July 2001
My take on forest certification. If you feel I have left something out or represented something unfairly, then you can let me know by sending email to flora@kispiox.com. I am currently involved in the CSA forest certification meetings in the Kispiox TSA, and have looked at the various certification schemes available. I am in no way an expert on the subject. This is basically my report on certification for the KWPC of which I am a member.
Many Forest Companies in B.C., are joining a growing number of companies around the world in seeking forest certification. There are 7 or more different certification schemes around right now. ISO 14001 (International Standards Organization) is an internal company EMS (environmental management system). Then there is CSA (canadian standards association) which is also international in scope. There is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) another international organization that seems to be the only one to have the support of most environmental groups. There are a couple of organizations in the U.S and a couple more in Europe that seem very similar to the CSA certification process.
Most companies in B.C. apply first for the ISO 14001 certification which seems relatively easy to get, then move on to the CSA certification which involves adhering to the CCFM (canadian council of forest ministers) indicators and criteria and a public process which involves the local stakeholders in developing additional VGIO's ( Values, Goals, Indicators and Objectives.
The move to forest certification seems to be consumer driven, with the announcements of several major companies like Home Depot etc. who have decided to accept only products from certified sustainable forests. Many companies thus see certification as a means to maintain their viability in these markets. The key to most of the certification programs is called SFM plan or sustainable forest management plan (note the word here is sustainable not ecological). This should mean at the very least that forestry should be carried out at sustainable levels.
With all the different certification programs out there, it is sometimes hard trying to get a handle on what is really going on. All I can say is check out the links to the various schemes and if you still have questions, feel free to contact me and I will do what I can to explain it or point you in the direction for research.
Here is where I will report on the CSA certification process that SCI has applied for in the Kispiox TSA.
Forest Stewardship Council - internationally recognized certification program, includes a "chain of custody" which certifies the product from forest to finished product. Endorsed by most environmental groups worldwide.
B.C. Government certification home page - The B.C Government certification pages with brief descriptions of the different certification types.
Montreal Process Criteria and Indicators - The original development of criteria and Indicators later adopted by the CCFM that form the basis of CSA certification. A similar process to the Helsinki Process in Europe.
Forest Stewardship Council Canada home page
ISO 14001 certification -ISO 14001 Environmental Management Certification
Canadian Council of Forest Ministers - CCFM developed criteria and indicators based on the Montreal Process.
Silvafor home page - Forest Stewardship Council approved certifier for B.C. Information about FSC certification in B.C.
Kamloops TSA Certification home page - Kamploops recently applied for CSA certification for the Kamloops TSA. The process is outlined, and gives close to the final document of criteria and indicators.
Canadian Standards Association - CSA organization home page