Latin American Network requested FSC certification be denied
to Ecuadorian logging company

(27/6/05) The Latin American Network against Monoculture Tree Plantations, (RECOMA for its acronym in Spanish), a network with representation in 16 Latin American countries, has disseminated a copy of the letter sent to certifiers and representatives of the FSC in which they express "deep concern over the possibility of FSC granting certification to the operations of the ENDESA S.A. logging company and other logging companies belonging to the Peña Durini Group in Ecuador.
(BOTROSA, SETRAFOR, Fundación Forestal Juan Manuel Durini-FJMD)"

According to the Network "These companies have been denounced several times for violations to Human Rights of the peasants" ? have violated many FSC Principles and Criteria" ? and "have not favoured forest conservation nor have they respected forest communities' rights. On the contrary, they have carried out abusive forest exploitation, in many cases leading to their destruction".

The Network considers that "FSC certification of ENDESA- BOTROSA would further contribute to the degradation of Ecuador's forests and to foster impunity in the matter of the violation of human and environmental rights implemented by this company in its modus operandi."

Finally , the RECOMA strongly request "that FSC certification be denied to ENDESA and its related companies."

For further information please contact:

Ana Filippini
RECOMA Secretariat office
Uruguay
recoma@internet.com.uy,
tel: (5982) 604 6319

Nathalia Bonilla
Acción Ecológica
Ecuador
cbosques@accionecologica.org
tel: (593) 22 527 583