Groundbreaking study confirms FSC standards are vital for thriving wildlife in tropical forests

A new study reveals compelling evidence that forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) in Gabon and the Republic of Congo harbour a higher abundance of larger mammals and critically endangered species, such as gorillas and elephants, compared to non-FSC certified forests. The research was led by Utrecht University with support from WWF and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), and was published in Nature on 10 April 2024. It underscores the effectiveness of measures implemented in FSC-certified forest concessions to safeguard wildlife.

By meticulously counting individual animals and strategically positioning camera traps, the research conducted by Joeri Zwerts confirmed that certified concessions notably harbor a larger population of large mammals – 2.7 times more for mammals over 100 kg, such as gorillas and forests elephants, and 2.5 times more for mammals from 30–100 kg, such as leopards and chimpanzees – when compared to non-FSC-certified areas.

In addition, the encounter rates observed of large mammals in FSC-certified forests were comparable to published data from recently monitored protected areas in the Congo Basin region.

On the other hand, the number of smaller mammals observed was similar between FSC- and non-FSC certified concessions – as large mammals are usually the first species to disappear due to poaching and hunting – painting a picture of less biodiversity due to unsustainable forest practices in the latter forests. The effects were similar in both the Republic of Congo and Gabon.
more at: https://fsc.org/en/newscentre/general-news/groundbreaking-study-confirms-fsc-standards-are-vital-for-thriving-wildlife

Related Posts

Koehlet Group Converts From Coal-Fired to Environmentally Friendly Biomass Power Plant

Construction work began on the Koehler Group’s combined heat and power plant in Oberkirch with a ceremonial groundbreaking on April 21, 2023. The existing power plant is expected to be expanded and converted by fall 2024 to ensure biomass is burnt in an environmentally friendly way in future. This conversion is part of the Koehler Group’s climate strategy. Decarbonizing energy and steam generation is part of the Koehler Group’s climate strategy. In the long term, both Germany and the EU are striving to become climate neutral. The EU is aiming to reach this milestone by 2050, while Germany is targeting 2045. The Koehler Group has set out even more ambitious targets and is aiming to generate more energy from renewable sources than is required for paper production by 2030.

Argentine forest certification system submitted for assessment

The Argentine Forest Certification System CERFOAR revised the country’s national forest certification system following the entry into force of the revised 2018 PEFC Sustainable Forest Management standard. To provide you with additional information, we are holding a webinar on 31 May, at 14:00 CEST. The webinar is free to attend, and everyone is welcome. The Argentine system was submitted to PEFC after being revised in line with PEFC requirements. The national system is now undergoing the PEFC assessment process, carried out by an independent PEFC Registered Assessor. It must pass this assessment to maintain its PEFC endorsement.

Smurfit Kappa reports strong progress in its 8th annual Sustainable Development Report

Forest - All raw material used in paper production is now sourced under certified Chain of Custody systems Climate Change - 21.6% reduction in carbon emissions per tonne of paper produced, on track for 2020 target of 25% reduction Water - 28% reduction in organic content of water (COD) returned to the environment from mills, on track for 2020 target of 33% reduction Waste - Twelve out of 38 paper mills effectively did not send waste to landfill in 2014
Back To Top
×Close search
Search