An Introduction to the Forest Stewardship Council

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An Introduction to the Forest Stewardship
Council

• Susan Moore
• NC State University
• September 16, 2002

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We have learned to use our votes and our dollars
for conservation. Must we perhaps use our
purchasing power also? If exploitation lumber
and forestry-lumber were each labeled as such,
would we prefer to buy the conservation product?
If pollution paper could be distinguished from
clean paper, would we pay the extra penny?
- Aldo Leopold
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The trouble is that we have developed, along
with our skill in the exploitation of land, a
prodigious skill in false advertising. I do not
want to be told by advertisers what is a
conservation product. - Aldo Leopold
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Forest Stewardship Council
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Who is FSC?

• The Forest Stewardship Council is an
  international non-profit organization founded in
  1993 to support environmentally appropriate,
  socially beneficial, and economically viable
  management of the worlds forests.

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What does FSC do?

• Supports an international labeling scheme for
  forest products, which provides a credible
  guarantee that the product comes from a
  well-managed forest.

• Supports the development of national and local
  standards that implement the international
  Principles Criteria of forest stewardship at
  the local level.

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Why does FSC do this?

• Public concern about destruction of the worlds
  forests
• Clear up confusion about unsubstantiated
  environmental claims
• Provide a guarantee to the consumer

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FSC Certified Products
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How does FSC do this?

• Provides accreditation of certifiers
• SCS
• SmartWood
• Ensures compliance with FSC Principles Criteria

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FSC Principles

• 1. Compliance With Laws and FSC Principles
• 2. Tenure and Use Rights and Responsibilities
• 3. Indigenous Peoples' Rights
• 4. Community Relations and Worker's Rights
• 5. Benefits From The Forest
• 6. Environmental Impact
• 7. Management Plan
• 8. Monitoring and Assessment
• 9. Maintenance of High Conservation Value Forests
• 10. Plantations

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Forest Stewardship Council

• Standards Setting Process
• Certified Forest Products Company
• Certification Audit
• Q A