This endorsement marks the first major revision of the FSC Standards in the history of FSC since its formation almost two decades ago. It is a culmination of a three-year long process. It is also seen to have long-term impacts to forest governance worldwide.

Forest management dynamics have evolved from twenty years ago, making the old Principles & Criteria somewhat outdated for current conditions in some countries. The new Principles & Criteria paves the way to resolve a majority of the concerns its predecessor could not. FSC now demands that a forest manager demonstrates responsibility and commitment for the long haul at all of its operations, where it previously concentrated on operations within a specific forest area only. This condition would, in time, weed out smaller, errant operators.

“The FSC Principles & Criteria is now more robust, relevant and feasible for us here in Malaysia”, said Anthony Sebastian, Chairman of the Forest Sustainability Malaysia (FSM). “It makes a radical change to place accountability on the forest squarely on the shoulders of the forest manager in every single one of its operations, including its concessionaires. This process recognises a truly holistic approach in which all parties play a decisive role in whether or not a forest in a particular state achieves FSC certification”, said Sebastian, who also chairs the FSC National Standards Development Group process.

Social concerns have received the biggest boost, validated by the fact that more than 86% of social stakeholders worldwide voted in favour of the revision. The revised Principles & Criteria strengthens the acceptance of communities within a landscape and that their role and concerns cannot be addressed in isolation of one another.

“The revision of FSC’s Principles & Criteria represents a process that was transparent, fair, and inclusive. We appreciate the high level of membership engagement in this process and we are confident that the revised Principles & Criteria will make the development of National Standards in countries like Malaysia easier to implement and more relevant to the national context” said Andre de Freitas, the Director General of FSC IC.

Tree plantations are no longer treated as a separate entity, but accepted as an integral part of forestry. In this context, guidelines to address and avoid natural forest conversion while at the same time balancing the need for plantations, is now in place.

“We need change. And we need it now for our forests to thrive. With more and more forest woes in Malaysia, the revision presents an opportunity for us to reform the way we recognize and manage our forests”, said Sebastian.

FSM will organise a series of dialogues for local stakeholders to foster better understanding of the Standards.