Forest Sustainability and Certification Systems Sam Hopkins Clean Water Partnership October 26,...

Forest Sustainability and Certification Systems

Forest Sustainability and Certification Systems

Sam Hopkins

Clean Water Partnership

October 26, 2011

The Westervelt Company

Bridge the Gap Between . . .Bridge the Gap Between . . .

Forest Products Useful stuff from the forest

Forest Management How do we grow & utilize the stuff in a

responsible way


What is Sustainable Forestry?What is Sustainable Forestry?

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.


Elements of SustainabilityElements of Sustainability


Balancing Three Major ElementsBalancing Three Major Elements

Environment Protection

Social Well-Being

Economic Prosperity


EnvironmentEnvironment

Biodiversity Endangered Species High Conservation Value Forests (old-growth. . .) Preserve Habitats (ecological wellness)

Water Quality Soil Productivity Forest Health (invasives, fire, insects . . .) Aesthetics and Recreation Special Sites


SocialSocial

Legal Compliance

Workers Rights

Responsible Sourcing

Indigenous People

Public Involvement (Transparency . . .)

Research, Training & Education


EconomicsEconomics

Sustained Yield

Forest Productivity Prompt Reforestation Sound Management

Jobs and Communities

Keep Forests as Forests


Why Certification?Why Certification?

People/organizations want assurances of good practices

Landowners/companies want access to markets (and premium prices)


Encouraging CertificationEncouraging Certification

Green Procurement – Business/Institutions Brand marketing plans ENGO Market Campaigns

Consumers Demand Purchase conscientiously Pay more

Legislative Requirements Building practices (LEED) Required to enter particular markets Tax incentives


Certification SystemsCertification Systems

Applicable to large vs small ownerships

Formed by industry vs non-profits

Credible principals and performance measures Definitive indicators Open/Transparent processes 3rd-party assessments


Certification Systems (SFI)Certification Systems (SFI)

Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)

Formed by industry

Started 1994

Independent in 2007

Logger and landowner education

Implementation network


Certification Systems (FSC)Certification Systems (FSC)

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)

Formed by Natural Resources Defense Council, WWF . . .

Started in 1993

Tropical deforestation

Strong environmental


Certification Systems (ATFS)Certification Systems (ATFS)

American Tree Farm System (ATFS)

Small forest ownerships

Developed by American Forest Foundation

Began in 1941


Forest Certification (PEFC)Forest Certification (PEFC)

Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes (PEFC)

Began in 1999

Global umbrella system

34 systems endorsed

Strong in Europe


Certifying Various ProcessesCertifying Various Processes

Forest Management Practices

Procurement Processes/Policy

Chain of Custody Carry through the supply chain Forest - Pulpmill - Paper Manuf. – Printer – Distrib.


Labels and ClaimsLabels and Claims

Certified Content Percentage Pure

Certified Sourcing Certified Procurement Controlled Wood (Non controversial)

Claims on Invoices Validate content


The Future of Certification?The Future of Certification?

Be more credible (transparent)

Evolve toward same values

Maintain differentiation

Fight for markets Level playing field Non-discriminatory legislation

Educate the buyers


The Future of Sustainable Forestry?The Future of Sustainable Forestry?

More People Developing Countries Fewer forest (other uses)

Development Agriculture Renewable Energy

Protecting forest values even more important Landowners/companies/governments must

do the right thing!


Questions? Questions?

Forest Sustainability and Certification Systems Sam Hopkins Clean Water Partnership October 26,...

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