PLANTING A TREE FOR SUSTAINABILITYJune 21, 2010 By Patrick Peters, CBI external expert “Even if I knew that the world would end tomorrow I would plant a tree today” Timber is an important product exported to the EU by developing countries from around the world. Especially tropical timber, which is almost grown exclusively in developing countries, provides good export opportunities. However, nowadays it is hard to explore these opportunities without taking into account the sustainability issues surrounding tropical forests. As with most sustainability issues, the problems in developing countries are largely caused by the demand in developed countries. Following this logic, the EU, as the world’s largest importer of tropical timber, is partially responsible for the deforestation and depletion of tropical forests. Organisations, companies and consumers in the EU increasingly aware of their responsibility are therefore taking action. Exporters in developing countries should therefore not stay behind and should consider planting a tree for sustainability.
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