Review of options for third party timber legality assurance for the sawn timber industry in the Solomon Islands
This report assesses options for Solomon Islands sawn timber processors and exporters to strengthen exports by establishing a third party timber legality assurance program, as required by New Zealand importers. Formation of a new industry association—the Solomon Islands Timber Processors and Exporters Association (SITPEA)—suggests that the Solomon Islands sawn timber sector is capable as a group of providing assurances of timber legality. Extensive consultations were conducted to determine the most appropriate type of program and the best approach to establish and implement it. It is recommended that the Solomon Islands sawn timber industry: establish a third party timber legality assurance program (rather than a forest management certification program); adopt an existing program with established systems and credibility; and use the ‘group certification’ model for SITPEA.
