While the audit costs associated with certification are relatively well-known, they are only a small fraction of the total costs, especially in tropical countries where forests are highly complex and the external challenges to certification are highest. At present, there is no off-the-shelf source of reliable cost information, thus leaving the issue shrouded in mystery and speculation. This tool will enable managers to cut through the fog quickly and simply, and access cost estimates specific to their operations. This will enable them to make better informed investment decisions.

Increased transparency on costs will accelerate the uptake of forest certification and assist negotiations of fair prices for certified forest products that reflect the real costs involved. WWF GFTN's high international profile in the area of responsible forestry and trade, and its global network of offices, will enable rapid and widespread distribution of the product, as well as face-to-face product support free of charge. The project will continue for 18 months until early 2008, and will involve a wide range of stakeholders. After that, the "cost estimator" will become available.

Homebase's Sustainable Business Manager, Charles Drewe, explained, "Homebase is committed to stamping out the trade in illegal timber and to promoting responsible forest management as a real solution to this worldwide issue. Working with tropical forest owners and managers, especially in areas where there's no FSC option, it has become extremely difficult to establish the true cost of FSC certification, especially in areas of unique biodiversity. As a way of solving this issue, Homebase is again delighted to continue our work with the WWF GFTN in sponsoring the Tropical Forest Certification Cost Estimator".