Research headlines
According to this investigation developed by More Than Research, deforestation concerns 82% of Spanish consumers, and 8 out of 10 people also consider that forest degradation influences other environmental problems, such as the spread of forest fires, loss of biodiversity or degradation of soil and water quality.
The study also reveals the great awareness and collaborative spirit of the Spaniards, as 8 out of 10 consumers would like to help keep forests alive and healthy. Additionally, 72.5% say they would feel proud if they could do something to contribute to their conservation.
Spanish citizens think that the responsibility for actions to prevent forest degradation mainly lies with states and national regulations (77%). Furthermore, the easiest way for them to contribute to forest care is to buy products from companies or brands that respect forests.
Indeed, companies play an essential role. 88% of Spaniards believe that companies producing items containing wood, paper or derivatives should not do so if it contributes to deforestation. Another widely supported measure is that all production steps should be certified (85%), and that this certification should be carried out by an independent organization (81%).
Regarding consumption habits, Spaniards consider sustainability the most relevant aspect in six of the ten categories of wood-based products they were asked about. Likewise, the study shows that FSC is the most recognized trademark for sustainable forestry among Spaniards.
The journalist Beatriz Treceño and the members of the panel: Alfredo Fernández, Nicholas Weber, Víctor Benayas and María Quintín.
Inspiring stories
After learning about the main headlines of the study, journalist Beatriz Treceño introduced a debate featuring four sector experts: Alfredo Fernández, director of the Galician Agency for Forestry Industry; Nicholas Weber, CEO of Tonewoods; Víctor Benayas, production manager of Penguin Random House Spain; and María Quintín, director of CSR, Environment, and Food Transition at Carrefour Spain.
Alfredo Fernández emphasized that "the forestry sector is strategic in Galicia". Therefore, the management of the one and a half million hectares of forested land in this community is a priority task. In his speech, he gave special importance to forest owners, as "97% of the forested area in Galicia is in private hands" and pointed out two major challenges: making the forestry sector attractive to young people and recognizing consumer needs to meet an increasingly changing demand.
Nicholas Weber also wanted to share his experience. Fifteen years ago, he founded Tonewoods, a company that imports tropical wood for the manufacture of musical instruments. Aware of the diversity of wood needed to make musical instruments (a guitar can contain 12 different types), he started his project, initially facing many supply difficulties in many countries. Weber highlighted FSC's work in forest management in various regions of the world and invited people to learn about everything behind the FSC labels. "The case that impressed me the most was Brazil. Along the road, you could only see soybean plantations on one side and cattle on the other. And suddenly, when the forest finally appeared, it was a FSC-certified forest".
Víctor Benayas recalled that Penguin Random House obtained its FSC certification in Spain a decade ago and emphasized the pioneering nature of their publishing group in betting on sustainability. Benayas also mentioned that in 2014 only 10% of printing houses in Spain were certified, and that PRH and FSC promoted these certifications to facilitate the continuity of the chain of custody. "We are proud that all our books are FSC certified and that our covers bear their logo and slogan Forests for all, forever".
María Quintín assured that the project 'Comprometidos con nuestros bosques' (‘Committed to our forests’) is undoubtedly the sustainability action they are most proud of in the company. "FSC made us feel a passion for forests that we didn't feel before. Suppliers, customers and employees accompany us in this action, and now we all feel proud and share this purpose". 'Comprometidos con nuestros bosques' is a project started in 2022 in which Carrefour and FSC collaborate to reforest burned or degraded areas in several Spanish communities.
An organization ready to face challenges
Several FSC Spain partners wanted to add their reflections on the headlines of the report and the topics discussed. Enrique Segovia, conservation director of WWF Spain, declared himself satisfied to see "a stable organization, eager and asking people what they think about forests. That's why FSC was created, to improve the health of forests in Spain. Today I am happy because FSC is achieving the momentum we need". However, he also expressed his concern as "forests in Spain are in bad shape, many hectares burn every year, we have millions of abandoned hectares in our country, and the work ahead of us is enormous".
Ana Etchenique, president of CECU (Spanish Federation of Consumers and Users), highlighted the commitment of the Galician Government to the sector. She also warned that "the FSC mark is based on trust", and that this requires being very careful to maintain its reputation intact.
Arantza Pérez, from ASPAPEL (Spanish Association of the Paper and Cardboard Sector), stated that "we need demanding certification labels that challenge us and help us value everything we do" because she acknowledged that "sometimes we are afraid to say that forests must be used." Therefore, she highlighted the involvement of the entire value chain, and particularly consumers when choosing certified products.
Jaime Manteca, project coordinator at Fundación Copade, emphasized the value of FSC-certified woods for the communities involved. He also mentioned the Bosques Vivos (‘Living forest’) project — of which FSC Spain is a part — which promotes the use of certified wood, and its commitment to the forests of the most depopulated areas of Spain and added FSC's support to raise awareness of the EUDR changes, especially in Latin America.
Gonzalo Anguita, executive director of FSC Spain, closed the event by thanking the commitment of all attendees: "There is a reason why each of you is here, and we need all those reasons." He highlighted the concern of Spaniards about forest degradation, and he also emphasized the importance of rewarding the work of owners, technicians and forest workers, "and that is only possible in healthy forests, like the 784,500 hectares certified by FSC or thanks to the 1,700 companies in Spain that own a FSC chain of custody certification".