CNVP has been implementing a project funded by the Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). Called “Supporting Small Forest Holders in the Balkan countries as Drivers for the Development of Forest Certification schemes”, the project has promoted regional cooperation among Balkan stakeholders to develop forest certification standards as a tool for securing sustainable forest management. 

The project has cooperated with the REFORD network, a regional organisation that represents family and municipal forest owners in the Balkans, in order to raise awareness about forest certification.

Promotional events that were held in Republic of Srpska (Bosnia-Herzegovina), Bulgaria and Croatia have resulted in startup initiatives among national stakeholders to develop PEFC national standards for sustainable forest management.

Since the start of the project in 2016, Bulgaria has joined PEFC as a national member, and is preparing its national system to be submitted to PEFC for endorsement.

Croatia has received support for the development of a national system through the 2017 PEFC Collaboration Fund. 

CNVP and members of REFORD have provided system development and documentary support to all three countries.

More information about CNVP’s successful cooperation with PEFC is available at https://www.pefc.org/projects/forest/balkan-region