What is FSC?

FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) is an international organization founded in 1993 to promote responsible forest management. FSC has established international standards for forest management and an associated hallmark. The basis for these standards has been defined for each country or region and is based on the ten FSC principles for proper forest management. Forest owners receive accreditation for their forest providing they adhere to the FSC standards. Independent inspectors ensure that these rules are enforced.

How does the FSC work?

The essence of FSC's work is to ensure that forests, both tropical and non-tropical, are well managed. The FSC accreditation system allows forest owners who adhere to the rules to distinguish themselves from any competition that manages its forests poorly. The FSC logo ensures that this fact is clearly visible to end users who can be assured that the wood originates from well-managed forests and has been tracked throughout its chain of custody. FSC uses a system of certification for both forest management as well as the chain of custody. Certificates are issued by fifteen independent organizations authorized by the FSC. Our certificate can be found on the www.fsc-info.org website.

The Ten Principles for Proper Forest Management

FSC has established ten principles and fifty-six criteria for proper forest management. These principles and criteria apply internationally and form the basis for the FSC standard for proper forest management. These principles and criteria are defined in detail as a set of indicators and standards applicable to the specific situations in each country or region. This is carried out by workgroups in which various interests are equally represented, i.e. ecological, economical and social. This results in an FSC standard for each country or region.

Compliance with all applicable laws and international treaties.
Demonstrated and uncontested, clearly defined, long–term land tenure and use rights.
Recognition and respect of indigenous peoples' rights.
Maintenance or enhancement of long-term social and economic well-being of forest workers and local communities and respect of worker’s rights in compliance with International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions.
Equitable use and sharing of benefits derived from the forest.
Reduction of environmental impact of logging activities and maintenance of the ecological functions and integrity of the forest.
Appropriate and continuously updated management plan.
Appropriate monitoring and assessment activities to assess the condition of the forest, management activities and their social and environmental impacts.
Maintenance of High Conservation Value Forests (HCVFs) defined as environmental and social values that are considered to be of outstanding significance or critical importance.
In addition to compliance with all of the above, plantations must contribute to reduce the pressures on and promote the restoration and conservation of natural forests.

Conclusion

Not only do you conserve wood with FSC certification, but the forest too. You can be assured that the forest where the timber comes from, and that the people that live in and around the forest, are still there. This alone gives you a good feeling.

FSC means that it is possible to buy timber products while conserving the forest for its inhabitants and the ecosystem. FSC makes a real contribution. So far, over 50 million hectares (120 million acres) of forest are being managed according to FSC rules. This benefits the people that live and work there, as well as the local flora and fauna.

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