Open Knowledge (FSC OK)

Bamboo is emerging as an important substitute for wood and wood fiber. Although bamboo can be assimilated within existing forest certification mechanisms, there is growing controversy among experts regarding the applicability and efficacy of adopting such instruments. Through an accumulation of fieldwork, interviews, and discussions among experts between 2005 and 2014, this article analyzes the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, as well as proposals arising within the bamboo community. Through the lens of legitimacy, it analyzes stakeholders' views of the input legitimacy (processes) and output legitimacy (effectiveness) of FSC bamboo certification. It highlights the dissatisfaction with the third-party model for smallholders, as well the lack of ecological management gains within the FSC system. However, currently the bamboo communities of practice are divided about ways to proceed regarding creating alternative approaches. At a macro level, it highlights current challenges regarding the need to facilitate new resources into already existing institutions.