FSC launches new Climate and Biodiversity Strategy

At a time of accelerating climate change, biodiversity loss, and growing pressure on forest ecosystems and forest-dependent people, FSC is stepping up its role. With the publication of the Climate and Biodiversity Strategic Framework 2026-2032, FSC enters a new phase, reinforcing responsible forest management as an impactful solution for climate mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and upholding the rights and livelihoods of forest-dependent communities. 

Background 

Forests cover 30% of the world’s land, sequester a net 7.6 billion tonnes of CO₂ annually, and host up to 80% of terrestrial biodiversity. They play a critical role in mitigating and adapting to climate change, conserving biodiversity, and supporting the livelihoods and rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, forest managers, and workers.  

As forests face increasing threats, so do climate and biodiversity. FSC is acting, not only as a standard setter, but as a global solution that generates verified outcomes for climate and biodiversity at a moment when the world needs both. 

Strategic pillars 

The Climate and Biodiversity Strategic Framework provides a clear, structured approach to strengthen FSC’s contributions over the coming years within and beyond certification.  

It is organized around three interconnected priorities that guide FSC’s work from 2026 to 2032: 

• promote responsible forest management practices that contribute to global climate and biodiversity goals;
• leverage markets and finance to incentivize those FM practices;
• advance policies and partnerships to promote forests as climate and biodiversity solutions. 

Across all three priorities, the framework emphasizes data, science, traditional knowledge, transparency, and results-based monitoring to strengthen credibility and demonstrate impact.   

Examples of our work in action 

FSC forest management certification provides a globally recognized, independently verified framework for responsible forest management applicable to all types and scales of forests. FSC forest certification – whether of forests managed primarily for timber production, conservation, or restoration – can be used to demonstrate progress towards national climate and biodiversity targets under the Paris Agreement or the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).  

Through implementation of the Ecosystem Services Procedure, FSC enables forest managers to demonstrate the positive impact of their operations on carbon sequestration, biodiversity protection, water quality, soil retention, or air quality. Once verified by FSC-accredited bodies, ecosystem services claims can be used to enhance the value and recognition of certified forests for their contribution to climate and biodiversity and to help certificate holders access Payments for Ecosystem Services. 

The FSC Remedy Framework sets out requirements to remedy harm caused by unacceptable activities or by conversion. By requiring environmental remedy – including restoration, conservation, and social restitution – the framework supports the recovery of forest ecosystems, contributing directly to climate change mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and social justice. 

Learn more about the FSC Climate and Biodiversity Strategic Framework 2026-2032 here. Read the full document below.