West Papua Timber case study

Bunnings and WWF in West Papua

In June 2014, we undertook a forest concession field trip with WWF to a supplier of Merbau timber in West Papua, Indonesia. The supplier has since achieved independent FSC certification, making it the first producer of certified responsibly sourced Merbau timber in West Papua.

Bunnings has had a zero tolerance approach to illegal timber in its supply chain for well over a decade, and is committed to working closely with key suppliers, industry groups, governments and NGOs to continually develop opportunities to provide responsibly sourced timber products to customers.

Bunnings was the first Australian retail participant in the WWF Global Forest and Trade Network (GFTN), a program established to encourage markets to responsibly source forest products and progress beyond legality, towards credible certification.

In June 2014, as part of the GFTN partnership and commitment to supporting suppliers, Bunnings accompanied by WWF undertook a forest field trip to a Merbau decking supplier’s concession in West Papua, Indonesia.

The aim was to witness first hand an independent High Conservation Value (HCV) assessment that was being undertaken as part of the supplier’s goal to achieving Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification. This assessment included engaging with local communities to map ecological and socially significant forest areas, to ensure long-term sustainable forest operations.

As part of achieving FSC  certification, the supplier implemented the findings of the HCV assessment to improve their processes, which will benefit the forest and support the local communities.

Bunnings understands its responsibility to ensure the forests and communities where it sources timber derive direct and long-term benefit from well managed forestry operations. With support from WWF, we have continued to work with our supplier to deliver the first certified responsibly sourced range of Merbau decking and screening products from West Papua to customers. FSC-certified Merbau is now available in all New Zealand stores and selected Australian stores.

Please contact your local store for availability.