FSC reflected in scientific and professional literature

Forest Stewardship Council
evidence of fundamental system-wide improvements to the management of Europe's forests.
It was determined that FSC certification was credited with:
“Significant Ecological improvements: In all six countries surveyed, FSC certification
improves the conservation status and enhanced biodiversity levels in forests. The most
significant improvements were found to be:
• consistent implementation of Environmental Impact Assessments
• identification, mapping and management/protection of long term retentions, natural
reserves, key habitats and biotopes
• increase in deadwood level
• favoring species diversity through natural regeneration, care & thinnings
• restoring of threatened forest types such as deciduous and wet forests.
In forests with man-made character, FSC certification has led a move towards a restoration
of more natural processes, including lower impact silviculture.
Across all surveyed countries forest certification has ensured that operations cause less
soil cultivation and have improved water management in general through improved soil
cultivation, pollution control and strategies for the reduction of pesticides use.
Significant Economic improvements: In locations where there is a conflict between deer
numbers and forest management objectives, FSC certification has led managers to develop
game management strategies to minimize economic damage. A common benefit of
FSC certification has been the improvement in management planning (maps & management
plans), and specifically the preparation of management objectives, long term forest
plans and long-term sustainable harvest planning. Consultation with neighboring forests
managers on harvesting has improved local planning and coordination. Formal monitoring
of objectives has been implemented, allowing feedback mechanisms. FSC certification has
improved the marketing of forest products as well as income by matching production better
to market requirements. The need to implement wood tracing systems has also improved
the ability to prevent illegal logging. The recreational benefits of forests have been improved,
through the conservation of sites of historical and cultural significance. This was
complemented by better and safer public access.
Significant Social improvements: FSC certification has led to an improvement across all
six countries in the implementation of health and safety legislation, including the provision
of better equipment and training, the use of safety procedures, and the reliance on properly
qualified forest workers. Public safety has also improved through the implementation
of risk assessments and better signage of work zones. FSC certification has improved the
social conditions for forest workers. The employment of the local people has been favored,
formal job training has increased and it has also led to better compliance with social & legal
requirements. It has avoided the evasion of social contributions and employment rights
are complied with. Finally, rural development has been strengthened through the involvement
and participation of neighbors, local stakeholders & communities in forest planning
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