Forest Stewardship Council

Established in 1994, FSC enables businesses and consumers to make informed choices about the forest products they buy, and create positive change in the forest products market.

The WWF Forest Certification Assessment Tool (CAT) has shown that FSC, with its robust system and balanced decision-making process, provides the most credible forest certification scheme at present. Independent research also confirms that FSC certification has positive impacts on the environment, social development and governance.

The studies on this page, led or supported by WWF, provide further important insights into practical impacts of FSC certification on a company's bottom line and on the environment.

CERTIFICATION ASSESSMENT TOOLS

Economic impacts of FSC Certification

Profitability and sustainability in responsible forestry: Economic impacts of FSC certification on forest operators

A new WWF study offers much needed insights into the economic impacts of FSC certification on forest operators.

Through primary research on 11 forestry entities operating across four continents, the report finds that the financial benefits of FSC tend to outweigh the costs for tropical forest producers and small- and medium-enterprises, groups that are key players in the forest products sector and play an important role in managing forests sustainably.

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On average, the companies earned an extra US$ 1.80 for every cubic meter of FSC-certified roundwood or equivalent, over and above any new costs, while requiring on average six years to break even on their FSC investment.

This study can aid forest operators, as well as their financiers and donors, analyze individual projects, thereby facilitating more efficient allocation of resources.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Profitability and Sustainability in Responsible Forestry: Economic impacts of FSC certification on forest operators – Executive summary

PDF 1.52 MB

Key Performance Indicators

FSC Cost-Benefit KPIs

PDF 13 KB

FSC & WWF

FSC is currently the forest certification scheme that best fulfills WWF’s requirements, as outlined in WWF Principles for Standards and Certification Schemes, and assessed by the WWF Forest Certification Assessment Tool (CAT).

WWF and forest management

Forest management that is environmentally sound, socially just and economically viable, can help meet society’s needs while preserving important conservation values, thereby increasing the value of a standing forest and preventing conversion to other land uses.

But forest certification has yet to provide much of a stimulant to spread locally controlled forest management. Despite many efforts to establish forest certification amongst small-scale forest managers and owners, its spread is limited because the high costs involve outweigh the tangible benefits.

Forests Forward wants to work specifically with this group of forest stewards on achieving positive forest outcomes. Where possible, synergies are being sought with initiatives supporting smallholders.

FSC Research Review