New FSC Interim Forest Stewardship Standard for Poland offers better protection for ecosystems and old-growth forests

A new standard for Poland updates guidance for forest management. It focuses on the protection of rare ecosystems and old-growth forests. Labour rights for forest workers will help to ensure social benefits for forest communities. Overall, the new standard seeks to keep Poland’s forests and all the resources they provide sustainable into the future. The standard becomes effective on 1 October 2024.

About one third of Poland is forested, and just over 80 per cent of that is in public ownership. These forests are rich in biodiversity as well as being home to iconic species such as European bison, brown bear, lynx, and wolves. FSC certification has guided forest management in Poland for more than 25 years, but the FSC National Forest Management Standard needed to be brought up to date to reflect the FSC International Principles and Criteria.

The goal of the new standard is to enable improved protection of biodiversity and ecosystems while at the same time providing a stable source of material for the timber industry. Fair working conditions for forest workers and engagement with local people will strengthen relations with local communities. From a wider perspective, raising awareness of the benefits of FSC certification among consumers will increase demand for certified products, encouraging more forest owners to sign up for certification and the positive impacts on forest environments, economies, and communities.

Rare forest ecosystems are a priority in the new standard. This is reflected in the High Conservation Value Framework, which refers to areas of importance for rare plant and animal species and their habitats, and also to areas of special value to society. The standard requires certificate holders to identify, conserve and manage HCV areas to minimize the negative impact of their activities on these valuable areas.

Fragments of old-growth forest are a key element of the FSC standard in Poland. The new standard requires foresters to leave at least five percent of a mature stand untouched and subject to natural decay. Although these fragments may not necessarily be of High Conservation Value, they nevertheless play important roles in the ecosystem. They shelter species associated with mature forest, their dead and decaying wood supports biodiversity, and they offer bridges and corridors connecting patches of regenerating forest. Along with impacts on microclimate and water management, these areas of older trees thus have a positive impact on forest ecosystems.

Polish authorities also intend to create and extend nature reserves and protected areas that will support forest conservation. These will be enhanced by the Representative Sample Areas of the FSC Standard, key ecosystems designated for the monitoring and evaluation of sustainable forest management. Systematic research in these areas will allow FSC certificate holders to monitor the effects of their operations and minimize negative environmental impacts.

With respect to forest workers’ rights, the new FSC Standard broadens the definition of ‘worker’ to include seasonal workers and contractors. It introduces the concept of a statutory minimum wage to promote fair compensation. And it encourages consideration of factors other than price in selecting a contractor to carry out forest management. Along with increased transparency, these conditions aim to increase the safety of workers in the forest.

A crucial element in all FSC Forest Stewardshhip Standards is to clamp down on illegal logging. In Poland, all forests are managed according to forest management plans and Polish and EU law. The FSC Standard also requires full traceability along the supply chain which, along with regular audits and inspections, will make it easier to identify and eliminate any potential illegal activities. From Kim Cartensen, Director General of FSC International:

Overall, the new FSC Standard will secure the sustainability of Poland’s forests going forward. It strikes a balance between sustainable management and resource conservation while at the same time promoting economic activity. The standard also recognizes the need to respond to the threats of climate change in a way that maintains the importance and value of forests. Thanks to widespread consultation with all interested stakeholders, I believe the Standard will help forest management in Poland meet the challenges it faces.”

In 2018, Poland embarked on revising its FSC National Forest Management Standard to adapt international indicators to local conditions. Several extensive rounds of public consultations gathered feedback from a wide array of stakeholders, including forest managers, the wood industry, local communities, NGOs, officials, and private individuals. Additionally, field tests were conducted at three locations in Poland by certification bodies to validate the proposed standards ensuring the standard's alignment with both international benchmarks and Polish realities. The revision of the Standard was possible due to committed engagement by the Standard Development Group and Technical Working Group. A significant level of participation in public consultations also contributed to the development of the Standard.

The IFSS for Poland (English version) can be consulted in the FSC Document Centre. A translated (into Polish Language) version will be available on National Office website in due course. Visit Poland's National Office Newsroom for more related news.

For any queries on the standard, please contact country_requirements@fsc.org or Marek Rzońca, FSC Forestry Coordinator for Poland: m.rzonca@fsc.org.