Representatives from Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Vietnam, have paid a working visit to the Timber Industry Development Division (TIDD) of the Forestry Commission (FC), to broker a consultative engagement between Ghana and the Vietnam Administration of Forestry.
The meeting, held at the Boardroom of the Division’s Head Office in Takoradi, sought to boost cooperation between Ghana and Vietnam, regarding sustainable timber management practices. The engagement focused on the Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licensing process and Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA), which are essential for promoting legality in the timber trade and ensuring responsible forest management.
Dr. Richard Gyimah, Acting Executive Director, of TIDD, welcomed the delegation on behalf of the TIDD Management Team and mentioned that the meeting would provide opportunities for both parties to discuss the current trends in the timber trade and the importance of sustainable practices within the sector.
During the interaction, the GIZ representatives highlighted the significance of sharing knowledge and experience between Ghana and Vietnam. They explored how Ghana’s experiences with the FLEGT procedure and VPA could inform Vietnam’s ongoing efforts to enhance its timber legality framework. This exchange of ideas proved crucial to both countries as they faced the shared tasks, relating to illegal logging and the need for compliance with international timber trade regulations.
Another critical aspect of the visit was to collaborate with TIDD to compile macroscopic images for the development of the Mobile Wood Identification database in Vietnam to combat timber trafficking. This database is intended to provide comprehensive data on various timber species, which is vital for effective forest management and conservation efforts. The GIZ representatives expressed their support for this initiative, recognizing that accurate data collection is fundamental for both policy-making and sustainable development in the timber industry.
Additionally, the development of the Wood Identification Laboratory was discussed. The lab furnishes the TIDD with the aptitude to identify timber species and verify the validity of timber products. The progress made in the establishment and sustenance of this lab was keenly acknowledged as a significant advancement as it will provide the necessary resources to support the growth of the FLEGT, VPA and strengthen enforcement mechanisms.
As a gesture of goodwill, the GIZ delegation also presented gifts to the Division, which included traditional Vietnamese handbags and T-shirts, symbolizing their commitment to fostering strong bilateral relations and cultural exchanges. This thoughtful exchange did not only reinforce the collaborative spirit of the visit but also highlighted the importance of building mutual respect and understanding in international relations.
Overall, the visit underscored the commitment of both Ghana and Vietnam to strengthen their timber industries through collaboration, data collection, and capacity building. The outcome of these discussions is expected to lead to improved practices in the timber sector, promoting sustainable forestry and enhancing the reputation of the TIDD within FC and beyond.
2025-01-17