FSC reflected in scientific and professional literature

Forest Stewardship Council
harvested volume basis, thus discouraging ‘high-grading’ of valuable but threatened species
such as mahogany [included on CITES Appendix II]. (…)
The FSC system allows stakeholders to adapt FSC’s Principles and Criteria to the unique
and complex situation of their own country and develop national standards. In Bolivia this
happened in parallel with the reform of the forest sector, with a national FSC Working
Group established in 1997 to develop a FSC National Standard for Bolivia. The development
of a FSC National Standard for Bolivia transformed certification from being something
imposed from outside to something developed in Bolivia, by Bolivians. The development
of the Bolivian national standard cultivated support from private forestry firms as well
as indigenous forest communities.” (Carey 2008/1)
Carey describes the impacts in Bolivia:
“The government’s recognition of voluntary SFM has led to increased international FSC
certified wood product exports worth USD 16 million (2005). As a result of the government’s
recognition of voluntary SFM, the Bolivian forest sector now successfully markets
more than 70 ‘lesser known species’ alongside its traditional outputs.” (…) “The Bolivian
forest sector has also diversified its range of tree species as a result of FSC certification.
Studies showed that in 1998, only three to five tree species were harvested for export. Today
companies market more than 70 ‘lesser known species’ and thus are no longer solely
dependent on mahogany and cedar (Camara Forestal de Bolivia (2008) pg 2). Despite the
significant area under FSC certification, the impact of the Government policy’s recognition
of voluntary certification goes beyond numbers. FSC certification has had a positive impact
on social benefits. The Rainforest Alliance reports improvements in working conditions:
“workers now receive on the job training; are issued with appropriate protective gear; receive
written legal employment contracts, and have the right to negotiate collectively, making
workers feel more secure in their jobs.” 73
The Rainforest Alliance also believes FSC certification has provided “a good mechanism
(and possibly the only one to date) to improve communication between the government,
BOLFOR, CFV, the business community and local communities”. In 2002, the Government
of Bolivia’s sustainable forest management reform efforts were internationally acknowledged
as it received the “Gift to the Earth” award from WWF, in recognition of the first million
hectares of FSC certified forest, bolstering Bolivia’s international reputation and brand:
73 SmartWood /Rainforest Alliance (2005): http://rainforestalliance.org/news/2005/bolivia.html
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