Celebrating 30 Years of FSC Protecting forests for all, forever. Looking back at our history In the early 1990s, the tropical forest destruction became alarmingly evident as deforestation surged to meet the demands of booming construction driven by population growth and urbanization. The annual rate of tropical deforestation was about 80 per cent higher than ten years ago. Outdated forest management methods and illegal logging thoughtlessly produced changes in landscapes and the environment, the degradation of complex and vulnerable ecosystems and the disappearance of species. Indigenous communities, whose livelihoods were closely tied to these forests, were also deeply affected. Amid the increasing awareness of and concern for the protection of nature, the Forest Stewardship Council, a voluntary certification for sustainable forestry, was born. In three decades, this small seed has become a force for protecting these crucial ecosystems, and all those who depend on them. Learn more about FSC → Milestones and Achievements Many milestones were met along this three-decade journey. We have faced numerous challenges, grown exponentially, and always kept our eyes focused on the mission of protecting our world’s forests. Take a look at some of our key moments over the years! FSC Today Today, we are the leader in sustainable forest management, operating the world's most rigorous and trusted forest certification system. This remarkable journey wouldn't have been possible without the contributions of our members, certificate holders, partners and people who support us by choosing FSC-certified products. Over the past 30 years, we've grown and thrived together, making significant strides in achieving our vision – Forests For All, Forever. FSC NETWORK 83 countries with FSC-certified forests FSC MEMBERSHIP FSC members come from all across the globe, with interests spread across three chambers. CERTIFIED FORESTS Over 160 million hectares of certified forests across the globe are managed according to FSC standards. FSC STAFF FSC is represented across the globe by over 300 employees making sustainable forestry a worldwide mission. 30 Years of Making a Difference Our community As we mark this milestone, our partners have shared birthday messages reflecting on our joint success: Yolanda Ramírez, Director of Research and Human Development, AIDER “FSC means the balance of social, environmental, and economic. We are moving forward with the great purpose: Forests for all forever.” Emily Blackwell, Head of Technical, Soil Association “My fondest memory of FSC is being a founding member. There is still much more to do. We’re in a climate change and biodiversity crisis. As a Certification Body, we’ve been involved in finding the solutions, working with FSC. It’s been interesting to see the changes over the decades. I wish you all the best for the next 30 or 300 years". FSC International Board Member, Environmental South “What makes me most proud after these 30 years is the people who, through sheer hard work, have managed to build what we have today. Congratulations, FSC.” Justinas Janulaitis, Senior Director, Preferred by Nature "Preferred by Nature has been working with FSC as a Certification Body since its establishment. It’s impressive to see the path FSC has taken over the past 30 years, especially given the changing environment and regulatory requirements. I wish FSC to remain a very brave organization in following what they think they must do for the world’s forests." Nadia Gomez, FSC Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee member “For me, FSC is very important. It unifies the role of Indigenous Peoples and people of different faiths with the same goal of preserving forests, ecosystems, and our planet.” Mikhail Tarasov, IKEA Global Head of Forests "I would like to congratulate FSC for their 30th anniversary. You are still a very young organization and have a lot of energy to innovate, develop and grow. I look forward to continuing to collaborate for another 30 years and more". FSC / Mayank Bhavesh NGOs, Research Institutions & Other Allies Read more... → What the FSC Labels Mean Read more... → FSC / Tristram Branscombe-Kent 30 years on, a friendly checkmark-and-tree logo holds its own for the world’s forests Read more... → FSC Brazil / Célio Cavalcante Filho Looking Ahead We are committed to the next 30 years and beyond to achieve our mission. Together with forest managers, communities, businesses, and NGOs, we work to make sustainable forest management the global standard and foster a thriving circular green economy. Learn more about our Global Strategy →