Significant Step Forward for Turkish Forests: New Interim Forest Stewardship Standard Approved

The standard becomes effective on 15 March 2026, aligning FSC’s global principles of responsible forest stewardship with Türkiye’s unique forest ecosystems, ensuring that these global values translate into real benefits for communities and ecosystems across Türkiye.

From pine and cedar forests to the temperate woodlands and steppe ecosystems of Anatolia, Türkiye’s forests are among the most diverse in the region. Covering more than one-quarter of the country’s land area, they support countless plant and animal species, help regulate water and carbon cycles, and provide livelihoods and traditions of rural communities.

The newly approved FSC Interim Forest Stewardship Standard for Türkiye marks a turning point for sustainable forestry and community-centered stewardship. With this new standard, Türkiye will transition from Version 4 to Version 5 of FSC Principles and Criteria, translating global sustainability principles into practical guidance tailored to the country’s ecological richness and long forestry tradition. The Standard transforms FSC’s global Principles and Criteria into locally relevant guidance, tailored to Türkiye’s ecological richness and strong forestry tradition.

Developed through a multi-stakeholder process led by FSC Türkiye National Representation, the standard reflects shared efforts of public authorities, academia, the private sector, and civil society. Through broad consultation, it builds a framework that balances economic needs with conservation, social fairness, and long-term forest resilience. In consultation with the stakeholders, the new standard shaped a framework that balances economic use with conservation, social equity, and long-term forest resilience.

The IFSS sets a new benchmark for protecting and managing Türkiye’s forests. It aligns with national and regional sustainability initiatives while addressing key challenges, including illegal logging, habitat degradation, and climate vulnerability. With transparent and auditable indicators, the standard encourages responsible harvesting and ensures that forest operations respect High Conservation Values (HCVs) and the rights of the local community.

One of its most forward-looking elements is the inclusion of guidance on non-timber forest products (NTFPs), allowing more forest values to benefit from FSC Certification. I also support Small and Low Intensity Managed Forests (SLIMFs), enabling smallholders and community-based enterprises to participate in FSC certification and access sustainable income opportunities while protecting ecological integrity.

At a time when Türkiye’s forests face increasing pressure from climate change, land-use change, and economic demand, this new standard offers a strong tool to balance protection with responsible use. It reinforces forest stewardship rooted in transparency, participation, and respect for nature, helping ensure that Türkiye’s forests thrive for generations to come.

For any queries on the standard, please get in touch with the FSC Country Requirements Programme at: country_requirements@fsc.org.

The IFSS for Türkiye (English version) is available in the FSC Document Center. A Turkish translation will be available soon on the FSC Türkiye website.