Open Knowledge (FSC OK)

The article evaluates impacts of forest certification in promoting sustainable forest management in Europe. Forest certification is one of the most widespread non-governmental initiatives for sustainable forest management with 400 million ha being certified by 2011.We have analysed 1000 non-conformities raised by certification bodies during 245 FSC forest management audits in 32 European countries. The raised non-conformities indicate the areas where certification has had largest impact on enforcing sustainable forest management. Results reveal biggest challenges in ensuring protection of nature values and stakeholder communication.