Japan Tropical Forest Action Network
Sarawak Campaign Committee
Ramin Research Committee
When Japanese NGOs Japan Tropical Forest Action Network, Sarawak Campaign Committee, and Ramin Research Committee polled large tropical wood consuming companies about the current state of tropical forests in Southeast Asia, and the rampant practice of illegal logging, the three groups found that 57% of the companies that responded were willing to "promote using certified wood and domestic wood" to help with tropical forest conservation.
Information and questionnaires were sent out by the three groups to large tropical wood consuming companies in an effort to both inform, and gauge the steps these companies would be willing to take to promote tropical forest conservation. Of the 21 companies that responded (27% of the total initially contacted) there were 8 construction companies, 5 home building companies, 5 building material suppliers and 3 furniture manufacturers.
When questioned on their awareness of how illegal logging makes up much of Indonesia's wood production, 9 companies (43% of the respondents) stated they "were aware" while 9 other companies replied that they "were not aware" of this fact. The three groups do not claim that these companies are directly involved with Indonesia's illegal logging, but it is not ruled out that these companies could possibly be using illegally logged wood and not be aware of it. The three groups recommend that companies thoroughly investigate their business operations, particularly with logging companies and wood processors in Indonesia, in order to ensure that they are not involved in illegal logging. As nearly half the respondents were not aware of the situation in Indonesia, the three groups believe that the questionnaire has been instrumental in raising awareness of these issues.
When questioned on future plans, 12 companies (57% of the respondents) replied that they will "promote using third-party certified wood and domestic wood". By promoting the use of certified wood, companies can both avoid using wood obtained through illegal logging, as well as ensure that the wood they do use comes from properly managed forests. The three groups welcome that the movement will make progress in Japan, and plan to continue to encourage companies in this direction. One Japanese company, with a view to promote green procurement in the future, has already begun to investigate the practices of its overseas wood suppliers, and the consequent impact on the environment. The company declares that it will deal wood produced under the forestry law of the producing country at the least. The three groups expect that other companies will follow suit.
When questioned on their use of Ramin wood, 14 companies (67% of the respondents) replied that they "do not use" Ramin wood, and 2 companies (10% of the respondents) replied that they "have stopped" using Ramin wood. One company that "used" Ramin wood also stated that it would "stop" using Ramin wood in the future. In Indonesia, Ramin is illegally logged even in national parks because of its high value. Last April the Indonesian Government placed a moratorium on the logging, processing and trade of Ramin wood. However, it is reported that Ramin continues to be logged, then smuggled through Malaysia. The three groups will continue to urge Japanese companies to stop using Ramin wood, including that which is imported from Malaysia.
- Yes: 1 company (5%)
- No: 14 companies (67%)
- Stopped: 2 companies (10%)
- No answer: 4 companies (19%)
- Was aware: 9 companies (43%)
- Was not aware: 9 companies (43%)
- No answer: 3 companies (14%)
- Will stop the import and use of wood obtained by illegal logging: 5 companies (24%)
- Will stop the import and use of wood logged in areas where people claim their right to the land is being ignored: 0 companies (Will consider it: 1 company)
- Will investigate the operations of logging companies, exporting companies and processing companies dealt with in the producing country: 5 companies (24%)
- Will stop using Ramin wood: 2 companies (10%)
- Will reduce consumption of tropical timber, supported by a planned, written quota: 3 companies (14%)
- Will promote using third-party certified wood and domestic wood: 12 companies (57%)
- Other measures: 5 companies (24%)
- Will consider it in the future: 3 companies (14%)
- No concrete discussion at the present: 1 company (5%)
- No answer: 1 company (5%)