Value Chain Strategy

PEFC was introduced in South Africa in 2017 to provide a more accessible certification option for small-scale growers and to reduce reliance on a single scheme. It was also envisioned that PEFC, through its decentralized approach, would help expand market access and establish a locally tailored standard for driving sustainable forest management. In today’s climate of shifting global alliances, businesses increasingly recognize the value of a diversified certification strategy. With PEFC’s federalized structure complementing FSC’s global orientation, having the option of both certifications can offer added flexibility and resilience in sustainability assurance. In order to foster growth, PEFC provided seed funding for a Value-Chain study as part of the SAFAS strategy for 2025 to 2030. Before refining this strategy further, we as the SAFAS Council, seek to evaluate the extent to which PEFC’s original objectives have been met and set the scene for a strategy workshop.