The final report of the Policy Working Group (PWG) available online / Next steps in the FSC Plantations Review - November 29th, 2006

The final report of the Policy Working Group (PWG) for the FSC plantations review was widely circulated earlier this month. The recommendations in the report are the result of a tremendous effort to consult with FSC stakeholders since the beginning of the review in September 2004 (early 2005), and the keen participation of hundreds of stakeholders from around the world during this time.

The PWG report contains seven recommendations for technical implementation in the next phase of the review. These recommendations relate to social responsibility, ecosystem integrity, conversion of natural ecosystems to plantation, the structure of the FSC Principles and Criteria, pesticide and chemical use, stakeholder consultation and improving the certification process.

The recommendations of the PWG will be presented to the FSC Board of Directors for approval in March 2007. The Board has already viewed the report and acknowledged “the outstanding effort of the Policy Working Group to research and investigate relevant information, to reach out to and hear concerned stakeholders, and to balance and integrate the intelligence into a coherent set of themes and recommendations.”

The FSC Board of Directors also expressed their sincerest gratitude to all stakeholders who participated in the review by providing their input and comment, resulting in improved outcomes.

The final report is available on the plantations review website at www.fsc.org/plantations. FSC welcomes comments on the report that will contribute to the technical implementation of the recommendations, which will begin in early 2007.

< Back

Back to top