New FSC Forest Stewardship Standard for Peru

FSC is pleased to announce the official publication of the new FSC Forest Stewardship Standard for Peru, which covers all categories of Management Units in natural forests and plantations, including small and low intensity managed forests, as well as Non-Timber Forest Products. This standard, effective October 15, 2024, not only focuses on productive management, but also encompasses conservation management and forest restoration.

Peru, being a country rich in natural forests, has a territory where almost 60% is covered by forests (Ministry of Environment (MINAM), 2024), covering a total area of 82,543,385 hectares as of 2019. These forests include Amazonian forests (94.2%), dry forests (4.7%) and Andean forests (1.1%), with a diversity of 42 types of forests on the coast, highlands and jungle, each with its own unique richness. These ecosystems are fundamental to Peru and the world, providing invaluable benefits such as natural resources, water and food, as well as playing a crucial role in stabilizing the climate and environment. They are also the home and livelihood of indigenous communities, representing   a great potential for the development of sustainable productive initiatives that generate well-being for the people who live in them.

The biodiversity of Peru's protected natural areas, which covers approximately 20 million hectares of forests and varied ecosystems, contribute more than US$1 billion annually to the national economy through non-timber forest products, ecosystem services and tourism, among others. However, these benefits are threatened by deforestation, with a loss of 2.9 million hectares of forest between 2001 and 2022, at an average of 131,000 hectares per year, according to data from the Ministry of Environment's GeoBosques portal.

In this context, the FSC Forest Stewardship Standard is presented as a key tool to promote positive changes in the forestry sector as it promotes responsible forest management based on FSC’s ten principles. FSC’s 10 principles for responsible forest stewardship range from the protection of High Conservation Values to respect for the rights of Indigenous Peoples, communities and workers, providing fair and safe working conditions, as well as monitoring environmental and social impacts. The process for the development of this instrument began in 2015 by a group of highly committed and experienced national professionals in various areas of forest management. This standard has undergone rigorous field testing and three periods of consultation with multiple stakeholders, including companies, NGOs, social actors and representatives of indigenous peoples, communities and smallholders.

With the entry into force of this new standard, FSC reaffirms its commitment to promoting sustainable forestry practices in the country. FSC certification, backed by this standard, provides a credible, rigorous and globally respected pathway to sustainable forest management. The Spanish version of the FSC Forest Management Standard for Peru is available for download from the FSC Document Centre.

This initiative represents an important step towards the promotion of responsible practices in the Peruvian forestry sector and a significant contribution to the conservation of the country's valuable natural resources. For more information, please contact Alba Solis, FSC Peru country director, at a.solis@pe.fsc.org.