Open Knowledge (FSC OK)

This study evaluates the impact of FSC certification on biodiversity in the Finnish forest, relative to the requirements of Finnish legislation. The benefits of FSC certification to forest biodiversity are most apparent regarding preserving riparian zones, promoting deciduous stands in coniferous forests, retaining biologically valuable trees in harvests, and protecting habitats that are not protected by legislation, such as large Woodland Key Habitats. FSC places minimum, quantifiable targets to conserve these features and sets requirements for measures that are only formulated as recommendations in conventional forest management. The biodiversity impacts of these considerations have been evaluated based on scientific literature. When evaluating the FSC impact on biodiversity, one must keep in mind that biodiversity constitutes one of three pillars of FSC and sustainable forestry, together with social considerations and economic viability. FSC certification works as a complement to legislation and other conservation practices applied in Finland for a more sustainable forestry.