Some FSC members argue that much more of the environmentally and socially valuable forests need to be fully protected and that these forests should not be certified for production. Other members argue that responsible use of forests is necessary to protect them against illegal activity and conversion.
This disagreement has become quite clear in the discussion around FSC’s efforts to protect Intact Forest Landscapes (as required by Motion 65 from 2014) as well as through several motions that have been proposed for the upcoming 2021-2022 General Assembly in relation to this topic.
The Focus Forests project aims to host constructive dialogue to discuss this further and agree upon an approach for FSC to find solutions for stewardship in forests with special social and environmental values.
‘Focus Forests’ is the way FSC names important forests with significant social and ecological values. These include Intact Forest Landscapes (IFLs) but can also be found under names such as primary forests, old-growth forests, Indigenous Cultural Landscapes, ancient and endangered forests, forest biodiversity hotspots, and other names, depending on their geography.
Many definitions of forests exist, and they all are slightly and sometimes considerably different. This does not bring a clear starting point to the discussion. Therefore, Focus Forests starts with ensuring that the research has considered these definitions. For Focus Forests, an agreed understanding is developed, based on existing definitions and literature. A paper that will be developed as a starting point for discussion will capture this. However, the project mainly develops an approach for constructive dialogues on a specific landscape, overcoming differences between stakeholders and developing an agreed approach for that landscape.
FSC has selected a consortium of researchers led by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), composed of ten researchers from different organisations and geographical origins and extensive experience in tropical and boreal forests, forest management and restoration, remote sensing, and sociology and dialogue methodologies. Claude Garcia, from ETHZ and CIRAD is the lead researcher .
The project has three main deliverables:
1. Finding a common framework of values, maps and definitions to base the discussion on, asking FSC’s members to contribute articles, definitions and maps they wish to be considered.
2. Publishing a ‘green paper’ which will encapsulate the researchers’ work and provide a basis for discussion with members in online discussion sessions.
3. Developing a methodology for landscape-level discussion and agreement, based on behavioral economic theory and ‘game’ theory and involving stakeholders in the landscape.
There are many ways in which this project is different from what FSC normally does. First of all the project looks at a landscape, and not only at the forest management unit that is FSC certified. Secondly, rather than developing a certification standard for landscapes, the project seeks to develop a master plan for what to do where, in a specific landscape between all users. In collaboration with other commodities being grown in the forest landscape, and with other users of the landscape than the forest managers, an agreement is being developed and then, where industrial forest management fits, ecosystem services, community and indigenous development, agroforestry, etc
In June 2021 The Focus Forests Advisory Group was appointed by the FSC Board of Directors. Its main purpose will be to prepare, evaluate and provide feedback on progress and results of the project. This advisory group represents all regions, from boreal and tropical forests, and has a North/South chamber balance.
At the FSC next General Assembly this year, the researchers and FSC will present their project findings. Hopefully, they will serve to ensure a productive and focused discussion on the topics of IFL and others.
A draft version of the Green Paper with the framework of values, maps, and definitions will be made available soon. The next step in this project is to refine the methodology for landscape-level dialogue, based on behavioral economic theory and ‘game’ theory and involving stakeholders in the try-out. Landscape Dialogues will be planned for September.
From the Congo Bassin Regional Office, we are very proud and excited about the efforts of FSC to ensure an open and inclusive dialogue about the best way to ensure a balanced stewardship of our beautiful and productive forests for the African people and the world.
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