GTF/GIZ study points the way forward for private forest sector associations

Source:
ITTO/Fordaq
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The Peruvian forestry sector has suffered several setbacks stemming from the seizure of significant volumes of illegal timber in 2015 and 2016 which resulted in the main export markets closing their doors to Peruvian wood products.

Against this backdrop the Global Timber Forum, the FAOEU FLEGT Programme and the German development agency GIZ, through its ProAmbiente II programme, undertook a study to analyze the current organisational capacities and needs of forest and timber organizations of Peru.

The finding from this analysis are presented in a report “Assessment of the forest and timber associations of Peru: currento rganizational capacities and needs” One of the main findings was in the words of the study authors that “the organizations interviewed showed little knowledge about organizational management of private associations. Most leaders do not have the leadership skills or experience for a member-driven and production as wells as market-oriented management.

Organizations tend to concentrate on solving legal problems, but from a very political viewpoint and not based on technical discussions.

Their discourse is only pointed towards the national government and its executive power, leaving aside both the legislative power and the regional forestry authorities – even though the regional forest authorities have been responsible in most forestry matters since the decentralization of government functions started in 2009.”

In pointing the way forward the study says “Empowerment and self-sustainability of associations will only be achieved if they: (i) operate and manage for commercial purposes of group interest, (ii) have a permanent and active number of members, (iii) seek the recruitment of new members in the short term, (iv) ensure a minimum fixed subsistence allowance, (v) convene a particular formal industry (e.g. milling companies), (vi) offer attractive, competitive and immediate services, (vii) and are oriented to a differentiated commercial niche.

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