The Solomon Islands wants to certify its tropical timber for global export, with three of the country’s largest timber exporters audited under PEFC’s chain of custody scheme. That is according to the Solomon Islands Sawn Timber Knowledge Forum, with Solomon leaders working with Australian and New Zealand stakeholders to supply PEFC-certified timbers into global supply chains.
The forum, co-hosted by the governments of Australia and New Zealand alongside the Solomon Islands Timber Processors and Exporters Association (SITPEA), highlighted growing momentum in certification within the region. “Sawn timber is an important source of income and jobs for Solomon Islanders, and SITPEA is positioning Solomon Islands as a trusted source of certified, high-value timber,” said Australian High Commissioner Rod Hilton. “This forum has been about sharing lessons and strengthening relationships that will help SITPEA and its members to continue their business journey into the future.”
Last month, three of SITPEA’s 17 member companies underwent external audits under PEFC’s Chain of Custody standard. And whilst final results are pending, initial feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. SITPEA is now preparing to expand certification across its network, aiming to build a transparent and internationally trusted supply chain.
“Certification isn’t just about meeting market standards – it’s about building trust, improving livelihoods, and protecting our forests,” said SITPEA Chair Adam Bartlett. “This forum celebrates how far we’ve come and launches us into what comes next. We are committed to expanding timber certification and strengthening our industry practices.”
The push for certification comes amid rising Chinese engagement in the Solomon Islands’ forestry sector. Already, China is using timber and bamboo diplomacy to deepen its economic and strategic ties with the Pacific nation. Last week, eleven Solomon Islands forestry officers—including Chief Forester Christina Gabuvai—returned from a two-month intensive training program in China aimed at strengthening the country’s downstream timber processing capacity. Held from May to July, the program included site visits to Zhejiang and Henan provinces, where participants studied China’s forest economies, management strategies, and wood industry supply chains.
“In Solomon Islands, forest coverage is around 90%, and most of the country’s revenue comes from logging, with limited development of downstream products,” Gabuvai told China Daily. “I joined this seminar because the government of Solomon Islands recognised the importance of this training. Here, I’ve gained new ideas and skills, including how to transform timber into value-added products.”
- For more information about timber opportunities in the Pacific, a $1 billion-plus market for tropical timber, click here for Wood Central’s special feature from October 2023.
