Northumberland businessman Simon Hart has been appointed to the board of a leading international trade body that promotes sustainable forestry around the globe.
General manager of Hexham-based Egger Forest Management, he will represent the UK timber sector on the governing board of the PEFC – an international, non-profit, NGO dedicated to promoting sustainable forest management through independent third-party certification.
Simon’s expertise extends to forest acquisitions, economic appraisals, management and valuations – and he also runs Egger’s forest certification scheme as well as sitting on the UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS) steering group.
He is a Fellow of both the Institute of Chartered Foresters and RICS, has a particular interest in the land-use debate and is a strong advocate for more tree planting in the uplands.
“I am delighted to have an opportunity to contribute my skills and experience to PEFC,” he said. “They have a crucial role to play in promoting sustainable forest management across the world and in providing assurances of responsible sourcing to those trading in forest products. It is vitally important for those specifying forest-based products to act positively and secure a certified supply.”
Welcoming Simon’s appointment, PEFC UK chairman Ross Bradshaw added:
“PEFC has long-recognised the importance of having key stakeholder groups represented on its board. We are fortunate enough to be able to call upon the expertise of senior figures from a wide range of industry sectors and Simon’s appointment will ensure that the voice of the forest sector is heard.”
The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) is an umbrella organisation, and works by endorsing national forest certification systems developed collaboratively by all interested stakeholders and tailored to local priorities and conditions. For more information visit: www.pefc.co.uk