FSC is succeeding in its efforts to promote responsible forest management in the tropics but there are challenges ahead, according to a new report by FSC Germany.

“FSC Footprints – Impacts of FSC certification in tropical regions” aims to motivate policy-makers, wood-traders, media and other actors interested in driving social and environmental change.

FSC is succeeding in its efforts to promote responsible forest management in the tropics but there are challenges ahead, according to a new report by FSC Germany.

“FSC Footprints – Impacts of FSC certification in tropical regions” aims to motivate policy-makers, wood-traders, media and other actors interested in driving social and environmental change.

The booklet includes snapshots of case studies that demonstrate positive impacts of FSC certification on forestry and affected societies in tropical regions. It also highlights the existing challenges that FSC faces in these regions and outlines some potential solutions.

Certification is proving to be a challenge to implement in the tropics where management is technically difficult and the political and institutional support for responsible management has been historically weak. In addition to holding an enormous richness in species and an important contribution to a stable global climate, tropical forests provide livelihoods to many people, often the poorest in the world. This is where FSC can have the greatest impact.

The booklet takes the reader on a trip that starts in a protected area in Guatemala. The collection of stories includes personal accounts from large and small forest managers, scientific perspectives and evaluations by politicians.

Dr. Uwe Sayer, FSC Germany Executive Director and co-author of the report, explained that their aim was to give stakeholders an opportunity to tell their story and experience with FSC. “This is not a marketing brochure. We want the reader to make their own judgement on what impact FSC is having.”

The report concludes that FSC certification can guarantee the long-term responsible use and conservation of tropical forests. There is a clear message: support responsible forest management by fostering forest certification through demand, consumption, information or training. “We think, in this way, forestry practices can be changed on a worldwide scale,” said Dr. Sayer.

For further studies on a related topic feel free to download our Rough Guide to Traceable Certified Forest Products

Source: FSC IC