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FSC has joined 100+ NGOs supporting the #Together4Forests movement.
When you obtain your forest management certification through the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), you’re showing that your operations meet the world’s highest environmental, economic, and social standards. Each year, an estimated 400 million cubic metres of wood comes from FSC-certified forests. The rigorous standards behind FSC certification protect the plants, animals, and people that rely on those forests now and for years to come.
FSC certification isn’t just for large-scale forest operations. If you manage a small or community forest, or a forest with low-intensity harvesting, we have solutions to make it easier and more affordable to become FSC certified.
FSC forest management certification means committing to 10 principles to ensure your forest is managed in a way that’s:
You also agree to follow FSC’s Policy for Association. This policy states any organization within your corporate group must refrain from unacceptable forestry practices that include illegal logging and human rights violations.
To initiate the certification process, contact your local FSC team. They can provide specific details for your region and help get you started.
The general process includes the following steps:
Only third-party, accredited certification bodies can conduct audits and certify your organization. You will select an independent body to work with.
Your application will detail the steps your organization is taking to meet the FSC-certification requirements outlined by your chosen certification body.
Your certification body will conduct an assessment to verify you are following all appropriate standards and policies.
Submit the information FSC requests you to provide by filling up the questionnaire in FSC Check before signing the Trademark License Agreement to become a certificate holder.
Once you receive certification approval, you can begin producing and selling FSC-certified materials and products.
Your certification body will conduct annual audits to assess conformance to your forest management certification.
Be recognized for your commitment to responsible forestry with FSC ecosystem services claims. This unique solution enables you to communicate the value of your forest in a way that’s scientifically quantified, reported, and verified. That information can then be used to match you with sponsors who share your vision and can offer long-term support for your sustainability goals.
Your local FSC team is here to guide you through the certification process.
Cost and duration of the certificate process can vary depending on the size and location of your forest and the status of your existing forestry management practices. In terms of returns, a study from the WWF-US suggests forest managers can see a return on their investment after six years.
For more information, get in touch with your local FSC team.
Independent certification bodies ensure that the FSC standards are applied fairly and consistently to all organizations.
More than 1,800 forest management certificates have been issued worldwide, covering 230+ million hectares of certified forest. Of this, 8+ million are small and low-intensity managed forests and 2+ million are community-managed forests.
No. FSC certification is available for a wide variety of forest products, including cork, bamboo, natural rubber, nuts and seeds, honey, mushrooms, and more. Find additional information about FSC certification for non-timber forest products here.
Yes. FSC’s ecosystem services claims solution turns the vital “ecosystem services” of your forest into value that’s scientifically quantified, reported, and verified. You can then present these verified claims to all your stakeholders to show the true worth of your responsible forestry and find partners who share your passion for protecting the planet.
If an FSC forest management national standard exists for your country, certification is possible. If you are interested in forest management certification or would like to recommend FSC develops a standard in your country, please reach out to your local FSC team.
From endemic species to sacred sites, all natural habitats — especially forests — inherit conservation values. Those biological, ecological, social, or cultural values of outstanding significance are known as 'high conservation values,' or HCVs. Certificate holders are required to maintain and/or enhance the HCVs in the management units and they would qualify for the 10% allotment, providing the forest area meets the criteria for a conservation area network.
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