Launch of the NCCF Trees Outside Forests (ToF) Standard

Insights on the Launch of the NCCF Trees Outside Forests (ToF) Standard

On August 21, 2024, something significant happened at The India International Centre in New Delhi. The Network for Certification and Conservation of Forests (NCCF) launched the Trees Outside Forests (ToF) standard. The event gathered experts, leaders, and industry professionals to discuss what this new certification means for sustainable forestry in India.

1. Welcome Remarks by Mr. A.M. Singh, Director General NCCF

The event began with a warm welcome from Mr. A.M. Singh. He thanked Ms. Abhilasha for the opportunity to speak and welcomed all the guests, including important figures like Mr. Eduardo Rojas Briales (PEFC International Chairperson), Dr. Devendra Pandey (Chairperson of ToF Standard Development Group), and Mr. A.K. Shrivastava (Co-chairman, NCCF). Mr. Singh introduced NCCF, an organization set up in 2015 to create sustainable forestry standards that meet India’s needs. He highlighted NCCF’s dedication to global sustainable development goals and the Paris Agreement, urging everyone to work together for a sustainable future.

2. NCCF Journey So Far – by Mr. A.K. Srivastava, Co- Chairman, NCCF

Mr. A.K. Srivastava talked about NCCF’s journey, starting from its creation when the Ministry of Environment recognized the need for a forest certification scheme specific to India. He explained how NCCF has developed over the years, including creating a forest management certification scheme that received international recognition from PEFC. The ToF certification was developed to meet the growing demand for wood from trees outside forests, marking a key development in sustainable forestry in India.

3. Presentation on ToF Certification Standard – by Dr. Devendra Pandey

Dr. Devendra Pandey (Chairperson of ToF Standard Development Group) gave a presentation about the ToF certification standard, stressing its importance for timber production in India. He pointed out that only 21.7% of India’s land is covered by forests, while 44% is used for agriculture. This makes Trees Outside Forests (ToF) crucial for timber, especially since much of this timber comes from small and marginal landholdings. Dr. Pandey explained the careful and inclusive process used to develop the ToF standard, which began in 2016 and achieved PEFC endorsement in 2023. He also discussed the challenges faced and the successes achieved in bringing different stakeholders together.

4. Address by Mr. Rajesh Maheshwari, CEO, NABCB

Mr. Rajesh Maheshwari, CEO of the National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB), expressed his gratitude for NABCB’s long-standing partnership with NCCF. He explained NABCB’s role in the international accreditation system and highlighted the global recognition of the ToF Certification Scheme. He emphasized how this certification supports sustainable practices and boosts the export of wood-based products from India.

5. Special Address – Mr. Franklin L. Khobung, Joint Secretary, MoAFW

Mr. Franklin L. Khobung, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoAFW), congratulated NCCF on the launch of the ToF certification standard. He discussed the Ministry’s efforts to promote agroforestry and the importance of having high-quality seedlings. He explained how certification helps ensure these quality standards, providing economic and ecological benefits, and emphasized its role in helping India reach its environmental goals.

6. Launch of the Trees Outside Forest Certification Scheme

Announcement: Ms. Abhilasha officially announced the launch of the ToF Certification Standard, thanking the 45 members of the ToF Standard Development Group for their hard work and contributions.
Recognition of Leaders: Key industry leaders, including representatives from Star Papers and Hindustan Pencil Pvt. Ltd., were honored for their efforts in implementing the ToF certification.
Official Launch: The ToF Certification Standard was officially launched with the dignitaries opening the standard booklets on the stage, marking the beginning of a new era in sustainable forestry management.

7. Keynote Address by Mr. Eduardo Rojas Briales (PEFC Chairman)

Mr. Eduardo Rojas Briales, Chairman of PEFC, spoke about the importance of forests in fighting climate change and the need for sustainable building materials like wood and bamboo. He praised the partnership between PEFC and NCCF in developing the ToF standard and encouraged everyone to continue their efforts in promoting sustainability and innovation in forestry and agriculture.

8. Afternoon Technical Session: Panel Discussion on ToF Certification’s Impact on Indian Industries

In the afternoon, a panel discussion was held, led by Mr. A.K. Bansal. The panel included experts like Mr. Bhowmik Sanghvi (President, Hindustan Pencils Pvt. Ltd.), Mr. S.S. Srivastava, Mr. Vidya Bhushan, Mr. Yogesh Gokhale (Senior Fellow at TERI), Mr. Sachin Jain (EPCH), and Mr. Richard Laity (PEFC Asia Pacific Manager). The discussion focused on how the ToF certification could benefit different industries, including pulp and paper, handicrafts, and rubber. The panelists talked about how the certification can help reduce reliance on forests, offer incentives to farmers, and ensure supply chains are free from deforestation.

9. Interactive Q&A Session

The event featured an engaging Q&A session where attendees were able to ask questions and share their thoughts with the panelists. The session was good & all the attendees are happy to have their question answered in this open discussion about the challenges and opportunities at the ToF event.

10. Vote of Thanks by Mr. A.M. Singh, Director General, NCCF

To close the event, Mr. A.M. Singh gave a vote of thanks, expressing deep gratitude to all participants for their involvement and contributions. He raises the importance of working together to advance sustainability in India’s forestry sector at the event. Mr. Singh raises the focus on the importance of ToF by saying that the ToF certification is not just a tool for sustainable practices but also a driver of innovation and growth across various industries, setting a strong foundation for a more sustainable future.

Event Highlights

Keynote Speeches: The event included powerful speeches from key figures like Mr. Franklin L. Khobung, Mr. Rajesh Maheshwari, Mr. A.K. Srivastava, and Mr. Eduardo Rojas Briales, each emphasizing the importance of the ToF standard and the value of its global recognition through PEFC endorsement.

PEFC Endorsement: The PEFC endorsement was a major highlight of the Event. It gives ToF certificated a global credibility and encourages international cooperation in sustainable forestry practices.

How to Apply for the ToF Certification

Application Process: Interested landholders and organizations can apply for the ToF certification by following the steps outlined by NCCF.
Eligibility Requirements: The certification is primarily for small and marginal landholders. You can find more details about the application process and eligibility on the NCCF website.

Advantages of PEFC-Endorsed ToF Certification

Market Access: The PEFC endorsement improves the credibility and competitiveness of ToF products in global markets, allowing them to achieve better prices.
Sustainability Benefits: It supports long-term environmental and economic benefits by promoting sustainable forestry practices.
Global Collaboration: PEFC endorsement boosts global collaboration, helping share knowledge and build capacity.

Industries That Benefit from ToF Certification

Timber and Wood Processing: Provides a reliable supply of certified raw materials.
Pulp and Paper: Ensures access to sustainably managed wood resources.
Handicrafts: Meets international standards for legality and traceability, opening up new market opportunities.
Rubber Board: Supports sustainable production practices with certified raw materials.
Agroforestry: Support for sustainable practices and increased income.
Export-Oriented Sectors: Meets international regulations, enhancing global market access.

Conclusion

Reflecting on the launch of the ToF certification, it’s inspiring to see how much we can achieve when we come together. The event wasn’t just about introducing a new standard; the NCCF Trees outside Forests (ToF) standard is the world’s first of its kind—designed with simplicity and developed through an open, transparent process involving diverse stakeholders. The NCCF ToF certification scheme will support the sustainable management of ToF resources and ensure a reliable supply of certified raw materials for wood processing industries.