EU FLEGT Facility (closed)

Illegal logging has a devastating impact not only on some of the world’s remaining forests but also on the people who live in them and rely on the resources they provide. Determining how forests are to be managed, who is responsible for their management, and who benefits from them involves governance considerations at the local, national, regional, and international levels, which contributes to the complexity of forest management.

Two men measuring a log in the forest

With increasing concern for environmental and social issues in global timber markets, especially in the EU, UK and the US, efforts to curb illegal timber trade have intensified. The EU's response includes the development of Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs) under the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance, and Trade (FLEGT) Action Plan, aimed at supporting countries in transitioning to legal timber production.

Our objective: Combating illegal logging through better forest governance

Enhancing forests' contribution to poverty reduction, sustainable economic development, and maintaining and enhancing environmental services in the countries which produce timber and timber products for export into the EU.
The Purpose of the Facility was to assist the European Commission and the EU Member States in their joint effort to implement the EU FLEGT Action Plan

Our work: Supporting the implementation of the EU FLEGT Action Plan

From 2007 to 2021, EFI hosted the EU FLEGT Facility, which was supported by a multi-donor trust fund with contributions from the EU and Member States. The EU FLEGT Facility supported the implementation of the European Union (EU) Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Action Plan with a focus on Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs). The EU FLEGT Action Plan sets out a programme of actions that forms the EU’s response to the problem of illegal logging and associated trade.

The EU FLEGT Facility supported the European Commission, EU Delegations, EU Member States, partner country Governments and other stakeholder groups in timber-producing countries that were considering, negotiating or implementing a VPA.

The Facility strengthened regional action and cooperation in support of the Action Plan, good forest governance, and international trade in verified legal timber in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The Facility also supported the EU-China Bilateral Coordination Mechanism on Forest Law Enforcement and Governance.

To support the EU’s response to illegal logging and trade in associated timber products the Facility:

  • Raised awareness in timber-producing countries about the Action Plan and VPAs.
  • Supported national dialogue in timber-producing countries on whether to pursue a VPA.
  • Advised partner countries on multistakeholder processes and timber legality assurance systems.
  • Supported the EU and partner countries in their negotiation and implementation of VPAs.
  • Assisted in strengthening a partner country’s capacity to meet the requirements set out in the VPA.
  • Built and disseminated knowledge and information, drawing from lessons learnt and experience gained in VPA processes.
  • Added to the information base on market developments, trade flows, timber legality assurance system testing, legal issues and reforms.

Lessons learnt

The lessons from supporting implementation of the EU FLEGT Action Plan processes in the 15 countries that engaged in a VPA process are outlined below.  These lessons are backed by studies, assessments, tools, and communication products developed during the period of the EU FLEGT Facility. These provide a compendium of resources that remain relevant to policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders seeking to strengthen governance and assure legality in the forest sector.

1. Partnerships
  • Equal partnership: Separating governance reform discussions from financial assistance fosters political dialogue instead of a donor–recipient dynamic, creating trust and deeper engagement.
  • Consensus among partners: VPAs help align development partners and focus support on agreed priorities.
  • Legally binding agreements enhance seriousness and commitment.
  • Joint tools (plans, frameworks, stock-takes) are effective for setting priorities, tracking progress, and engaging stakeholders.
2. Trade & Markets
  • Private sector dynamics: Private sector involvement brings new dynamics, broadens support for reform, and strengthens SME organisation.
  • Supply-demand linkage: Linking supply and demand measures ensures governance improvements are matched by market incentives.
  • Consumer markets: Consumer markets reinforce sustainable production by requiring legal sourcing.
  • Global trade shifts: Shifts in timber trade highlight the need for a global response, as VPA countries now export more to Asia than to the EU.
3. Participation & Dialogue
  • Stakeholder platforms provide visibility and pressure for change.
  • National dialogue builds trust, exposes governance weaknesses, and fosters consensus on reforms.
  • Sovereignty: legality focus supports national ownership, fair competition, and reforms tailored to each country.
4. Commitment & Anchoring
  • Political will is critical – high-level engagement can accelerate or stall progress.
  • Policy anchoring: Anchoring in national policies ensures VPAs are relevant and sustainable.
  • Investment: Time and investment are essential for real participation, institutional capacity, and mindset change.
5. Governance Effects
  • Transparency: Making information public and opening decision-making increases scrutiny.
  • Accountability: Clarifying roles and empowering non-state actors strengthens oversight.
6. Timber Legality Assurance Systems
  • Legal frameworks: Clear legal frameworks with defined rights and responsibilities are vital.
  • Stakeholder inclusion: Inclusive stakeholder engagement ensures legitimacy and acceptance.
  • Capacity building equips actors with skills for implementation and monitoring.
  • Technology and data systems (GIS, remote sensing, blockchain) enhance traceability.
  • Monitoring and enforcement require audits, inspections, and clear penalties.


Resources

The EU FLEGT Facility generated a wide range of knowledge, tools, and lessons during its work from 2007 to 2021. These resources remain useful for understanding how to promote good forest governance and strengthen legality assurance systems.

The following list contains resources which are of broader scope and/or did not fit in the structure and typology of content provided in the websites mentioned above.