K.M.T.S. Jayarathne and S.K.Pathirage
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international non-profit, multi-stakeholder organization established in 1993 to promote responsible management of the world’s forests. FSC offers a comprehensive set of universally applicable requirements for responsible forest management with its 10 Principles and 56 associated Criteria. Achieving FSC can be further divided into standard setting, independent certification and labeling of forest products. There are three types of FSC certifications. They are FM, CoC and Group Certification. Forest managers or owners who want to prove that their forest operation are socially beneficial and managed in an environmentally appropriate and economically viable manner can apply for forest management (FM) certification. FSC chain of custody traces FSC certified timber throughout the production chain.
The expenses for a successful certification of forest management can be divided into (i) costs for an enhancement of sustainability, (ii) costs for audits (these are controlled by third parties) and (iii) secondary costs (e.g. losses of stumpage revenues). All together, the effective costs for FSC certification my be between 2.6-19.1 •/ha. The costs and timescale for CoC certification vary depending on the size and complexity of the operation. It also depends on the range of products and processes.
The benefits of certification are for the most part indirect, although surely valuable. They can include a better professional image, improved worker safety and training, better records, more active public involvement, better morale among forest managers, enhanced knowledge for outreach and extension, better environmental management systems and greater timber prices or access to more markets. As part of receiving certification, we have had to make significant improvements in several areas, such as (1) establishing a transparent and consistent environmental management system and record keeping process for our forests; (2) improving training and record keeping for forest workers using equipment and chemicals on the forest; (3) improving our adherence to and implementation of state forestry Best Management Practices (BMPs); (4) enhancing or at least clarifying our polices regarding silvicultural prescriptions and utilization standards; (5) identifying natural areas and wildlife habitat requirements for management; (6) enhancing the forest data bases, GIS coverage, and allowable harvest levels; and (7) developing more explicit procedures for public involvement and input into forest management decisions. The aim of certification is to ensure that forest resources are managed to meet the Social, Economic and Ecological needs of present and future generations. FSC prohibits conversion of natural forests or other habitats into forest plantations, prevents the use of highly hazardous pesticides, avoid the cultivation of genetically modified trees (GMOs), and respects the right of indigenous or local people in the area and health & safety of the workers. Other than that certification ensure the provision of clean water, fresh air and even help combat global warming. It also protects food, medicine and important natural resources as well as biodiversity. When it comes to economic benefits, evidence of increased market access or price premiums is more circumstantial. According to information provided by UNECE and FAO, market price premiums between 12% – 20% can be obtained for FSC-certified sawn hard woods.
K.M.T.S. Jayarathne and S.K.Pathirage
Control Union Inspections (Pvt) Ltd., Colombo –7, Sri Lanka.