Posted on September, 03 2014

Established in 1994, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) was the first forest certification scheme, setting the standard for a new model of market-based conservation tool to promote responsible forest management and trade. Now in its 20th year, FSC has inspired a number of other certification schemes, and remains the sole one with broad support from environmental and social NGOs.

FSC’s aim is to improve forest management globally and, through certification, create an incentive for forest owners, managers, and buyers of wood products, follow best social and environmental practices. Today, over 180 million hectares of forests worldwide are managed according to FSC standards. These include boreal, temperate and tropical forests owned publicly, privately and by communities.

A handful of credible and scientific studies have been conducted to assess the impact of FSC certification. A meta-analysis of these studies reveals that there is limited but concrete evidence suggesting that FSC certification is likely to have a multitude of positive impacts on the environment, social development and governance. There are little or no credible and scientific studies assessing the impact of other forest certification schemes.

Environmental impacts

• prevent forest degradation
• companies using better measures to protect plants and animals
• more effective in halting environmental degradation than in protected areas where law enforcement is weak and local support for forest protection is lacking

Social impacts

• give more power to workers and communities
• have better working and living conditions for workers
• result in better relationships between companies and communities

Better regulation and enforcement

• lead to improved monitoring and legal compliance (this is particularly important in places where legislation is fairly strict but enforcement is weak)
• have positive effects on regional and national regulations, thereby having an effect well beyond the certified operations