The Borneo Initiative (TBI) is a non-profit organization based in the Netherlands, dedicated to slowing the rate of forest degradation and deforestation in the tropical region of Borneo, by providing incentives for businesses to certify their wood products.

In early June 2012, TBI celebrated its success at an event called 'Jakarta FSC Business Encounter 2012 - Boosting FSC Timber Trade'. The event, attended by representatives from the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry, Ministry of Economy and Ministry of Trade, and at least 150-200 delegates from the business sector, trade groups, donors, investors, etc., profiled the Heart of Borneo as a natural area where government and business can support sustainability.

As part of the celebration, TBI welcomed four new members, with more than 5 already registered to join and 6 members receiving Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certificates. Speaking at the event, Dr. Andi Novianto, Chair of the Heart of Borneo Indonesia Pokjanas, welcomed the concessions into TBI membership. "Five of the six FSC recipients operate in the Heart of Borneo region and the FSC scheme is one of the efforts to support HoB initiatives through sustainable forest management mechanisms. And this is what is called 'green economy action'," Novianto said.

According to Rizal Bukhari, Director of TBI's Indonesia Office, the certificate will motivate other companies to implement best management practices in sustainable forest management.

"It will also reassure international markets that there are guarantees for those buying timber production from well-managed forests," he said.

The meeting will not only support the inclusion of companies participating in a responsible concession scheme, but also facilitate the creation of a network to connect Indonesian companies to international buyers, sellers and retailers. Thirty international importers came for a business 'matchmaking' with companies that have committed to the production of certified timber.

The producers came from various categories such as furniture, plywood, panel wood, construction wood, doors/windows/floors, and logs.

"The interest from this event shows that FSC-certified timber is catering to higher demand in global markets such as Europe, the United States, Australia and Japan," Bukhari continued.

Related links:

Press Release 'Jakarta FSC Business Encounter 2012 - Boosting FSC Timber Trade'
http://www.wwf.or.id/berita_fakta/pressrelease/index.cfm?uNewsID=25360&uLangID=1

The official website of The Borneo Initiative
www.theborneoinitiative.org