National Certification Standards

The development of national standards provides a useful mechanism for increasing stakeholder understanding and cooperation within the forest sector, while contributing to consistent and harmonized framework for forest operation. Key areas to cover include team building and conflict resolution for multi-stakeholder working groups, development and adoption of standards consistent with national realities, and development of linkages with international certification schemes.

Interim working groups have been active since July 2000 in Guyana and Suriname to identify key issues and explore the options for developing certification using a consensus based approach. Their composition includes commercial/industrial representatives, research and training organizations, conservation groups, community groups, and forest administrations from both countries.

Their work will lead to the development of the National Standards for the endorsement of the Forest Stewardship Council. With pre-certification assessments planned, underway or completed for a number of forest operations in both countries, adhesion to the FSC framework is expected.

What is Forest Certification?
Forest Certification is a system of forest inspection plus a means of tracking timber and paper through a "chain of custody" - following the raw material through to the finished product. This is all to ensure that the products have come from forests, which are well managed - meaning they take into account environmental, social and economic principles and criteria.

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is the international organization co-ordinating this process. With support from WWF, the FSC has established itself as the international benchmark for forest certification and product labeling.

WWF is working with businesses, investors, governments and the entire supply chain in the forest industry - from the community forest owner to CEO's of major international forest products companies - all to ensure that consumers and businesses are given the choice which doesn't cost them the earth.