Promoting deforestation-free trade and preventing illegal trade of wood products in Armenia, Georgia and Moldova

This regional initiative is designed to strengthen sustainable forest management and promote the trade of legally sourced, deforestation-free timber in Armenia, Georgia, and Moldova. Recognizing the critical challenges posed by illegal logging and unregulated timber trade, the program aims to enhance governance frameworks, improve transparency, and foster cross-border cooperation to effectively combat forest degradation.

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Key objectives of the program include:

• Promotion of Legal Timber Trade: Facilitating the establishment and expansion of verified, legal timber supply chains that comply with national and international regulations. This includes certification processes, traceability systems, and market incentives for responsibly sourced wood products.

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The program is envisioned as a comprehensive approach that balances ecological conservation with economic development, ensuring that timber trade contributes positively to national economies without compromising forest ecosystems. Through strengthened institutions, improved practices, and active stakeholder engagement, the initiative aims to secure forests as a vital natural resource for present and future generations.