Roundtable discussion on the preliminary findings of the report
The event took place on 19 November 2024 at the Environmental Information and Education Center Conference Hall.
Meeting objectives, expected outputs, and outcomes were to:
- Introduce to Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) Certification in Georgia
- Share the European best practices in SFM
- Provide recommendations in implementing SFM in Georgia
Participants
The meeting gathered government officials, experts, NGOs, academia, and international organisations.
Background
This roundtable discussion was organized to explore the feasibility of introducing Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) certification in Georgia and to raise awareness on this critical subject among key stakeholders. The discussion will be grounded in the preliminary findings of the report “Sustainable Forest Management certification in Georgia and case studies in comparable countries,” developed under the EU4Environment Programme.
Georgia, with approximately 44.5% of its land area covered by forests, faces both significant challenges and opportunities in implementing SFM and SFM certification. The recent regulatory and forest policy shifts in Georgia, emphasizing sustainability, have renewed interest in pursuing SFM certification. The development of a national set of SFM criteria and indicators (C&Is), approved by the Government in May 2022, provides a national assessment standard and a reporting system to monitor progress towards SFM. These developments are crucial for curbing illegal logging practices and ensuring compliance with international agreements, thereby facilitating trade and market access, particularly within the EU.
The report also includes comparative analyses and case studies from North Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Romania, offering valuable insights and lessons applicable to Georgia. These case studies illustrate successful strategies for introducing and operating SFM certification, highlighting the importance of government support, public-private partnerships, and stakeholder collaboration.
The feedback from this discussion will be incorporated into the final version of the report, ensuring it serves as a comprehensive guide for Georgian authorities to navigate the complexities of SFM certification and align with international standards and market demands.