Legislative efforts to combat illegal logging have been center stage this past year, with the rollout of the European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR) and Australian Illegal Logging Prohibition Act, and new investigations under the U.S. Lacey Act. These laws have upped the pressure on companies to verify the origin of wood in their supply chains. But given the number of players involved in the supply chain – from forest managers to loggers and suppliers to processors and buyers – this can be a challenging task.
 
Through the Global Forest & Trade Network (GFTN), WWF has been assisting companies for over 20 years to exercise due diligence through a stepwise approach that helps them classify timber and timber-based products against the GFTN environmental status categories. WWF amped up these efforts last year to build on the momentum from new market-based legislation and to push companies a step further towards full responsible management of forests.
 
From partnering with likeminded organizations and companies, building capacity, promoting legality and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification to advocating against illegal logging, 2014 was an instrumental year for WWF/GFTN.
 
WWF/GFTN's 2014 Annual Report reflects upon the achievements of the programme, and the multitude of work that was undertaken to protect the world’s forests.

Major Highlights:

Year in Review:
A look at WWF/GFTN’s most notable achievements between July 2013 and June 2014.
 
Community Forestry:
Across the world, WWF is empowering local communities to reap benefits from their forests.
 
Strengthening Legality:
WWF is partnering with governments, both at the local and global level, to advance legal and sustainable trade.
 
FSC on the Ground:
GFTN participants are leading the way in promoting and growing FSC.
 
Capacity Building:
WWF is training companies on legality and sustainability to pave the way for better management of forests.
 
Advocacy:
From UK to the Democratic Republic of Congo, WWF campaigns across the world are resulting in positive change.

Partnerships for the Future:
WWF and partners are jointly working towards a sustainable future through innovative ideas.
 
Viewpoint:
A look at whether sustainable forestry in Papua is high risk or high reward.