WHAT IS FSC ©

FSC ©, The Forest Stewardship Council, is an international organisation, founded in 1993, that promotes responsible foresty. FSC © FSC sets global standard for responsible forestry, coupled with a label. The basis for these standards, that vary by country or region be further developed. Are the 10 FSC ©-principles for responsible forestry. If forest owners comply with the FSC © standards, their forest can be certified. Independent auditors monitor compliance. FSC © is succesful

  • Due to the way of working of FSC © the various interests - environmental, economic and humanitarian - are well balanced considered
  • FSC © is the only certification system supported by all major environmental and development organizations in the world, trade unions and the (international) business
  • FSC © is the only independent organization with a consistent standard and certification system which is globally applicable to all types of forests and plantations
  • FSC © works transparent and democratically
  • FSC © offers companies a practical solution to shape corporate social responsibility.

How does FSC work? ©?
The heart of FSC's © is to ensure that forests, both tropical and non-tropical, are well managed. In addition FSC © makes recognizable to the end user. The user can be sure that it comes from well managed forests, as the wood through the entire chain of custody is monitored. Certification is done by one of the fifteen independent organizations engaged by FSC. ©.

Ten FSC ©-principles of responsible forestry:

1. Forest management complies with applicable national and international law, international treaties and agreements and to the principles and criteria of FSC©.

2. Ownership and use rights regarding land and forest products are clearly defined, documented and legally.

3. The formal and traditional rights of local people on land and resources are recognized and respected.

4. The social and economic well-being of forest workers and local communities through responsible forestry in the long term, is being maintained or improved.

5. The products and services that forests provide are used efficiently so that the economic, social and environmental functions of forests in the long term are ensured.

6. Biodiversity, unique ecosystems and other ecological and scenic values ​​of forests are maintained and protected.

7. A management plan will be established and implemented. In the management plan, which is continuously updated, long-term goals and means are clearly defined.

8. The condition of the forest, harvesting, supply chain management activities are regularly reviewed, as well as social and ecological effects.

9. Forest management in forests with high natural or cultural value is performed with extra care, where characteristics are maintained and strengthened.

10. Forest plantations should also be managed according to principles 1 to 9. Forest plantations could serve to complement the wood harvest from natural forests, which also in the (operating) pressure on natural forests decreases. The preservation and restoration of natural forests should be promoted simultaneously.