FSC the most independent, rigorous and credible certification system: FERN Report - February 24th, 2004

An analysis of eight forest certification schemes released today by FERN, the European Union forest campaign group, recognizes the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) as the most independent, rigorous and credible forest certification system. In welcoming this conclusion, FSC reaffirmed its commitment to promoting environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable forestry.

Responding to todayâ??s release of the FERN report â??Footprints in the Forest: Current practice and future challenges in forest certificationâ??, FSC Executive Director Heiko Liedeker said: â??To be recognized as the most credible forest certification scheme is rewarding, but we will not be resting on this verdict. We are committed to work with our stakeholders to further improve the FSC system. We have a range of process, policy and labeling initiatives in development that address issues raised in the FERN report.â??

The report highlights FSCâ??s performance in the standards setting process at the international and national level as a balance of different interests. â??Its [FSCâ??s] certification and accreditation procedures are well defined and thorough in formulation. The scheme is transparent: standards, procedures and summary reports of the certifications are all availableâ??, states the report.

"Forests are in crisis and certification has been sold as the panacea to all problems,â?? said Saskia Ozinga, director of FERN. â??In reality only the FSC label deserves the confidence of consumers as almost all other schemes allow business-as-usual practices to continue. This is de-valuing certification as a whole and needs to be addressed by policy makers who are trying to wish the problem away."

â??We know that certification development over the past years has shown clearly that it is not a solution to all problems that plague the worldâ??s forests,â?? said Liedeker. â??However, FSC certification has proved, beyond doubt in the South as well in the North, that it is a powerful driver towards responsible forest management and that it creates tangible benefits for those that are sincere about good forestry.â??

In 2001, FERN published its first comparison of forest certification schemes, â??Behind the Logoâ??. In that report FSC was identified as the only scheme credible to non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Since its conception in 1993, FSC has benefited from both broad support and intense scrutiny by NGOs. FSCâ??s membership of 600 includes more than 350 members from environmental and social interests.

FSC believes that responsible forest management can only be achieved with the support of all people involved in the process. The FSC system provides a forum for engaging different points of views of people interested in responsible forestry. Its â??continuous improvementâ?? process ensures that it can respond to different needs and realities worldwide.

The full report â??Footprints in the Forest: Current practice and future challenges in forest certificationâ?? is available from FERNâ??s website: www.fern.org

Background:

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an independent, not for profit, non-government organisation based in Bonn Germany providing standard setting, trademark assurance and accreditation services for companies and organisations interested in responsible forestry. Founded in 1993, FSCâ??s mission is to promote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the worldâ??s forests. Itâ??s governance structure ensures that FSC is independent of any one interest group by requiring an equal balance in power between its environmental, social and economic chambers as well as a balance between interests from the economic north and south.

The FSC forest management standards are based on 10 Principles and Criteria for responsible forest management. FSC also provides Chain of Custody standards for manufacturers and processors of forest products. The Chain of Custody standards allow credible tracking of certified wood and wood products from certified forests through trade and manufacturing to committed retailers and consumers.

Over the past 10 years, 40 million hectares in more than 60 countries have been certified according to FSC standards while several thousand products are produced using FSC certified wood and carrying the FSC trademark. Major retailers in Europe, North America, South America and Asia ask for FSC certification when ordering forest products so they can assure their customers about the origin of the products they are buying. FSC operates through a network of National Initiatives in more than 30 countries.

Contact: Gemma Boetekees FSC Europe Regional Director Mobile phone: + 31 6 233 677 85 E-mail: gemma@fscoax.org

Further information is available on www.fscoax.org

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