European Stage
Turning Deforestation Trade Compliance into a Sustainability Advantage
Day 2 : 13:50 – 14:10
Soon, companies trading forest-based products in Europe will need to comply with the EU Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR). With the regulation set to take effect for most companies on 30 December 2024, businesses face a critical need to prepare. This session will focus on the essential steps companies should consider as they gear up for compliance, ensuring they are not just meeting requirements but also leveraging them for strategic advantage.
Drawing on over 30 years of responsible forestry expertise, the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) offers technology-driven solutions that can help businesses navigate the complexities of EUDR compliance. We will explore how FSC’s offerings support traceable supply chains, enhance sourcing assurance, and drive sustainability leadership. Through real-world case studies, you’ll discover how FSC is empowering companies to transform EUDR challenges into opportunities for positive impact across global supply chains.
Learnings
1. EUDR – What, When, and Why
2. How Blockchain help achieve EUDR compliance
3. Is EUDR catalyzing “Race to Zero”
Post-Event Actions
1. Commit to the 3Rs – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
2. Check product labels – Choose responsible forest products
3. Respect nature – Conserve and learn from Forests
Speakers
Michelle Wong
Deputy Regional Director
Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) Asia-Pacific
Michelle Wong
Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) Asia-Pacific
Deputy Regional Director
Dr. Michelle Wong serves as the Deputy Regional Director of the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) Asia-Pacific, bringing over two decades of expertise in environmental science and policy to the role. Her extensive contributions have spanned critical areas such as air quality, climate mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity conservation, urban planning, and sustainable building practices.
Michelle’s unique blend of academic rigor and hands-on experience—gained from her work in universities, NGOs, and policy think tanks—has been pivotal in advancing evidence-based policymaking in Hong Kong. Notably, she played a key role in shaping the Greater Bay Area’s ship emission control measures, reflecting her deep commitment to impactful environmental governance.
Currently, Michelle is at the forefront of efforts to ensure compliance with the EU Deforestation-free Regulation (EUDR), a vital initiative in combating climate change and safeguarding biodiversity. She is also leading initiatives to enhance forest management through the promotion of nature-based financial disclosures and aligning economic practices with environmental stewardship.
Outside of her professional scope, Michelle is an avid nature enthusiast and engages in various artistic endeavours, embodying a well-rounded approach to both life and leadership.
My Sustainability Goals for 2024:
In 2025, I’m focused on the 3Rs—reduce, reuse, recycle—while advocating for adopting forest-based materials as alternatives to plastic. This goal sharpens our path toward a Net Zero future, fostering more conscious and sustainable decision-making.