Forest Stewardship Council

Definition

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international non-profit organization that sets standards for responsible forest management. It aims to ensure that forest products are sourced sustainably and ethically, balancing environmental, social, and economic interests.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The FSC certification ensures that products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits.
2. FSC standards are based on ten principles covering aspects like biodiversity conservation, indigenous peoples' rights, and sustainable harvesting practices.
3. Forests certified by the FSC must maintain or enhance high conservation value areas such as old-growth forests and habitats of endangered species.
4. FSC certification involves a rigorous assessment process conducted by independent auditors to ensure compliance with its standards.
5. The FSC label can be found on a variety of forest products including timber, paper, and non-timber forest products like rubber.

Review Questions

Related terms

Sustainable Forestry: Management practices aimed at meeting current needs for forest products without compromising the health of ecosystems or future generations' ability to meet their needs.

Biodiversity Conservation: The practice of protecting and managing diversity within biological systems to prevent species extinction and ecosystem degradation.

Eco-Labeling: A labeling system for consumer products that identifies overall environmental preference within a product category based on life cycle considerations.