News Environment & Sustainability Paper Pulp
FSC Canada marks one-year anniversary of sustainable forestry standard

FSC Canada is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its new national standard for sustainable forestry this month.

The standard was launched in June 2019 following six years of consultations with Indigenous, industry and community stakeholders.

FSC Canada’s previous responsible forestry standard was updated to address the most urgent issues facing Canadian forests this century: the woodland caribou crisis, the protection of Indigenous peoples’ rights and the need to support the role of forests in the fight against climate change.

The updated standard consolidates FSC’s existing four regional standards into one.

The recommendations range from physical solutions – such as buffer zones around waterways to keep streams and rivers clean – to Indigenous involvement in forestry planning and gender equity throughout the industry.

Existing FSC certificate holders have until June 30, 2021 to transition to the new standard.

“Canadians can influence the management of forests in our nation and abroad by looking for and asking for products with the FSC logo,” says FSC Canada in a statement.

“When consumers see our logo, they can rest assured that it not only comes from sustainable sources but that it also meets our strict requirements of responsible forest management. This means giving equal voice to all those who depend on forests including Indigenous peoples, industry, communities and environmentalists.”

To mark the one-year milestone, FSC Canada is sharing success stories of forest management companies using the new standards on its website and social media channels.

For more information on the new FSC Forest Management Standard, click here.