What do forest certification standards ensure?

Forest certification standards are designed to promote sustainable forest management practices. This means they set criteria that ensure forests are managed in a way that balances environmental, social, and economic factors. By adhering to these standards, forest managers work to maintain the health of forest ecosystems, protect wildlife habitats, and ensure that forest resources are available for future generations.

Sustainable forest management includes practices that prevent deforestation, promote reforestation, and ensure that logging and other forest activities do not harm the ecological balance of the forest. These practices also support the rights and livelihoods of local communities that depend on forest resources.

In contrast, irresponsible sourcing and exploitative practices would undermine the very principles that certification seeks to uphold. Ensuring a reduction in biodiversity would counter the goals of sustainability, which seeks to protect and enhance the rich variety of life in forest ecosystems. Thus, the focus of forest certification is squarely on fostering practices that ensure long-term health and sustainability of forests.