SUMAL 2.0 – a modern traceability tool

Abstract

In the last years the digitalization of the forest sector increased in Romania and traceability tools are present than ever due to the demand of transparency from state authorities and civil society. Also, the means to fight illegal logging diversified in order to comply with the directives and regulations of the European Union. However, besides legal requirements also certification schemes can support responsible forestry management and can guarantee that the certified entities are providing goods from a responsibly managed forest. The electronic wood tracking system, SUMAL 2.0 is a modern tool for traceability of harvesting sites, timber transports and natural protected areas. It complies with the requirements of the national legislation in force but also the European legislation such as the European Union Timber Regulation and the

efficiency of the system was proven in the following months after its launch. The number of interrogations by NGO’s and citizens in the system grew constantly.

In this research article an analysis of the features of the SUMAL 2.0 were made in order to highlight the impact on the transparency of the forestry sector.