Global Strategy

How Do We Determine our Values and Global Strategy?

We do this by convening our members and other partners from diverse interests to set global benchmarks for forest stewardship that deliver significant results for the forests and the people that depend on them. How we do this is outlined in the FSC Global Strategy 2021–2026.

Our work is governed by the FSC Statutes; documents that set the foundation on which FSC is built. They are updated every three years, through motions proposed by FSC members at the organization’s General Assembly.

FSC Global Strategy 2021–2026

As the world changes, so do the demands on forests. From climate change to increased market needs and local conflicts, our approach to the stewardship of the world’s forests must adapt to take these new challenges and opportunities into account. The FSC Global Strategy defines these adaptations. It is developed by the FSC membership, under the leadership of our International Board of Directors, to set the direction of the organization for five years at a time.

The FSC Global Strategy 2021–2026 reaches back into FSC’s roots and emphasizes the role of forest stewardship as the way to enable resilient forests. Without resilient forests, we will lose the fight against climate change and against the alarming loss of biodiversity.

Rather than develop a prescribed list of actions, the strategy enables the collaborative co-creation of solutions that respond to emerging challenges and opportunities.

Through 3 strategies and 12 goals, FSC aims to grow its reach within the next years, so that by 2026 the value and benefits of forest stewardship are demonstrated in 300 million hectares of FSC-certified area, of which 50 million hectares are natural tropical forests and areas managed by smallholders.

Our 2050 Vision: resilient forests sustain life on Earth. A new forest paradigm is realized, where the true value of forests is recognized and fully incorporated into society worldwide.

Dense forest with pinecones littering ground — FSC Belgium / Jan de Ridder

Strategy 1: Co-create and Implement Forest Solutions

We will drive forest stewardship by making certification attractive, usable, and viable for potential users. We will protect our credibility and demonstrate impact through modern technology, and together with our members and partners, we will co-create solutions to forest-related challenges.

Pile of logs with FSC stamp — FSC Germany / Stefan Lechner

Strategy 2: Transform Markets

We will foster market uptake of FSC to drive outcomes on the ground and greater value to certificate holders, supporting the shift to biobased and low-carbon circular economies. Through improved data and powerful communications, we will highlight the social, environmental, and economic value and benefits of FSC-certified forests and their products and services. We will work with market actors to enhance and satisfy demand for certified products and services, focusing on sectors with greatest opportunity for impact to achieve the 2050 vision.

Man with FSC jacket spray painting tree — FSC Germany / Stefan Lechner

Strategy 3: Catalyse Change

Following up on increased efforts in the past few years, we will work with diverse organizations and stakeholders to increase the recognition of the value and benefits of forests and FSC’s role as the most credible validation of forest stewardship. We will expand and invigorate our partnerships and alliances as efficient ways to contribute to global agendas and boost results on the ground. We will deliver on our mission, create results that matter to our members and partners, and seek opportunities in the broader landscape where we can achieve results without increasing the burden on the FSC system and our certificate holders.

Become a forest steward

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ecosystem and start making a difference today.

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