The work of environmental governance networks: Traceability, credibility and certification by the Forest Stewardship Council.

Author(s): Eden, S.
Publication Year: 2009
Publication Type: Journal Article
Source: Geoforum (40, 383-394)
Code:
Access to the Study:
Permanent Resource Identifier: Open link
FSC Resource Identifier: Open link
Collections: FSC Research Portal
Abstract

This paper examines how the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has set up a complex network for environmental governance that certifies sustainably produced forests and forests products with a ‘tick-tree’ symbol. Behind this symbol are complex processes of verification which bind together science and policy to support better forestry and which I examine using concepts from science and technology studies. I show how the FSC explicitly builds a heterogeneous network to seek scientific robustness for its standard and industrial support for its implementation. This ‘credibility alliance’ works across the science-policy interface, so that its heterogeneity is not merely a description of but an explanation for its continued survival and support.

Summary
Sponsors
Citation
Sustainability dimension(s): 3. Social
Subject Keywords:
Regions: (not yet curated)
Countries: (not yet curated)
Forest Zones: (not yet curated)
Forest Type: (not yet curated)
Tenure Ownership: (not yet curated)
Tenure Management: (not yet curated)
Evidence Category: FSC effect-related studies
Evidence Type: Theoretical analysis
Evidence Subtype: (not yet curated)
Data Type: Interviews/surveys