NGOs, research institutions, and other allies

FSC Sweden / Märta Lindqvist
Together, we can develop innovative solutions to some of the world’s biggest challenges.
Low-angle shot of a forest during sunset
FSC Sweden / Märta Lindqvist

Real change is rooted in collaboration

No single organization can solve the challenges facing the world’s forests. It will take innovation and collaboration between stakeholders to balance a variety of interests. As a multistakeholder platform, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is looking for allies to develop new solutions for forest stewardship.

Woman holding a map in the forest 
iStock.com / Marcus Chung

Co-creation makes our vision a reality

Our work is guided by a vision for a future where the true value of forests is recognized by all. We’re bringing this vision to life using our core strength: co-creation of solutions. We convene stakeholders representing diverse interests to set the global benchmark for forest stewardship and deliver results that matter for the world’s forests and those who depend on them.  

Together, we’re developing new solutions to balance the economic, social, and environmental value of forests. And we’re looking for like-minded allies to join our cause.

Wide angle shot of a foggy forest
FSC Spain / Fernando de Antonio

The FSC advantage

Trust: FSC is the world’s most trusted forest certification system. 

Impact: The FSC system is a proven method to curb deforestation, preserve biodiversity, engage indigenous people, and protect human rights. 

Balance: We bring social, environmental, and economic interests to the table to develop solutions that benefit all. 

Dialogue and engagement: Our democratic system fosters participation from stakeholders with diverse interests and perspectives. 

Areas of focus

01

Focus Forests

We’ve used our experience as a convener and co-creator to develop Focus Forests, a multistakeholder dialogue tool that facilitates joint decision making on an important topic: protecting the future of high-conservation-value forests.  

These forests can include intact forest landscapes, ancient forests, Indigenous cultural landscapes, and other forests with unique social and environmental value.    

Developed jointly with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), our framework uses a newly developed dialogue methodology based on behavioral, economic, and game theory to explore different scenarios and facilitate shared decisions.   

We’ve piloted the framework in areas such as Gabon, where competing economic, environmental, and social interests have hindered agreement on intact forest landscapes.

Sign up for news about our Focus Forests and what you can do to help. →

02

Sustainable intensification

Sustainable intensification is one potential answer to a significant challenge: protecting forests and their invaluable benefits to the environment while simultaneously increasing production of the forest products that the world’s growing population depends on.

Intensification is only sustainable if it delivers shared value, where benefits are spread equally among businesses, communities, and ecosystems. FSC is exploring the shared value created by intensification within FSC-certified forests and its effects on the wider landscape.

Join us in our journey to develop new solutions for sustainable intensification. Subscribe to the FSC Sustainable Intensification Newsletter or contact your local FSC team

03

Advocating for progressive forest policies

We’re working with NGOs around the world to champion forestry policies that will meet the needs of society while ensuring the long-term health and resilience of our forests. For example, we recently joined forces with the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), the largest network of environmental citizens’ organizations in Europe. The EEB unites more than 170 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and citizens’ groups from over 35 European countries to advocate for progressive policies aimed at creating a better environment in the European Union and beyond.   

We’re focusing our efforts on minimising the risk that products associated with deforestation are placed in the EU market, ensuring forest biodiversity protection, safeguarding forests of high environmental and social value, enhancing the conditions for forest resilience, and combatting illegal logging.

04

High Conservation Values

We use the High Conservation Value (HCV) approach—identifying, managing, and monitoring —in our certification standards (which influence FSC-certified forests or products) and more generally as a resource for conservation planning. FSC seeks to maintain, enhance, and promote the importance of these values. 

A key part of HCVs is ensuring that activity in forests does not have a negative impact on biodiversity—that is, the diversity within and between species and the ecosystem as a whole, including forests. For FSC, maintaining and implementing management of biodiversity and HCVs goes hand in hand. 

Bring the true value of forests to the forefront

We’re on a mission to change the way forests are valued and managed through solutions based on sustainable use, conservation, restoration, and respect for all.

Join us
Together we can protect the health and resilience of the world’s forests. Contact your local FSC team to get started.
Get in touch →