Malaysian NGOs engage MTCC on key issues

By coalition of Malaysian NGOs

NGOs

2005-05-12 | Malaysian NGOs propose ways for MTCC to move forward in a letter to the Malaysian Timber Cetification Ccouncil.

27th April 2005

To:

Chairman

Malaysian Timber Certification Council

19F, Level 19, Menara PGRM

56100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

MTCC -- A WAY FORWARD: Suggestions from the Social and Environmental stakeholders

Following discussions, the organizations below agreed to present an option to the MTCC / NSC, relating to their present and future involvement in the process. We deliberated on certain issues of concern that have to be addressed before this involvement can happen.

These main areas are:

1. Conduct an independent review of the structure and operations of the MTCC, and the NWG process, with the aim of correcting the imbalanced representation, and increased compliance with FSC standards and processes.

2. Achieve greater and balanced participation of all stakeholders and ensure due process in elections of representatives to the RWGs and NWGs. This should include a rethinking of the composition of chambers and the definition of Direct Resource Managers (DRM) / Relevant Government Agency.

3. Exhibit greater transparency in operational procedures and protocols, including access to information and reports (minutes, maps, reports, baseline data, etc.)

4. Revise the current system of issuance of single certificates to Pen. Mal. states (i.e. treating the State as a single FMU).

5. Resolve the contradiction between recognition and protection of customary rights (as in MCandI principles 2 and3) and the extinguishing of rights when PFEs / FMUs are created.

In conclusion we reiterate that certification of forest management should be the prime concern of MTCC and not only timber certification.

JOANGOHutan (Malaysian NGOs represented in the coalition are BRIMAS, IPDC, SAM, KERUAN, PACOS, COAC, SPNS, IDEAL, POASM, SACCESS)

MNS (Malaysian Nature Society)

WWF-Malaysia

c.c. National Steering Committee members.