New FSC Forest Stewardship Standard for Natural Forests in Brazil: Advancing Sustainable Forest Management

The new standard will contribute to promoting responsible forest management, focusing on the inclusion of small producers, biodiversity management, and the protection of Indigenous rights. It will come into effect on 1 October 2025.

After a participatory process involving FSC members, public consultations, and field testing, Brazil now has a new FSC Forest Stewardship Standard for Natural Forests. This will replace the previous version (SLIMF and “Terra Firme”) and will come into effect on 1 October 2025.

Natural forests certified under this new standard will ensure environmental and social benefits, promoting biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource management, and the protection of the rights of local and Indigenous communities. Additionally, it will enable Brazilian forestry companies to respond to the growing demands of both the local and international markets.

Natural Forests in Brazil

Brazil is home to one of the largest expanses of tropical forests in the world, essential for global biodiversity and climate balance. FSC certification has guided forest management in the country for more than two decades, but an update of the standard was necessary to align it with FSC’s Principles and Criteria and to strengthen its impact.

The new standard aims to balance responsible forest production with conservation, ensuring that Brazilian forests continue to provide ecological, social, and economic benefits in the future.

Key Improvements in the New Standard

• Alignment with international standards: FSC Principles and Criteria version 5-2 have been integrated to strengthen alignment with global best practices.
• Inclusion of small producers: Specific indicators have been developed to facilitate their access to FSC certification.
• Protection of the rights of local and Indigenous communities: Criteria related to the rights of Indigenous Peoples, Traditional Peoples, and communities have been reinforced.
• Commitment to conservation: The standard reaffirms efforts to curb deforestation and promote ecosystem restoration.

The new standard applies to all types of ownership, including public, private, and community forests, and includes provisions for small-scale and/or low-intensity managed forests (SLIMF). It also covers certain non-timber forest products.

Among its main objectives, the new standard promotes the conservation of intact and high conservation value forests. This includes the identification and protection of critical ecosystems, ensuring that forestry activities minimize impacts on sensitive areas.

Another key pillar is strengthening the fight against illegal logging by requiring compliance with national and international laws, thus promoting the sustainability of the forestry sector and the protection of forests.

Additionally, the standard will help improve labour rights and gender equity, ensuring fair working conditions, decent wages, and social benefits for local and Indigenous communities. Its requirements promote inclusion, ensuring equal participation of men and women in the sector, which will strengthen social cohesion and the sustainable development of forest communities.

A Sustainable Future for Brazil’s Forests

This standard is the result of a collective effort involving companies, NGOs, Indigenous communities, and small producers. Thanks to this broad consultation, the new standard reflects local needs and current environmental challenges, reaching a consensus from diverse perspectives that encompass economic, environmental, and social aspects.

In this way, we ensure that Brazil’s forests continue to be a source of life, development, and balance.

The English version of the FSC Forest Stewardship Standard for Natural Forests in Brazil is available at the FSC Document Centre. A Portuguese version will be available soon on the FSC Brazil website.

For any inquiries about the standard, please contact Elson Fernandes de Lima, Executive Director of FSC Brazil: e.lima@br.fsc.org or info@fsc.org.br

For more information, visit the FSC Brazil website.