As Ghana ships first ‘gold standard’ timber to EU, questions about FLEGT’s future remain (commentary)

Mongabay
Mongabay
1M ago
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Ghana has shipped its first timber under the FLEGT license to the EU, marking a significant step in sustainable timber trade. This development is crucial for the future of Africa's forests and could influence global forestry practices.
As Ghana ships first ‘gold standard’ timber to EU, questions about FLEGT’s future remain (commentary)
A What happened
On November 4, 2025, Ghana marked a historic milestone by shipping its first timber under the EU's Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) license, becoming the first African country to achieve this status. The FLEGT license, a result of 16 years of negotiations, certifies that all logging in Ghana is legal and sustainable, allowing timber to enter the EU market without additional checks. This development is seen as a potential model for other nations, as it emphasizes sustainable practices and community involvement in forestry. However, concerns arise regarding the future of such agreements, especially as the EU appears to be retreating from its commitments to forest protection, which could jeopardize similar initiatives in other African countries. The success of Ghana's system could influence global forestry practices and the fate of many of Africa's forests.
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Key insights

  • 1

    First African FLEGT License: Ghana is the first African country to receive a FLEGT license for sustainable timber trade.

  • 2

    Impact on Local Communities: Timber companies must reinvest in local communities, ensuring they benefit from logging activities.

  • 3

    Concerns Over Future Agreements: The EU's retreat from forest protection commitments raises concerns about the sustainability of FLEGT licenses.

  • 4

    Potential Global Influence: Ghana's success could inspire similar sustainable forestry systems in other countries.

Takeaways

Ghana's achievement in securing a FLEGT license represents a significant advancement in sustainable timber trade, but its future may hinge on the EU's commitment to forest protection and the potential for similar initiatives in other nations.

Topics

Climate & Environment Agriculture Business & Markets Economy Sustainability