FSC Social Policy program
The continued implementation of FSC’s Social Policy Program is a major strategic objective for the FSC. The main goal of the Social Policy Program is to make FSC certification more accessible and beneficial for small and low intensity managed forests (SLIMFs) and community forestry operations. Other key focus areas are certification issues related to labor and indigenous peoples.
Within the Social Policy Program, FSC Principles and Criteria also ensure that workers' conditions are in conformity with ILO Conventions in certified forest operations. Moreover, FSC's policy is that workers' rights are respected throughout the chain of custody.
The Social Policy Program was recently revised to address the SLIMF Evaluation recommendations, the Lisbon Process results, and relevant motions from the 2008 General Assembly. It aims to build the capacity of National Initiatives, government organizations, and non-governmental organizations to prepare SLIMFs and communities to obtain and benefit from certification, as well as to strengthen networks of SLIMF and community producers. The Program also recognizes that the challenges, strengths, and opportunities for SLIMFs and communities in different parts of the world vary.
The Program will serve as a guide for monitoring efforts to address Social Policy needs through projects already being implemented, including the Dual Certification (FSC-FairTrade) pilot project and the CeFCo (Certification of Forestry Contractors) project, and developing new initiatives to address remaining needs. It will integrate the FSC priority areas of credibility, equity, market access and strengthening the FSC network. New program activities will include regional needs assessments, education and training on the certification process, marketing initiatives, and network building.
