| Certifying responsible forest management to save our forests and climate
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
It seems that the climate is changing more noticeably, as are views on
the role ’avoided deforestation’ plays in mitigating climate change.
This is where the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has an
imperative function.
Forests are key
Afforestation is already accepted as a climate change mitigation
measure. It now looks like the contribution of long-term responsible
forest management towards carbon sequestration will be recognised
in the second implementation phase under the Kyoto Protocol.
A United Kingdom (UK) government publication in 2006 presented
research that changed the views on the role ‘avoided deforestation’
can and should play in mitigating climate change. In his report, the
economist Sir Nicholas Stern highlights the important positive role
forests can play in both avoiding and mitigating greenhouse gas
emissions. Stern also emphasised the prevention of further
deforestation as one of four “key elements” of future international
climate frameworks:
“A substantial body of evidence suggests that action to prevent
further deforestation would be relatively cheap compared with other
types of mitigation, if the right policies and institutional structures are
put in place.”
The review finds deforestation prevention attractive as it does not
require development of new technologies. It does, however, concede
that “major institutional and policy challenges” will be necessary to
realise the climate benefits of avoided deforestation. These include
clarifying forest-related property rights, strengthening law
enforcement, and overcoming entrenched systems of vested
interests. Success would further require developing incentives that
reflect local concerns, and minimise transactions costs.
| FSC CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS IN BRIEF |
1. Compliance with all applicable laws and international treaties
2. Demonstrated and uncontested, clearly defined, long–term
land tenure and use rights
3. Recognition and respect of indigenous people’s rights
4. Maintenance or enhancement of long-term social and
economic well-being of forest workers and local communities
and respect of worker’s rights in compliance with International
Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions
5. Equitable use and sharing of benefits derived from the forest
6. Reduction of environmental impact of logging activities and
maintenance of the ecological functions and integrity of the
forest
7. Appropriate and continuously updated management plan
8. Appropriate monitoring and assessment activities to assess
the condition of the forest, management activities and their
social and environmental impacts
9. Maintenance of High Conservation Value Forests (HCVFs)
defined as environmental and social values that are considered
to be of outstanding significance or critical importance
10. In addition to compliance with all of the above, plantations
must contribute to reduce the pressures on and promote the
restoration and conservation of natural forests. |
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The standards for responsible forest management developed by FSC
provide effective tools to address exactly these institutional and
policy challenges. FSC certification has proved to be a valid
proposition, effective in all forest ecosystems and in different
governance contexts.
FSC is the only international forest management standard applicable
worldwide that ensu es equal weight to social, environmental and
industry interests. It is also the only international certification system
in forestry that respects the rights of indigenous people and
prohibits conversion of natural habitats.
Wide-ranging support
 This is why FSC is the only international forest certification scheme
supported by nongovernmental organisations. Numerous
governments worldwide also recognise its unique strengths and
contributions. Based on the recognition, some have strengthened
market-based incentives for FSC certification by providing tax
benefits to certified companies, referencing FSC products as
requirements in their procurement policies and supporting projects
linked to FSC through their international development agencies.
Companies value FSC as a tool to demonstrate their commitment to
sustainability, gain access to new markets and maintain access to
existing ones. FSC is also the international system preferred by
financial institutions for risk management related to forest
management activities.
With its 10 Principles and 56 Criteria, FSC offers a comprehensive
set of universally applicable requirements for responsible forest
management. This means ensuring forest resources are managed to
meet the social, economic and ecological needs of present and future
generations. The inclusiveness and transparency of the FSC system
relies on stakeholder consultation and consensus based processes.
This way of working has proven to be effective and independent of
government structures or strong vested interests. Stringent and
regular audits by FSC accredited certification bodies ensure
continued compliance with FSC requirements in certified forests.
About FSC
FSC is an international non profit organisation established in 1993 to
promote responsible management of the world’s forests through
standard setting, independent certification and labelling of forest
products.
It brings together forest owners, timber industries, social groups and
environmental organisations to find solutions through its innovative
market-based approach. FSC works to ensure the permanent
existence of forest areas through responsible forest management and
conservation, even where only weak governance structures exist.
Forest management accorrding to FSC’s internationally recognised
standards delivers environmental services to local and global
communities, including clean air and water, and contribute to mitigate
the impacts of climate change. In September 2007, some 90 million
hectares were certified according to FSC standards in 75 countries.
The FSC is represented through national initiatives in over 45
countries worldwide.
The FSC label offers people the opportunity to buy products from
environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically
viable managed forests. Consumers can choose from a wide array of
FSC certified products - from timber and paper products to
medicine and wooden jewellery.
FSC tools address issues such as illegal logging, deforestation and
global warming with positive impacts on economic development,
environmental conservation, poverty alleviation and social and
political empowerment.
 W: www.fsc.org |
