FSC Achievements:

 

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international, non-profit organisation founded in 1993 by environmentalists, social interest groups, responsible retailers and leading forest companies to develop standards based on the ‘10 Principles for Forest Stewardship’ by which responsible forest practice can be measured. Click here for more details on the 10 Principles.

These standards ensure that environmental, social and economic needs are balanced, and that long-term forest management plans are implemented.

On the ground, this means real benefits so that:
 

  • Waterways are protected
  • Wildlife habitat and species are protected
  • High conservation value forests are preserved
  • Forest management practices are monitored annually
  • Pesticide use is reduced
  • Worker safety and wellbeing is enhanced
  • The rights of Indigenous Peoples are respected
  • Communities are respected and valued
     

FSC certification is internationally recognised as the most rigorous environmental and social standard for responsible forest management. Its great strength lies in its ability to encourage dialogue between various sectoral interests. This partnership among business, the public sector, and civil society provides a unique tool for dealing with the issues surrounding forestry.

 



 

Why is FSC Unique?

 

Credible: FSC is the world’s most rigorous forest product labelling scheme. It is the only forest label supported by environmental groups such as the World Wildlife Fund, Greenpeace and The Australian Conservation Foundation, and by major forest product retailers.

Inclusive: FSC believes that respect for the views and needs of others is essential. Through open multi-stakeholder processes, FSC has helped give access, voice and vote to people from every stratum of life.

Democratic: FSC is governed by its members, who meet every three years to vote on the direction of FSC. Equal voting weight is given to social, environmental and economic chambers and Northern and Southern countries. In Australia, members meet annually and the Board of Directors includes people from environmental groups, community groups and forest product companies.

Global: FSC can be found in 81 countries all over the world. With headquarters in Bonn, Germany, five regional offices and 46 National Initiatives, FSC is a truly global network.

Local: The strength of FSC is at the local level. Through our standards development processes, people define and agree what responsible forestry means in their forests. The result is forest stewardship standards that are balanced, local and lasting.

FSC's Positive Impacts Worldwide: There are a number of independently written reports and reviews available that demostrate the positive impacts that FSC have produced around the world.

DocumentFSC - Does It Make A Difference? (222 kb)
DocumentFSC’s Impact In The Forest – A Literture Review Of Independent Research (130 kb)

For more publications referring to FSC and its impact throughout the world please click here

 

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