Visit the forest with us In thousands of forests around the world, managers are following the rules we set. The effect is evident. Explore highlights from independent studies, on-the-ground evaluations, and stories from the forest. Peer-reviewed studies about biodiversity in FSC-certified forests A selection of key studies that show the positive effects of FSC certification on biodiversity.Country‑level analysis in 91 nations (2008–2019) links greater FSC Forest Management areas to fewer threatened species.In Gabon and the Republic of Congo, FSC-certified forests have more large animals, including critically endangered species like gorillas and elephants, than forests without our certification. These certified forests have nearly three times (2.7) as many big mammals (weighing over 100 kg) compared to non-certified forests (Nature, 2024).In the Peruvian Amazon, a WWF study showed that FSC-certified forests have richer species like amphibians, insects, and monkeys than non-FSC working forests (2019).In areas of western Oregon, USA, around salmon-bearing streams, FSC standards require a much larger area – more than double the width – to be conserved when compared with the typical requirements for private landowners. These buffers help protect both threatened and endangered salmon, along with drinking water for people downstream.In Brazil, over 300 threatened species, including endangered monkeys, reptiles, plants, birds, and large mammals, have been identified in FSC-certified plantations and their set-asides (2024). Rare, threatened and endangered species thriving in FSC-certified forests with Verified Impact In FSC-certified forests that measure biodiversity conservation through Verified Impact projects, forest managers are helping rare, threatened, and endangered species thrive. 42% increase in the abundance of the endangered Huemul (South Andean Deer). Chile, 2013-19, FSC-C108276.99% of the 51,000ha Ejido Nuevo Becal in Mexico is set aside for conservation. It includes Jaguar, King Vulture, and Tapir. Mexico, 2020-25, FSC-C130131.200ha of rare and ancient Atlantic rainforest restored by replacing the last plantations with native woodland and conserving habitats for local butterflies, fungus, birds of prey, and some of the world’s rarest mosses and lichens. Ardura Community Forest, Scotland, 2023-28, FSC-C112410.31.9% increase in conservation area with a focus on habitats of native and endangered species. Spain, 2024-29, FSC-C099970.15,000 ha being restored to natural forest cover. Carbon Chestnut, USA, 2025-30, FSC-C180518. Carbon captured and stored in FSC-certified forests with Verified Impact FSC-certified forests that measure carbon through Verified Impact projects show an increase in carbon stocks of up to an average of 10% per year.Cooperativa dos Produtores Agroextrativista Bailique, Brazil, 7 years, 5.7 % per year, FSC-C131371Concha y Toro, Chile, 5 years, 10.5% per year, FSC-C1540292BForest, Portugal, 6 years, 6.6% per year, FSC-C135716Sunčane šume Ltd, Croatia, 11 years, 1% per year, FSC-C109807Fujian Province Shanghang Baisha National Forest Farm, China, 6 years, 3.4% per year, FSC-C181374 Did you see an FSC Ecosystem Services Claim or a claim about FSC Verified Impact? Would you like to learn more about that exact project? You can search for its FSC licence code in our Ecosystem Services Registry or FSC Search to learn more about the organization and why they can make this claim. Human rights and gender equality In a Cambridge University study (2024), FSC achieved the highest score for human rights requirements among 12 forestry and fisheries certification systems analyzedA 2022 study found that FSC-certified Community Forests in Tanzania reduced gender inequality in well-being.An independent study in the Republic of Congo, Gabon, and Cameroon (2017) found that local communities working in certified forests often had better living conditions, and stronger health and safety measures in place compared to uncertified forests. Visit the forest with us We regularly visit FSC-certified forests and bring back stories of the animals and communities we work to support. If stories speak to you more than data, explore our stories from the forest. Explore now → Impact Stories Read more Stories about FSC's Impact all over the world. EuropeLatin AmericaAfricaAsia Pacific Safeguarding Romania’s forests Through forest conservation, FSC-aligned management, and WWF-supported initiatives, Romania has helped protect thousands of hectares of primary and old-growth forestRead More →A tale of three forests: Oasis along the Italian Po River ValleyBy restoring and managing forest oases in the Po River Valley, forest managers are demonstrating how forests can deliver multiple benefits at once.Read More →The journey of tropical wood: How tropical timber from the Congo Basin keeps Amsterdam afloat By sourcing FSC-certified tropical timber for critical infrastructure such as Amsterdam’s lock gates, cities can help create incentives for responsible forest managementRead More → From the heart of the Amazon In Brazil’s Uatumã Sustainable Development Reserve, communities are leading sustainable forest management while improving their livelihoods.Read More →The last candelilleros By becoming the world’s first FSC-certified candelilla wax producers, communities improved their economic position while maintaining sustainable harvesting practices.Read More → Namibia's thorny problem FSC-certified bush biomass harvesting is creating economic opportunities in rural Namibia, with group scheme members employing 9,000 charcoal workers and harvesters each year.Read More →A new model of forest management emerges in the Republic of Congo The partnership between Olam Agri, WCS, and Kamba African Rainforest Experiences is demonstrating a replicable model for managing forests beyond timber productionRead More → Nature’s rhythms: the evolution of the Japanese taiko The collaboration between taiko makers and FSC-certified foresters shows how responsible sourcing can help sustain both cultural traditions and forest ecosystemsRead More →
