Forest certification in Europe and North America

Lemberg

2009

S. 91-107

4 Tab., 22 Lit. Ang.

Artikel aus einer ZeitschriftUnselbständiges Werk

200162702

Forest certification is increasing in extent and importance throughout the world, with about 295 million ha certified as of January 2007, or about 7.5% of the world's forests. Certification is intended to ensure that forests are managed in an economically, environmentally, and socially desirable manner. The two largest forest certification systems in the world are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). FSC was the first international system, with 84 million ha as of January 2007. It was begun and still promoted by environmental nongovernment organizations (ENGOs). PEFC, with 194 million ha as of 2007, is actually an organization that approves individual country systems, which have been promulgated by private landowner, industry, and conservation interest groups. Recent evaluation studies have found that forest certification does prompt changes in forest management, improve interaction with communities and workers, and enhance environmental performance. Studies in Europe indicate that costs for certification may range from $0.15 to $1.50 per ha per year depending on the country and forest size; a U.S. study found costs to maintain certification that ranged from $0.80 to $9.50 per ha per year. Forest certificafion adoption has been associated with export of forest products, forest area per capita, gross domestic product, and income per capita. Forest certification will continue lo increase moderately in area in the future, as well as lead the discussion about market mechanisms to foster sustainable forest management.