“Change” – this is how 2008 can best be described for PEFC. Following a strategic review in 2007 and a Governance Review completed in mid-2008, we have prepared ourselves for the opportunities and challenges the coming years will bring.

The requirements for identification, status (mandatory versus recommendatory provisions), the development (including formal approval) and public availability of the technical documentation developed and governed by the PEFC Council.

2007 will be remembered as a turning point for PEFC. The last 8 years have seen PEFC develop from a small regional scheme into the global leader in certified area and volume. It was fitting therefore that in 2007 the PEFC undertook a major strategic review.

Defines the certification and accreditation procedures for national certification schemes.

The responsibilities and actions of PEFC Council and PEFC National Governing Bodies for the investigation and resolution of complaints and appeals.

Two years ago, PEFC had about 50 million hectares, now we are close to 200 million. The availability of certified wood has increased exponentially: 25% of the world’s industrial roundwood production is currently certified and about two thirds of all certified forests are certified to PEFC endorsed certification systems.

Definitions of the basic and fundamental terms in forest and chain of custody certification.

An interpretation of the PEFC Council requirements for consensus within the national standards development process.

2005 was a very successful year for PEFC forest certification globally. PEFC-certified forest area reached 100 million hectares and continued to increase to more than 187 million hectares by the end of the year. Around 6% of the world’s forest area is now certified, accounting for over 20% of the global industrial roundwood production.

The PEFC database special edition newsletter, released February 2002. It announces the launch of the online interactive database, and explains how to use it.

Paper from the 4th PEFC General Assembly in Luxembourg, introducing the motion to change PEFC technical documentation, including the incorporation of ILO conventions. The motion was passed.

The very first PEFC newsletter, released in March 2000. It introduces the new PEFC office in Luxembourg, as well as the Chain of Custody and Non-Wood Products Working Groups.

Paper from the 3rd PEFC General Assembly in Luxembourg, introducing the motion to adopt the rules for verification of the chain of custody for wood. The motion was passed.

The list of the 12 Founding Members of PEFC in June 1999.