RSS FeedWhat is the WWF? WWF stands for World Wildlife Fund, a non governmental organization working to conserve nature and protect the world’s environment. This group was formed in 1961 and is actively involved in various efforts worldwide. This organization has worked tirelessly to inform, educate and make a difference in the preservation of nature and wild life especially threatened species and natural resources. One of the projects that WWF has worked on for more than 40 years and continues to work on is the Amazon rain forest.
The World Wildlife Fund has been involved in different projects that have produced real results for the Amazon. The Legal Timber Protection Act, Tropical Forest Conservation Act and Amazon Region Protected Areas (ARPA) are just some of the work WWF has gotten involved in. They utilize business partnership, policy advocacy and field work to get their goals of sustainable forestry and preservation met. The Global Forest & Trade Network is a WWF initiative to eliminate illegal logging and improve the management of valuable and threatened forests. This is done by assisting with trade contacts between companies committed to supporting responsible and sustainable forestry. WWF works to coordinate with local, regional and government contacts to create policies and solutions to identified present and future threats to forests.
WWF and the Global & Trade Network conduct forest trade missions in South America for example, to support responsibly sourced forest mills and importing companies find each other and ensure future growth in the sustainable market. This also helps the locals and government create revenues and guarantees the timber being used will be renewable. With the amendment in the Lacey Act, this type of assistance is much needed as illegal logging is no longer tolerated or acceptable.
One particular species from the Amazon that has become popular is Ipe. Tabebuia is the botanical name for this exotic hardwood and sustainable forestry practices have been put into effect that have helped increase the quantities of this species by replanting and utilizing technology to increase growth rate. Why the interest in ipe decking? This species of hardwood has superior lumber qualities such as durability, strength, density and a natural resistance to insects, decay, mold and fungus. This beautiful hardwood is the perfect material for decking. The demand for this exotic lumber is great as commercial contractors, designers and engineers recognize the qualities of this wood and can feel confident in specifying it for their indoor and outdoor applications. Walkways, docks and marinas are some areas with very high traffic and extreme weather conditions and when building them longevity is always a factor. Ipe has been used just for that situation.
The decking industry demands products that are durable and eco-friendly. When we utilize FSC certified decking and responsibly sustained wood decking such as Ipe, we get the best of both worlds. With WWF and the Global & Trade Network’s help, the sustainable tropical lumber coming in will be in demand and set the standards by which importers do business.
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