FSC Approves New Standard for Regional, National Forest Stewardship Standards
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has approved a new standard for the development and revision of regional, national or sub-national FSC Forest Stewardship Standards. This standard aims to ensure that forest management practices are environmentally responsible, socially beneficial, and economically viable.
Key Features of the New Standard
- Ensures compliance with legality, human rights, and customary rights
- Maintains or enhances social, cultural, environmental, and High Conservation Values (HCV) of forests
- Sets out requirements for FSC trademark use on certified products and promotion of FSC certified products
- Applies to forest management-accredited certification bodies assessing conformity with FSC normative requirements during controlled forest management evaluations
Process Requirements
Under this new standard, registered Standards Development Groups and endorsed National Initiatives will have to follow specific process requirements when developing and revising their respective standards. These include:
- Ensuring that the standards respect and uphold legality, human rights, and customary rights
- Maintaining or enhancing social, cultural, environmental, and High Conservation Values (HCV) of forests
Benefits of the New Standard
The new standard is designed to promote responsible forestry practices worldwide and ensure that all FSC certificate holders meet high standards for environmental and social responsibility. This includes:
- Promoting environmentally responsible forest management practices
- Supporting socially beneficial and economically viable forest management practices
- Ensuring compliance with international standards for responsible forestry practices
About the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
The Forest Stewardship Council is an international organization that provides a system for voluntary accreditation and independent third-party certification of forest products. FSC sets standards for the development and approval of FSC Stewardship Standards, which are based on the FSC Principles and Criteria. FSC also accredits conformity assessment bodies to certify compliance with its standards.
Conclusion
The new standard is an important step forward in promoting responsible forestry practices worldwide and ensuring that all FSC certificate holders meet high standards for environmental and social responsibility.