A variety of perspectives at Forest Frameworks 2011

Forest Frameworks 2011, the Forest Conference of the FSC General Assembly 2011, was held yesterday in the Grand Ballroom. An impressive line up of speakers shared their frontline perspectives on commerce, community and conservation.

© FSC

Mr. Benjamin Cashore, Professor of Environmental Governance & Political Science at Yale University opened the conference, followed by a speech from Kingfisher’s Group Chief Executive Ian Cheshire. Mr. Simon Henzell-Thomas, Head of Sustainability at the Body Shop International, highlighted the important role of the corporate sector in addressing the challenge of deforestation and forest degradation.

Deputy Chief Executive of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Nelmara Arbex introduced GRI’s work encouraging companies to report on their sustainability impacts. Mr. Datuk Sam Mannan, Director of Forestry at the Sabah Forestry Department, thanked FSC for holding the FSC General Assembly in Sabah.

Director General of the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) Ms. Frances Seymour talked about climate change and REDD, sharing insights from recent research. Mr. Ian Redmond, UNEP/UNESCO Great Apes Survival Partnership Envoy shared his experience as wildlife researcher and highlighted that forests provide an important habitat for wildlife.

Greenpeace’s Forest Network Director Femke Bartels talked about voluntary standards and how they contribute to sustainability. Finally, in a video presentation, Ms. Marina Silva highlighted the importance of the General Assembly and encouraged FSC to continue to protect the forest and the local communities that live in and around the forest.    

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