Equally governed by environmental, social, and economic perspectives, FSC helps forest managers, smallholders, and
governments ensure thriving forest ecosystems and safeguard the livelihoods of forest communities. FSC’s forestry standards, linked to a strict chain of custody certification, are a proven solution to fight the climate and biodiversity crises.
Today, we’re the leader in sustainable forest management, operating the world’s most rigorous and trusted forest certification system. Our “check tree” label is found on millions of products worldwide, verifying sustainable sourcing from the forest to store shelves. Forty-six per cent of consumers around the globe recognize our label*.
Vision
Mission
Healthy and resilient forests sustain life on earth. A new forest paradigm is realized, where the true value of forests is recognized and fully incorporated into society worldwide. The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) is the leading catalyst and defining force for improved forest management and market transformation, shifting the global forest trend toward sustainable use, conservation, restoration, and respect for all.
To promote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world's forests.
FSC Governance
Governed by a global network of over 1,000 individuals and member organizations equally representing environmental, social, and economic perspectives, FSC's democratic and participative system brings these diverse perspectives together to find solutions that safeguard healthy, resilient forests worldwide. Our work is governed by the FSC Statutes; documents that set the foundation on which FSC is built. They are updated every three years, through motions proposed by FSC members at the organization’s General Assembly. The FSC Global Strategy 2021–2026 reaches back into FSC’s roots and emphasizes the role of forest stewardship as the way to enable resilient forests. Without resilient forests, we will lose the fight against climate change and against the alarming loss of biodiversity.
The FSC certification system: How responsible forestry takes root
FSC’s sustainable forestry standards translate into tangible actions that make a positive impact on the world’s forests.
Our certification system verifies sustainable sourcing of forest products and ecosystem services at every step of the value chain, from forest to consumer. The most visible symbol of certification is the FSC label, which can be found on millions of products and is recognized by 56 per cent* of consumers around the world.
Every FSC label is backed by a diverse ecosystem of forest managers, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and others committed to upholding a common set of responsible forestry standards that support:
- zero deforestation
- safeguarding of ancient and endangered forests
- fair wage and work environment
- biodiversity preservation
- community rights, including the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Facts & Figures
Our facts and figures map provides a new way to see the growth in global forest area certified to FSC Principles and Criteria, as well as the global supply chain certification growth.