FSC

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international, non-profit organisation founded in 1993 by environmentalists, social interest groups, responsible retailers and leading forest companies to develop standards based on the ‘10 Principles for Forest Stewardship’ by which responsible forest practice can be measured. Its mission is to promote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of forests in Australia and countries supplying the Australian forest products market.

They are the only forest labelling scheme supported by environmental groups such as the World Wildlife Fund, Greenpeace and The Australian Conservation Foundation, and by major forest product retailers.

They have international standards for certifying products, ensuring environmental, social and economic needs are balanced and that long-term forest management plans are implemented, which in turn means that:

• Waterways are protected
• Wildlife habitat and Species are protected
• High conservation value forests are preserved
• Forest management practices are monitored annually
• Pesticide use is reduced
• Worker safety and well being is enhanced
• The rights of Indigenous Peoples are respected
• Communities are respected and valued

FSC certification is internationally recognised as the most rigorous environmental and social standard for responsible forest management. Its great strength lies in its ability to encourage dialogue between various sectoral interests. This partnership among business, the public sector, and civil society provides a unique tool for dealing with the issues surrounding forestry.