Streamlining FSC-certified companies’ EUDR journeys: Critical EU updates

We are encouraged to read recent comments by Greenpeace that it is willing to engage Northern communities, workers, First Nations and governments in finding long-term sustainable solutions for the boreal. Clearly, Greenpeace has heard the voices of the people of the boreal. Resolute has been consistent on the need for inclusive discussions, negotiations, and compromise solutions, developed in collaboration with governments, communities, workers and First Nations that lead to the most sustainable outcomes. And we welcome this change of heart by Greenpeace.

The Regional FSC Forest Stewardship Standard (RFSS) for Smallholders in India has now been approved by FSC. This standard is for the use in plantations by smallholders in India (Management Units smaller than 20 ha) and applies to rough wood and Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs). For more details on the scope, please refer to sections C and E of the standard. The standard has been written in a simple language and provides realistic and achievable indicators relevant to the circumstances of smallholders in India. Another key feature of the RFSS is that in many cases, a group manager or an external organization (a purchaser or an NGO) can assist the smallholder to achieve conformity with the standard.

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and the Forest Stewards Guild have brought together partners who live and work in the Southern Blue Ridge, including Evergreen Packaging, an SFI-certified company, to collaborate on forest conservation approaches. Forests of the Southern Blue Ridge are biologically rich and span Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. The area supports a diverse ecosystem, provides recreational opportunities, and is a source of sustainable forest products. Stakeholders have identified mountain oak forests and mountain cove forests as two types of forest worthy of conservation attention, to help ensure the health and vitality of this unique place. Project partners identified areas of collaboration to address a few key themes, with a focus on leveraging the SFI Fiber Sourcing Standard. One priority was to examine enhancements to water quality practices for ecological benefits. This aligns well with the SFI Fiber Sourcing Standard requirements for all participants to adhere to water quality best management practices (BMPs). Additional themes include leveraging landowner outreach approaches under the SFI Fiber Sourcing Standard requirements, piloting land-management practices to connect separately owned parcels of land, and broadening the impact of conservation strategies.