The New Zealand plantation forest estate is covered by two voluntary certification standards.
These are FSC and PEFC.
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an independent, non-governmental, not for profit organisation established to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests.
It provides standard setting, trademark assurance and accreditation services for companies and organisations interested in responsible forestry. Products carrying the FSC label are independently certified to assure consumers that they come from forests that are managed to meet the social, economic and ecological needs of present and future generations. FSC maintains representation in more than 45 countries.
Forests provide us with clean water, fresh air, biodiversity, recreation and help combat global warming. They also provide food, medicine and important natural resources, such as timber and paper. If managed responsibly, forests and plantations benefit forest people and the global community.
However, in some countries as much as 80% of the timber is harvested illegally. This often involves violation of human rights and felling of protected forests.
Currently the management of over 1 million of the 1.8 million hectares of plantation forest in New Zealand is FSC certified.
For further information, please visit the FSC International website.
For further information on FSC management of small or low intensity managed forests please see this section of the FSC UK website.
For information on the FSC Standard please visit this website.
Announcing the FSC Pesticide Policy coming into effect August 2019.
Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC)
For further information please visit the PEFC International website.