U.S.-FocUSed Biochar report - BioEnergy Lists

3. Biomass shall not come from lands of high carbon stocks (wetlands, contiguous forest, old growth).4. Biomass shall not come from peatlands.5. Agricultural biomass must come from farms implementing best management practices.6. Requires sustainability practices and/or certifications associated with biomass/biofuels products be characterizedand available.Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)FSC is an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization established to promote the responsiblemanagement of the world’s forests. 16 They have developed a set of principles and criteria for responsible forestmanagement that includes the removal and use of biomass. They focus on certification of products and servicesderived from the world’s forests. Again, direct quotations are in italics.The FSC Principles and Criteria describe how the forests have to be managed to meet the social, economic, ecological,cultural and spiritual needs of present and future generations. They include managerial aspects as wellas environmental and social requirements. In fact, FSC rules are the strictest and FSC’s social and environmentalrequirements are the highest.These 10 principles and 56 criteria form the basis for all FSC forest management standards. Based on these 10principles, the FSC has developed further rules (called policies or standards) that further define and explain certainrequirements stipulated in the 10 principles.Here is a summary of some of the points the FSC Principles and Criteria require. Many of the points listed belowwill appear almost basic – but in many places even these basic requirements are not fulfilled. This is where FSCcan have the biggest positive impact.• Prohibit conversion of forests or any other natural habitat• Respect of international workers rights• Respect of Human Rights with particular attention to indigenous peoples• Prohibit the use of hazardous chemicals• No corruption – follow all applicable laws• Identification and appropriate management of areas that need special protection (e.g. cultural or sacredsites, habitat of endangered animals or plants)Overview of the FSC Principles and Criteria 17Principle 1. Compliance with all applicable laws and international treatiesPrinciple 2. Demonstrated and uncontested, clearly defined, long–term land tenure and use rightsPrinciple 3. Recognition and respect of indigenous peoples’ rightsPrinciple 4. Maintenance or enhancement of long-term social and economic well-being of forest workers andlocal communities and respect of worker’s rights in compliance with International Labour Organisation (ILO)conventionsPrinciple 5. Equitable use and sharing of benefits derived from the forestPrinciple 6. Reduction of environmental impact of logging activities and maintenance of the ecological functionsand integrity of the forest16 Forest Stewardship Council. 2010 http://www.fsc.org/pc.html17 Ibid.46U.S.-Focused Biochar Report:Assessment of Biochar’s Benefits for the United States of America