The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
FSC is a non-profit organization that provides a proven sustainable forest management solution. Currently, over 200 million hectares of forest worldwide is certified according to FSC standards. It is widely regarded as the most rigorous forest certification system among NGOs, consumers, and businesses alike to tackle today’s deforestation, climate, and biodiversity challenges. The FSC forest management standard is based on ten core principles designed to address a broad range of environmental, social and economic factors. FSC’s “check tree” label is found on millions of forest-based products and verifies that they are sustainably sourced, from forest to consumer.
Mission and Vision
Mission
FSC will promote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world’s forests.
Vision
The true value of forests is recognised and fully incorporated into society worldwide. FSC is the leading catalyst and defining force for improved forest management and market transformation, shifting the global forest trend towards sustainable use, conservation, restoration, and respect for all.
FSC Global Strategy 2021-2026
The new strategy was approved by the FSC International Board of Directors in their 86th meeting on 16-20 November 2020. This strategy sets the direction and the intended outcomes for FSC until 2026 as agreed by the board after a two-year-long process.
The process to develop the FSC Global Strategy (2021–2026) was led by the FSC International Board of Directors. This consists of two rounds of public consultation and virtual dialogues with the FSC Membership and global staff of FSC, including network partners.
Governance
There are three main levels of decision making at FSC:
- The General Assembly of Members that is FSC's highest decision-making body. Motions are proposed by one member, and seconded by two more, voted on by members, weighted according to the north-south chamber structure.
- FSC Board of Directors that is accountable to the FSC members. It is made up of nine elected representatives, with three elected from each of the chambers for a three-year term.
- A Director General who is leading a multicultural professional team at the FSC International Center in Bonn, Germany. In collaboration with the Global Network, the Director General runs FSC on a day-to-day basis.