ENFORCE, the Belgian Center of Expertise for Forensic Wood Research, is celebrating its third anniversary. What exactly does the work involve, and what are the successes and challenges?
As part of the research done by ENFORCE, an article has been been published in the journal Annals of Forest Science on the power of combining timber identification methods.
Operation Thunder is a yearly global action against wildlife and forestry trafficking networks organised by INTERPOL and the World Custums Organisation (WCO). ENFORCE participated in the 2024 edition, providing the Belgian Federal Government Service for the Environment with the necessary timber identification checks to verify compliance with European laws.
ENFORCE now provides a sample taking guide for applicants who want to request a wood analysis.
The International Union of Forest Research Organisations (IUFRO) World Congress was held this year in Stockholm, Sweden from 24th to the 28th of June. ENFORCE was present to meet partner organisations and make new international connections in the context of dealing with illegal timber trade.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the implementation of the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in Belgium. Discover the full story how ENFORCE helps enforcing CITES here!
Recently, the Belgian Federal Department of Environment seized a large volume of plywood in an investigation concerning illegal imports of Russian timber. ENFORCE played an important role in delivering crucial evidence through its services.
A first stakeholders meeting around the new EU Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR) took place yesterday in Brussels. ENFORCE introduced itself and gave three clear examples of how the centre can help with timber species verification and provenance research.
