Review of FSC Principles and Criteria
For the first time FSC is conducting a full review of the Principles and Criteria. FSC is now calling for application for its members to participate in a new Working Group dedicated to a review of this core document.
Background
Since their adoption almost 15 years ago, FSC has never consistently reviewed the FSC Principles and Criteria (P&C). Some changes have been made at different FSC General Assemblies, though the current version of the P&C has few differences from the original document. More recently, FSC started a process to conduct a limited review, focussing on the applicable motions from the 2005 General Assembly and the Plantations Review process.
A first draft was developed by the FSC Board of Directors, and following a public consultation period in 2008, more than 80 comments were received. In general, the comments were supportive of the changes proposed, with only a few of proposals on which there seemed to be diverging views among stakeholders.
Some of the concerns raised valid points that should be addressed. Based on the recommendation from the Policy and Standards Committee, the FSC Board of Directors decided that the review process of the Principles and Criteria should be broadened to a full review. Furthermore, it also decided that a new Working Group, balanced by FSC sub-chamber, should be established to lead the process.
Announcement: expanded Review and Revisions of FSC P&C (pdf)
Join the Working Group
The FSC International Center is seeking FSC members who are interested in participating in the Working Group responsible for the review and revision of the FSC Principles and Criteria.
Call for FSC members to participate in the P&C Working Group (pdf)
If you are an FSC member and are interested, please submit an application letter and CV to pcreview @fsc.org by October 2, 2008.
About the document
The FSC Principles and Criteria is the core document for FSC forest management certification and can only be changed by a vote from the FSC membership. The P&C describe how a forest should be managed to meet the social, environmental and economic needs of the present and future generation. It forms the basis for all FSC forest management policies and standards.
Contact
For any questions or comments, please email the FSC Policy and Standards Program at policy.standards @fsc.org
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