The National Forest Management Standard (NFSS) for the Republic of Namibia is based on Version 5 of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Principles and Criteria (P&C). The FSC national standard development process for Namibia was initiated in 2017, based on a voluntary, democratic, and participatory model. Six representatives were selected in Namibia to assist with the process of adapting the requirements to the national context along with engaging local stakeholders during the development process. The working group was chamber balanced, with 2 representatives per interest group (social, environmental and economic). The Standard aims to provide a holistic approach to the responsible management of Namibia’s forest resources whilst conserving and restoring the ecosystem and protecting workers rights. The scope of the NFSS for the Republic of Namibia includes natural forests (inclusive of bush thickening species) and non-timber forest products such as venison products and Marula fruit. It is applicable to large industrial forest organisations, medium scale farm owners/manager, smallholders and community managed forests. Ms Manushka Moodley, FSC Regional Coordinator for Southern Africa, said “approximately 700 000 hectares of forest area is currently certified against certification body adapted standards in Namibia. With the approval of the first National Forest Stewardship Standard for Namibia, we anticipate a wider understanding of the FSC system by local stakeholders along with an increase in the implementation of the FSC forest management requirements in 2020.” FSC Southern Africa will assist existing and potential certificate holders and certification body auditors with understanding the requirements of the Standard via the provision of calibration training on forest management in 2020.”The standard will be effective from 1st April 2020. Existing certificate holders will need to be audited against the new standard within 12 months of the effective date of the new standard to retain their certification status. FSC Southern Africa appreciates the assistance of their local partner, the Namibian Charcoal Association and local stakeholders for assisting with the development process. Any queries regarding the new Standard may be directed to Ms Manushka Moodley via m.moodley@fsc.org