Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of TFF?
TFF supports sustainable management of tropical forests through training and outreach.
What is the relationship between the TFF RIL Verified and Legal Verified programs and similar programs such as the Forest Stewardship Council certification process?
The TFF RIL Verified® and Legal Verified® verification programs are focused on sustainable forest management and legality. TFF verification does not address other issues such as biodiversity and social impacts. The TFF verification marks are stepping stones towards more involved certification standards like FSC.
How does the TFF sustainable forestry program contribute to biodiversity and social impacts in developing countries?
Research has demonstrated that forests managed sustainably are far less damaging to wildlife habitats. Well-managed forests have value and are more likely to be monitored for illegal harvests of both animals and timber. Research has also demonstrated that sustainable forestry results in higher paying, safer, and more secure jobs for local communities in developing countries.
How does the TFF sustainable forestry program help address the global warming crisis?
Research has demonstrated that sustainable forest management maintains significantly higher carbon stocks in the forest because of better planning, greater waste reduction, and far less collateral damage during forestry operations. Improved forest management has been recognized as a necessary strategy to address the global climate change issue by the United Nations, the G8, the US Congress, and the vast majority of expert review panels formed to address the issue.
Who are the supporters of TFF and how is the organization funded?
The board of TFF consists of an equal mix of industry and non-industry representatives that are leaders in their organizations and the international forest management community. Our board list is available on this web site. Support for the organization comes from a combination of industry donors and grants from international organizations such as the International Tropical Timber Organization and USAID.
Where is the organization headquartered? Do you maintain other offices around the world?
The TFF main office resides in Alexandria, VA on the outskirts of the nation’s capital in Washington, DC, USA. At present TFF has four training centers located in Georgetown, Guyana; Belem, Brazil; Jakarta, Indonesia; and Libreville, Gabon.
