FSC's Principles of Forest Stewardship

The FSC Principles and Criteria outline how FSC certified 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 well as environmental and social requirements. In fact, FSC rules are the strictest and FSC’s social and environmental requirements the highest among all forest certification systems.

The 10 principles are broken down into 56 criteria which form the basis for all FSC forest management standards. FSC Ireland is working on ensuring that the 56 criteria suit Irish forest management by developing a national standard for Ireland.

Below is a summary of some of the points the FSC Principles and Criteria require. Many of the points listed below seem fairly basic. Nevertheless even these basic requirements are being ignored in many places, especially tropical forest areas. As a result the destruction of natural forest occurs and the rights of indigenous people are disregarded.

By choosing FSC certification you can help create a positive impact.

Summary of points:

• 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 sacred sites, habitat of endangered animals or plants)

Click here to view the 10 principles of the FSC