author for the publication. He added “the FCS Certification performs beyond industry expectations in terms of bringing in indirect benefits, such as reducing business risks, ensuring transparency in business activities, improving the overall efficiency of operations, improving supply chain management, B2B relations and, increasing traceability of wood/products.”.
Prof. Priyan Perera (Department of Forestry and Environment Science), Mr. Rajitha Lakshan Rupasinghe, (Timber Processing Innovation Center), Mr Devin Weerasekera (Center for Sustainability, Department of Forestry and Environmental Science) of University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka, Dr. Richard Vlosky (Louisiana Forest Products Development Center) of Louisiana State University, Baton Raouge, Louisiana, USA and Dr. (Mrs) Rangika Bandara (Department of Zoology & Environmental management) of University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka conducted this research.
Though the certification is mostly focus based on the customer requirement, it would be nicer if we can see the practices of doing the right thing not only for the export market, but also for the domestic market. If the industry continues these practices, it is certain that they can get the “right” price for their effort instead of selling wood-based products for a discounted price. Expansion of such practices and fixing the weak links of in current FSC certifications may lead the industry to continue better practices and welfare to the industry as in the similar way “The Red Tractor Assurance” for food industry and farming in UK.
Read more about the original research article : Revisiting Forest Certification in Sri Lanka: The Forest Management and Export Wood-Based Manufacturing Sector Perspectives
