FSC Board of Directors meets in Poland

The FSC Board of Directors held its 102nd meeting in Warsaw, Poland from 9–12 June 2025 to discuss the future of certification and sustainable forest management, and to engage with various stakeholders from across Central Europe. The Director General of FSC International Subhra Bhattacharjee, as well as other FSC staff, supported these discussions.

One of the highlights of the meeting was a presentation on 9 June by Mr. Jerzy Fijas, Deputy Director General of the Polish State Forests. He spoke about the history of the organization, which celebrated its 100th anniversary last year, and outlined in detail the major challenges currently faced by Polish foresters. Mr Fijas also presented the benefits and costs related to FSC certification. Representatives from both FSC and State Forests highlighted openness to continue the cooperation that began 30 years ago in  1996 when the first unit of State Forests obtained FSC certification.

That same day, the Board and FSC staff also had the opportunity to deepen understanding of forestry and the timber industry in Europe – particularly in Central Europe – through presentations by local FSC representatives from Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Ukraine; FSC Network representatives; and the FSC Regional Director for Europe.

In the following days, Board members discussed a range of strategic topics, including FSC’s global priorities, the Ecosystem Services procedure, and preparations for the upcoming General Assembly, which will take place in Panama in October 2025. The meeting concluded with an engaging session with FSC stakeholders in Poland. This diverse group included representatives from the timber industry, NGOs, certification bodies, forest workers, and forest managers, all of whom shared their perspectives on the relevance of the FSC system and how it can be improved.

Seeing the impact of forest certification first hand

Board members and FSC representatives also had the opportunity to visit FSC-certified forests managed by the Regional Directorate of State Forests in Białystok, in north-eastern Poland. The visit provided a first-hand look at the positive impacts of FSC certification on biodiversity, local communities, and sustainable forest management. They toured the Pisz and Nowogród forest districts and spoke with local foresters, who explained how FSC standards are implemented in practice.

The Board of Directors meeting in Warsaw was an excellent opportunity to explore the challenges facing Central Europe and highlight exemplary forest management practices in the area.