Biodiversity conservation in certified forests

Author(s): Sheil, D. Zagt, Roderick J.
Publication Year: 2010
Publication Type: Report
Source: ETFRN (51)
Code:
Access to the Study: Open link
Permanent Resource Identifier:
FSC Resource Identifier: Open link
Collections: FSC Research Portal
Abstract

The loss and degradation of tropical forest have become issues of popular concern and political debate across the world. Logging was once seen as the root of the problem but over the last three decades that view has altered somewhat. Although the subject of logging remains contentious, and environmental NGOs are divided, there is some acceptance that even though timber production remains a threat to the long-term viability of tropical forest biodiversity, it may also make a positive contribution. The promotion of socially and ecologically sound forest management — through forest certification1 — has changed the narrative. Certification is now widely advocated as a strategy to conserve the world's forests and the biodiversity they contain. Some consumers will pay a premium for products that promise "biodiversity friendly" forest management and some markets are closing to non-certified forest products. Approximately 8% of global forest area has been certified under a variety of schemes (FAO 2009). One recent estimate suggests that approximately one quarter of global industrial roundwood now comes from certified forests (FAO 2009). Most of these advances have occurred outside the tropics: less than 2% of forest area in African, Asian and tropical American forests are certified. Most certified forests (82%) are large and managed by the private sector (ITTO 2008). Increasing the extent of certification in the tropics remains a goal for many organizations – including some international conservation NGOs. So far, so good, but many details remain uncertain.

Summary
Description
Citation
Sheil, D., Putz, F.E. and Zagt, R.J., 2010. Biodiversity conservation in certified forests. ETFRN News, (51)
Access Rights: Public, Open access
Certification Body:
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Name of the Company:
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Relevance for FSC Standard Developers:
Sustainability dimension(s): Environmental
Topics: Compositional diversity Climate
Subtopics: (not yet curated)
Subject Keywords: Ecological Impacts Forests HCVF
+ 3
Regions: (not yet curated)
Countries: (not yet curated)
Forest Zones: Tropical
Forest Type: Natural Forest
Tenure Ownership: (not yet curated)
Tenure Management: (not yet curated)
Evidence Category: FSC effect-related studies
Evidence Type: Case study
Evidence Subtype: Qualitative
Data Type: Company data, Focus groups