Ecuador

Ecuador has shown interest in a FLEGT VPA since 2006, but no formal steps have been set. The country has been involved in the ALFA process since 2006. ALFA (which stands for Forest Law Enforcement in the Amazon), is being developed in the Amazon context and lead by the ACTO (Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organisation). A FLEGT process with the country could benefit from exploring synergies with the ALFA process. ALFA does not focus on trade to the same extent as FLEGT, but it claims to have law enforcement and participation at its heart, both of which are essential components of FLEGT.