SLF to create Transparency and Traceability Guidelines for WWF Pakistan
We are delighted to announce that WWF Pakistan has contracted SLF for the “Development of Transparency and Traceability Guidelines for Leather Supply Chain of Pakistan”, under the European Union funded project “International Labour & Environmental Standards Application in Pakistan’s SMEs (ILES)”.
The project aims at contributing to improved environmental sustainability and livelihoods in Pakistan by supporting sustainable economic growth and development.
The development of the Transparency and Traceability Guidelines is a significant additional work that will enable the leather industry in Pakistan to better understand the need and the benefits of achieving a traceable and transparent value chain. By establishing Guidelines for a standardised policy and procedure for traceability in Pakistan, the project will play a pivotal role in ensuring the long-term future sustainability of the industry in the region. With additional engagement of policymakers in government as well as private stakeholders, a cohesive package of support and information can be provided that will ensure increased access to international markets and the ability to meet regulatory requirements.
The work is planned for completion by the end of July 2024. Deborah Taylor, Managing Director of SLF, commented “given the challenges and uncertainties facing the leather industry, particularly with incoming regulations, we are keenly motivated to develop these Guidelines for WWF Pakistan. We will look to incorporate all the recent best practice work and collaboration that SLF is engaged in with the Traceability Cluster, the UNECE and the European Commission DG Env Deforestation Platform to create a set of Guidelines and information that will be practical and applicable for the Pakistan region.
Adeel Younas, Manager, Freshwater Programme, WWF Pakistan, added “traceability is essential for identification and mitigation of environmental risks associated with the leather supply chain.
The guidelines will play a crucial role for private sector to take concrete actions in their supply chains and to ensure compliance with upcoming international regulation. Moreover, It will support the development of policy framework to promote supply chain transparency and traceability in Pakistan”.