Forest Sustainability and the FSC

A brief introduction into Forest Sustainability and the FSC: As the leader in sustainable forestry, FSC® is trusted globally by NGOs, businesses, and consumers to protect healthy, resilient forests for all, forever. FSC® ensures that forests remain vibrant and capable of supporting diverse ecosystems, addressing environmental concerns while meeting the needs of various stakeholders worldwide. This commitment to sustainable practices fosters confidence and trust among those dedicated to preserving our planet’s natural resources.

Forest Management

Forests sustain life on Earth. They provide the air we breathe, filter the water we drink, and offer shelter for plants and animals. Life as we know it depends on forests.

Our purpose is to nurture responsible forestry so both forests and people can thrive.

Forest Stewardship Council Sustainability

Wood identification techniques

Wood identification technologies allow us to trace timber species and harvest locations. Traditional wood anatomy helps scientists determine the genus, family, and sometimes the species, depending on the circumstances.

Using Earth observation to improve impact

A central part of FSCs strategy for continued service delivery and ensuring credibility is the use of technologies. A cornerstone in this digitalization process is to increase FSC’s use of earth observation as part of its monitoring and transparency initiatives.

Sustainable forestry practices & benefits

Sustainable forestry balances society’s demand for forest products with preservation tactics to keep forests healthy for future generations.

We benefit immensely from our forests. They produce the oxygen we breathe and also provide essential lumber resources. We simply could not survive without them. Despite taking a lot from forests then, we’ve done very little to give back.

This is why sustainable forestry is more important than ever. It aims to balance modern demands for forest resources—like timber, fibers, mushrooms, honey, and wildlife—with management practices that ensure future generations have the same resources and opportunities. So, what can forest owners and managers do to manage their forests sustainably? Here’s what you need to know about maintaining a healthy forest while utilizing its valuable resources.

Sustainable forestry practices maintain and protect biodiversity of flora and fauna, wildlife habitats and endangered species, soil health, watersheds, fungal diversity, and areas of cultural or spiritual significance. To meet these goals, sustainable forestry practices include responsible measures such as harvesting wood and other products, recreational and educational activities, hunting and pest management, agroforestry activities, and active management of fire and tree species composition.

The staggering loss of 5.6 million hectares of forest each year raises huge concerns for environmental conservation. Our forests are home to thousands of plant and animal species interacting in delicate and unique ecosystems. Irresponsible clearing can destroy habitats and endangered species and can ultimately threaten the biodiversity that makes Earth so incredible.

Moreover, forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide and mitigating climate change. Losing forests means decreasing Earth’s natural carbon dioxide storage capacities and releasing previously stored carbon into the air as greenhouse gas emissions – accelerating climate change.

In the fight against climate change, every forest counts. Forests capture and store carbon dioxide—one of the greenhouse gases that contributes to climate change.

Sustainably managed forests offer complementary benefits: They continually capture carbon in the soil and their biomass while providing countless materials we use every day. Using materials from sustainably managed forests can reduce our dependence on less sustainable materials like steel or concrete. In turn, these forest-based materials retain the carbon they capture even as they’re used to build the furniture, buildings, and bridges we rely on.