Forest Stewardship Council

FOREST STEWARDSHI P COUNC I L ( FSC) AUSTRAL I A tailoring must still remain within a certain boundary, which is approved centrally with very careful consideration, deliberation, and planning. We began to develop the national standard in 2013, finished it in 2018, and implemented it in 2019. So, we are currently in a space of post- implementation where we are taking a look at our purpose beyond the creation of those standards, focussing on expanding our reach, and improving our brand.” Alongside the Forest Management Standard certification, FSC Australia recognises members through the Chain of Custody certification and Provisional License. The Chain of Custody certification, Mr. Paull says, is an international standard that tracks forest products from harvest through to end use, regulating providers and giving consumers peace of mind that their purchase comes from a sustainable source. Provisional Licenses are given to large retail businesses that would like to promote the FSC International Center and set by FSC Australia, forest managers and associated businesses must meet extensive criteria. FSC’s 10 Principles and Criteria are listed as: Compliance with Laws; Workers Rights and Employment Conditions; Indigenous Peoples’ Rights; Community Relations; Benefits from the Forest; Environmental Values and Impacts; Management Planning; Monitoring and Assessment; High Conservation Values; and, Implementation of Management Activities. Mr. Paull shares, “Our system runs international standards that are tailored locally. There are other indicators that need to be met in our standards, but that all products come from a sustainable source. This certification, highlighted by the FSC logo on products, advertisement, equipment, and product packaging, helps to preserve forests’ natural habitat, maintain biodiversity, and protect the ecosystems both within and attached to forests of all kinds. Certification is connected to two standards: FSC Forest Management, and Chain of Custody. Standards are supported by a framework that ensures they are transparent, independent and free of bias, accessible, and participatory for all people of Australia. In order to reach the FSC Forest Management Standard, which is informed by the FSC CEO of FSC Australia, Damien Paull