Aug 24, 2005. /Lesprom Network/. The system created and administered by the Slovak Forest Certification Association became a part of the international programme for the endorsement of forest certification schemes (PEFC). The state forestry company Lesy SR spokesman Peter Gogola provided this information based on notification sent by the PEFC Council, PEFC's main body headquartered in Luxembourg. Slovakia thus belongs to twenty countries awarded with the PEFC certification. As Mr. Gogola explained, PEFC membership confirms that wood and wood-based products originate from forests assessed and certified by the PEFC. Such products can be labeled with PEFC logo acknowledging that they were processed in accordance with principles of sustainable forest management. As he further informed, more than a half of all certified forests in the world are managed in compliance with certification systems recognized by the PEFC. More than 20% of wood-processing industry in the world has been certified, mostly according to PEFC schemes. Recognition of the Slovak Forest Certification Scheme and its subsequent accreditation by the Slovak accreditation committee opens new horizons for forest owners, users and businesspersons in wood-processing industry. As Mr. Gogola said, they will be able to apply for world-known and most famous quality label in wood industry and thus increase value of their assets and improve reputation of their companies. PEFC logo on wood-based products will also help customers positively decide for goods from sustainable sources, added Mr. Gogola.