SmartWood, part of the Rainforest Alliance, is the oldest and most extensive forest certification program in existence. It certifies forestry operations that utilize environmentally and socially responsible production practices in natural forests and plantations, as well as companies that process and sell products that come from those sources. SmartWood is accredited for the certification of natural forests by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), the internationally-recognized monitoring organization for forest product certification.
What is the Forest Stewardship Council?
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization with diverse representation including environmental institutions, timber and trade organizations, forestry professionals, indigenous peoples' organizations, community forestry groups, and forest product certification organizations from 25 countries. The Council accredits certification bodies and promotes voluntary, third-party certification. The FSC logo on a product provides consumers with an assurance that the wood they use comes from forests managed in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.
What are the measurement criteria for FSC certification?
A forest is scientifically evaluated based on management practices in three areas: sustainable harvest, ecosystem health, and community benefits. Biologists, ecologists, silviculturists, and foresters examine and measure the impact of forest practices on wildlife and their habitat, water quality, soil and plant conservation, natural forest sustainability and biodiversity, visual aesthetics, and the total ecological integrity of the forest.
