FSC Launches Interim Forest Stewardship Standard for Natural Forests in South Africa

The standard becomes effective on: 01/07/2026

The Forest Stewardship Council announces the release of the new Interim Forest Stewardship Standard (IFSS) for natural forests in South Africa, an important milestone in promoting responsible forest management. The standard applies to all forest management units, including Small or Low Intensity Managed Forests (SLIMFs) and Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs). As interest in sustainable forest products and environmentally responsible practices continues to grow, the IFSS provides communities, businesses, and especially the Alien Invasive Plant (AIP) management sector with a clear pathway to achieve FSC certification and access emerging market opportunities.

South Africa’s natural evergreen forests cover approximately 5% of the country’s land area, in the southern and eastern regions. In addition, the dry woodlands and savannah biomes, though often underrecognized, play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and rural livelihoods. Evergreen forests contribute significantly to tourism and conservation, while savannah woodlands continue to support subsistence needs and ecosystem services despite extensive land conversion outside protected areas.

Commercial forestry has relied on alien species such as eucalyptus, pine, and wattle, which support key timber and pulp value chains. However, their spread beyond plantations has created significant ecological challenges, as Alien Invasive Plants now threaten indigenous forests, water systems, and landscape health. Mandatory management of these invasive species has given rise to new business models focused on renewable energy generation through biomass, charcoal, and firewood.

South Africa’s long-standing commitment to global climate frameworks, including the Paris Agreement, reinforces the importance of sustainable forest management. Through its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the country has set targets to reduce emissions by 31% and achieve a fixed emissions range of 350–380 MtCO₂e by 2030. Responsible timber production and the protection of natural forests are central to these goals, supporting both emissions reduction and biodiversity conservation.

The new IFSS strengthens this effort by providing a credible, transparent system for demonstrating sustainability and accessing higher-value markets. Its development followed an inclusive process involving a chamber-balanced Standard Development Group, contributions from the Technical Working Group, and public consultation. The standard reflects South Africa’s unique forestry realities. Few indicators were adapted to ensure both practicality and impact using a minimum adaptation approach to meet the global FSC transition timeline from P&C Version 4 to Version 5.

The standard advances South Africa’s climate and development priorities by supporting green jobs, promoting rural development, and enabling sustainable use of forest resources. It also aligns with broader continental initiatives such as AFR100, which aims to restore degraded landscapes across Africa.

For enquiries on the standard, please contact the FSC Country Requirements Team at country_requirements@fsc.org.
The Interim Forest Stewardship Standard for South Africa’s Natural Forests (English version) is available in the FSC Document Centre (Document | FSC Connect).