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The environmental case for protecting forests is a strong one, wood sources are particularly useful as they are renewable, unlike other resources such as oil and coal. The dependence of the world on wood is remarkable, providing a source for paper, furniture, fuel and construction of buildings. We are, in the plainest terms, thoroughly dependant on wood for our way of life, so any industrial process that reduces the levels of forest on the planet is increasingly viewed as a serious problem. But the need for forests extends beyond this very practical level to less tangible areas. The forests also act as a natural carbon sink, which is why the loss of forest area has been linked to global warming. Woodland also provides an essential habitat for around 50-80per cent of the World’s terrestrial species of plants and animals.
The main problem with the use of wood arises when it is used in a non sustainable way, stripping away forests without planting and growing replacement trees. This is also a problem as it destroys existing habitats for animals, plants and of course indigenous peoples. Various methods are now used to limit these problems and restrict the sale of wood that fails to meet certain standards. Trees that fall into these groups include; forests areas where traditional or civil rights are violated; uncertified forests with threatened High conservation Values; genetically modified trees; forest areas that have been illegally harvested; natural forests that have been cleared for plantation or other use. These standards are however only part of the solution and fall into a category the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) describes as Controlled Wood. FSC certified wood meets even stricter requirements.
Although the problem is mainly seen as one affecting rainforest and other remote areas, even in Europe the threat to woodland is being taken increasingly seriously, with about 12 percent of Europe’s forests protected. In Europe over half of the land area is forested, 1000 million hectares, so it is easy to see how important forest is to the environment.
Making products that are certified not only allows manufacturers and retailers to supply to a limited market of ‘green’ consumers, but with awareness of the global affects of deforestation widespread certification can actually give a product a commercial edge.
Each year the FSC UK assists in a project called the Ethical Purchasing Index, which uses data from nine major retailers to calculate the size of the market for ethical products in the UK. In 2004 FSC certified products sold in excess of a million pounds worth.
The strength of public commitment to ethically sourced wood is such that many major retail outlets insist wood products they stock hold certification. In the USA Home Depot began to give preference to independently certified wood in 1999, the following year Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse made a similar commitment.
An example of the benefits to wood producing regions can be found In Brazil. In Xapuri, a municipality in the Acre region the community had always depended on the forest for products such as Brazil nuts and latex, but the community needed to make more of the forest to support its growing population. “There was also a demand from the outside to buy would from our forest,” says Nilson Mendes of the Association Moradores e Productores do Projecto Agrostrativista Chico Mendes. “So we decided to develop our own management plan that would integrate our traditional activities with tuber with the production of wood.”
The community’s success in managing the forest is dependant on the rubber workers ethno-ecological knowledge. Forest technicians and workers develop a management plan together that combines the need for meet production levels with responsible practices.
“We take extreme care to leave standing a ‘child’ and two ‘grandchildren’ of each tree we harvest. In this way we ensure the health and genetic strength of the forest for future generations.” Mendes explains.
In Mexico another community has seen even greater success as a result of FSC certification. The town of San Juan Nuevo ventured into forest management in the 70’s, in the 80’s it opened its own sawmill. The forest now provides 70 percent of the community’s income, which comes from sources as diverse as forest management, logging, milling, furniture manufacturing, tree nurseries, packaging companies, resin distillation plants, eco tourism and deer breeding services.
“FSC certification gives us confidence in our management of natural resources, and in the creation of positive economic and social impacts as a result of our management.”
The FSC itself has three types of certificates available from certification bodies. Forest management certificates apply, as might be expected, to operations managing forest land. Chain of custody certificates enable processing operations to track the path of certified products through production, by doing this it is possible to ensure a finished product originates in an FSC certified forest.
The FSC also provides joint forest management-chain of custody certificates.
FSC certification is available from different certification bodies who achieve FSC accreditation by meeting strict requirements.
2005 is likely to be an important year as well with the FSC holding its 4th General assembly in December. The Council is inviting motions from its members, which must be received by June. With the Assembly, which is held once every three years, including training sessions, workshops, updates and the sharing of members experiences it should to bring a new focus to this increasingly important topic.
Forest Stewardship Council Timeline
1990 – The council is proposed at a meeting of traders, environmentalist and human rights organizations.
1990 to 1993 – Intensive Worldwide consultation process takes place.
1992 – Interim Board of FSC directors is established
1993 – FSC Founding Assembly in Toronto. 130 participants from 26 countries attend.
1994 – First Executive Director Appointed
1994, Summer – Secretariat office opened in Oaxaca, Mexico, it has three staff. The FSC principles and criteria, together with its statutes were approved in a vote amongst the founding members
1996 – FSC is established as a legal entity in Mexico. The first four accreditation contracts are signed with certification bodies. The first wooden products with the FSC logo appear in the UK. First General Assembly.
1997 – First national standard endorsed for Sweden.
1998 – 10 million hectares are certified to FSC standards. First annual Conference.
1999 – Second General Assembly
2001 – FSC receives the city of Göteborg International Environment Prize
2002 – Policies on Group Certification of Chain of Custody and sampling for Multi-site Organizations developed. Board of Directors decide to establish the FSC International Center in Bonn, Germany. Forest Leadership Forum, Conference and Trade Fair in Atlanta has 1350 visitors from 45 countries. Third General Assembly
2003 – FSC secretariat re-locates from Oaxaca to Bonn, with staff of 25.
Forest Management On-Line
PEFC
Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes
www.pefc.org
Forestry Commision
The UK Government authority for woodland
www.forestry.gov.uk
FSC
Forestry Stewardship Council
International: www.fsc.org
UK: www.fsc-uk.info
US: www.fscus.org
TTF
The Timber Trade Federation, British trade body
www.ttf.co.uk
ITTO
International Tropical Timber Organization
www.itto.or.jp
