FSC Introduces New Onsite Tests for Ecosystem Services

image.szCwNNWzNDDQNTUw1U0sLcnXtTDVM9Az1DMAAA==

In order to verify the applicability of the draft ecosystem services on the ground, FSC has begun new pilot tests that will continue to September 2017. The objective is to establish the steps required to demonstrate the impact that responsible forest management has on ecosystem services.

In its Global Strategic Plan 2015-2020, FSC committed to offering new tools for certificate holders to access ecosystem services markets. This is part of a broader strategy to increase the market value of FSC as ecosystem services can result in increased net revenue for forest owners.

The FSC ecosystem services tools include a new procedure to demonstrate the impact of forest management activities on ecosystem services and how to access their markets.

Pilot Tests

A series of pilot tests took place last year as part of the ForCES project. Their aim was to verify the applicability of an early draft of the ecosystem services procedure. The results of these trials were used to develop the first draft of the procedure, recently submitted to public consultation.

Many forest managers showed interest in pilot testing the draft ecosystem services procedure, and a total of 20 requests were analyzed against the selection criteria. Eight were selected as pilot sites representing a wide diversity of geographical, managerial and forest type services and include smallholders, Indigenous Peoples and community-managed forests.

For further information about the Ecosystem Services procedure and the location of the pilot sites and the management organizations, please visit this page.

read more/source: https://ic.fsc.org/en/news-updates/id/1904

Related Posts

International benchmarks adapted to regional needs – our national standards

At PEFC we are convinced that one size does not fit all when it comes to forest certification. This is why we work through national forest certification systems, enabling our national members to tailor their sustainable forest management requirements to the specific forest ecosystems, the legal and administrative framework and the socio-cultural context in their countries. National systems are developed locally, but they need to undergo rigorous third-party assessment to ensure consistency with our international requirements. However, achieving PEFC endorsement of a national forest certification system is not the final step. National standards are reviewed regularly so we know they continue to meet our evolving benchmarks and national and international expectations.

TimberWest is the First SFI Program Participant to be Certified Under the Progressive Aboriginal Relations Program

TimberWest is the first Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Program Participant to achieve the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) Bronze certification under the Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) program. This certification demonstrates to Indigenous communities that TimberWest is a good business partner, a great place to work and is committed to the prosperity of Indigenous communities. TimberWest is also the first BC forest company to earn PAR certification. “As a forester by training I am very pleased that TimberWest has shown its commitment to Indigenous communities by undergoing PAR certification. This leadership demonstrates to other forest companies, and other companies outside BC’s forest sector, that strong Indigenous relations make good corporate policy,” said JP Gladu, President and CEO of the CCAB. The PAR framework evaluates companies on four PAR performance areas known as the PAR drivers, which are designed to ensure comprehensive business engagement with a community. The four PAR drivers are: leadership actions, employment, business development, and community relationships. PAR certification provides a high level of assurance to communities because the designation is supported by an independent, third-party verification of company reports. The final PAR level achieved by a company is determined by a jury comprised of Indigenous business people. Click Read More below for additional information.

Case Study: Circular model reduces waste by keeping materials in the supply cycle for longer

Our Lucca Paper Mill has successfully developed a new paper and plastic fibre reject separation plant, ensuring materials are kept in the supply cycle for as long as possible and that the maximum value is obtained. At DS Smith, we see waste as a resource. Everything we do focuses on providing innovative, effective, sustainable strategies that help to increase recycling and reduce waste. In fact, across Europe, our Recycling Division manages 6 million tonnes of material every year. Lucca Paper Mill, located in Tuscany, is a market leader in containerboard and the biggest mill of its kind in the country with an annual production volume of 410,000 tonnes per year. All of Lucca’s products use recovered fibre, so they are always looking for ways to optimise the use of raw materials.
Back To Top
×Close search
Search