FSC has launched a public consultation this month to collect feedback from stakeholders on a Discussion Paper that explores how its system could be adapted to include contractors and ultimately boost certification among smallholders.
This stakeholder outreach marks the end of a Certification of Forest Contractors (CeFCo) project era and the beginning of a new FSC-led process. The consultation will enable FSC to collect valuable stakeholder opinion on the development of an FSC policy on forestry contractor certification and on the different proposed scenarios laid out in the Discussion Paper.
The CeFCo chapter closes
Results from pilots undertaken across Denmark, Spain, Portugal, Sweden and Bulgaria will all be taken into account when FSC makes its decision on whether to develop a policy on FSC forestry contractor certification.
“We’d like to thank all of those who have participated in the CeFCo project, which has resulted in some valuable outcomes. Over the last three years, we have learnt that contractor certification is an effective way of ensuring high quality work is offered to forest owners. Many contractors already have experience working in certified forests, making certification of their business a convenient way of demonstrating their skills and knowledge”, said Jan Peter of NEPCon and CeFCo project manager.
Even if you have participated in the CeFCo project, you are encouraged to participate in the consultation to make the most of the process.
Have your say – comment by 19 September
The scenarios within the paper explores ways to allow landowners working with certified contractors to use their contractor’s certificate as proof of compliance with some of the forest management certification standards. There are four potential scenarios:
- The current model; nothing changes
- FSC allows contractors to join forest management group certificates under its existing Group Certification option
- FSC accepts contractor certification systems developed by others, such as the Swedish Green Driver’s License
- FSC develops its own forestry contractor certificate
Read the discussion paper and submit your comments to FSC by 19 September 2012. You will find all relevant documents on the FSC website.
Related articles:
A future with FSC certified contractors? (29/03 2012)
Contractors may hold key to concerns over European forestry (4/11 2011 )
Smallholders: solution in site (report from 2011 FSC General Assembly 29/06 2011)
Small but essential (report from 2011 FSC General Assembly 27/06 2011)
Pilot tests bring contractor certification closer to reality in Spain (20/04 2011)