Investigation into certified Intact Forest Landscapes in Brazil

FSC has commissioned Assurance Services International (ASI) to conduct an investigation into the current state of Intact Forest Landscapes (IFLs) in and around FSC-certified forests in Brazil. ASI launched this investigation on 1 April 2025.  

FSC’s normative framework already has an Advice Note (ADV-20-007-18) on the management and protection of IFLs. It identifies countries where IFLs exist according to Global Forest Watch maps, and where there is no approved and effective forest stewardship standard based on the International Generic Indicators (FSC-STD-60-004 V2-0). FSC is currently revising the requirements for IFL protection based on a revised landscape approach for FSC stewardship in these lands of high conservation value. 

As part of this investigation, ASI will analyze Brazilian certificate holders' conformance with FSC's IFL protection requirements, since 2017. ASI will also study the effectiveness of the auditing practices of certification bodies in the certified management units included within this investigation’s scope. Based on the findings of the investigation, ASI will propose recommendations for making improvements to FSC’s normative framework.   

The participating certification bodies and certificate holders will also have the opportunity to share their comments on the current FSC normative provisions in relation to IFLs, including the challenges they face in assurance management activities.  

In a recent meeting of FSC International’s Board of Directors, the board members have requested FSC International to evaluate the FSC system’s reaction and conformity with various IFL-related requirements and to develop proposals for a new strategic approach towards IFLs. This investigation, which was planned prior to and independently from the Board’s decision, will contribute to its implementation.   

The protection of IFLs is a part of FSC’s core principles. FSC aims to sustainably manage IFLs within certified areas, contributing to their protection. However, stakeholders have expressed their concerns about the adequacy of FSC’s normative provisions pertaining to the conservation and protection of IFLs. In 2022, FSC’s members passed a motion requiring FSC International and national standard development groups to improve the protection of IFLs. For more information about FSC’s work on IFLs, click here.