What is FSC Certification®?
The Forest Stewardship Council®
FSC® is an international organization that
promotes responsible management of the world’s
forests through its 10 FSC Principles and
associated FSC Criteria.
Responsible Forest Management provides a way
of using trees and non-timber forest products to
meet people's ever-increasing need for lumber,
paper and other products without degrading forest
ecosystems.
What is Responsible Forest Management?
The forest is well maintained under FSC certification
guidelines to assure it remains healthy and
productive.
Trees are selected from FSC forests so as to not
cause undue damage to the ecosystem.
The effect foresting has on the land is mitigated to
the greatest degree possible to avoid damage to
the ecosystem.
Harvested areas are replanted and
maintained to keep the forest and
surrounding lands healthy, vibrant
and productive.
10 FSC Principles Create the
“Gold Standard” of Certification Programs
FSC Principles go beyond just managing the land
responsibly.
They take a holistic approach regarding how land
management will affect the whole community.
This is why they are endorsed by many major
environmental groups and are considered the
“Gold Standard” for certification.
10 FSC Principles
The Difference Makers
Principle 1. Compliance with all applicable
laws and international treaties
Principle 2. Demonstrated and uncontested, clearly defined,
long–term land tenure and use rights
Principle 3. Recognition & respect of indigenous peoples' rights
Principle 4. 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
Labor Organization (ILO) conventions
Principle 5. Equitable use and sharing of benefits derived from
the forest
10 FSC Principles
The Difference Makers
Principle 6. Reduction of environmental
impact of logging activities and maintenance
of the ecological functions and integrity of the forest
Principle 7. Appropriate and continuously updated management
plan
Principle 8. Appropriate monitoring and assessment activities to
assess the condition of the forest, management activities and their
social and environmental impacts
Principle 9. Maintenance of High Conservation Value Forests
(HCVFs) defined as environmental and social values that are
considered to be of outstanding significance or critical importance
Principle 10. 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.