Principles and Criteria Review
For the first time FSC is conducting a full review of the Principles and Criteria.
Document under consultation
Currently, there are no documents under consultation.
About the FSC Principles and Criteria
The FSC Principles and Criteria (P&C) is the core document for FSC forest management certification and can only be changed by a vote from the FSC membership. The P&C describe how a forest should be managed to meet the social, environmental and economic needs of the present and future generation. It forms the basis for all FSC forest management policies and standards.
Background
Since their adoption almost 15 years ago, FSC has never consistently reviewed the FSC Principles and Criteria (P&C). Some changes have been made at different FSC General Assemblies, though the current version of the P&C has few differences from the original document. More recently, FSC started a process to conduct a limited review, focusing on the applicable motions from the 2005 General Assembly and the Plantations Review process.
A first draft was developed by the FSC Board of Directors, and following a public consultation period in 2008, more than 80 comments were received. In general, the comments were supportive of the changes proposed, with only a few of proposals on which there seemed to be diverging views among stakeholders.
Some of the concerns raised valid points that should be addressed. Based on the recommendation from the Policy and Standards Committee, the FSC Board of Directors decided that the review process of the Principles and Criteria should be broadened to a full review. Furthermore, it also decided that a new Working Group, balanced by FSC sub-chamber, should be established to lead the process.
The Review and Revision Process follows FSC Procedure for the Development and Approval of FSC Social and Environmental Standards (FSC-PRO-01-001 Version 2-0).
Review and Revision Process
Announcement of the launch of the Review and Revision
FSC announced the launch of the Review and Revision of the FSC Principles and Criteria on September 3, 2008.
Announcement: Expanded Review and Revision of FSC P&C (pdf)
Working Group
FSC has established a sub-chamber balanced Working Group for the Review and Revision of the Principles and Criteria. The six selected members are: John Palmer (Environmental North), Bastiaan Louman (Environmental South), Elisa Pardo Vegezzi (Social North), Chris van Dam (Social South), Alan Thorne (Economic North), Timothy Synnott (Economic South). Read the full announcement and the Terms of Reference for details on each of the Working Group members and their task.
Announcement: Working Group for the Review and Revision of FSC P&C established (pdf)
Terms of Reference of the Working Group for the Review and Revision of the FSC P&C
The working group held its first meeting in the 1st week of March 2009. The results of this meeting will soon be published for comment on this website.
Advisory Group
The intent of the Advisory Group is to support the P&C Review Working Group in ensuring that the actual and potential views of all FSC stakeholder groups receive due consideration. For further information on the role of the Advisory Group please refer to the Advisory Group Terms of Reference.
The application process for the Advisory Group is now closed. FSC will keep all applicants up to date on further developments.
Terms of Reference of the Advisory Group for the Review and Revision of the FSC P&C
Consultative forum
A consultative forum has been established in order to ensure that all stakeholders possibly affected by the P&C Review and Revision have the opportunity to comment on revised drafts. The consultative forum consists of all FSC members, all National Initiatives, all FSC accredited certification bodies. Other stakeholders are invited to register for participation in the consultations by registering online here.
Background Information on the Consultative Forum for the P&C Review
Consultation of draft versions
- First public draft (Draft 2-0): Closed
- Second public draft (Draft 3-0): Schedule is currently being reviewed
- Final draft: Schedule is currently being reviewed
Approval of the revised P&C
Scheduled for late 2010 (schedule is currently being reviewed), FSC members will vote on whether to approve the final draft.
Contact
For any questions or comments, please email the FSC Policy and Standards Program at m. fecht@fsc.org
