This article is part of a series exploring forest certification systems and is made in collaboration with PEFC. Read Part 2 here.
Every day, we use products made from forests – paper for writing, tissue for hygiene, wooden furniture for our homes, and even fabric for our clothing. Yet, as the global demand for these resources grows, so does the pressure on forests.
Unsustainable practices are depleting these vital ecosystems at an alarming rate. The question arises: how can we continue to enjoy the benefits of forest-based products while ensuring the health and sustainability of forests for future generations?
The answer potentially lies in the practice of sustainable forest management.
Berdaya Talk is an initiative that explores the stories of change makers and the initiatives they have developed to support sustainable development in Indonesia. This time, we are joined by Arie Putra – Marketing Engagement Manager at PEFC Asia Pacific.
The sustainable forest management approach
Sustainable forest management (SFM) is an approach that seeks to balance the environmental, social, and economic benefits forests provide. It ensures that forests can meet current needs without compromising their ability to provide for future generations.
So how does one practice sustainable forest management? Well the answer is not that simple.
The diverse characteristics of forests, coupled with varying management practices, local traditions, cultural and spiritual values, and average property sizes, mean that a one-size-fits-all approach isn’t necessarily a practical solution. Simply put, there is more than one way to manage a forest sustainably.
In tropical rainforests, the focus may be on protecting biodiversity, while in boreal forests, managing timber resources sustainably may take precedence. Despite these differences, the overarching goal remains the same: creating outcomes that are socially just, ecologically sound, and economically viable.
To ensure that efforts in sustainable forest management are recognized, forest certification systems can be implemented.
What is a forest certification system?
Forest certification is a voluntary, market-driven tool designed to promote sustainable forest management while ensuring that forest-based products in the marketplace come from responsibly managed forests.
Examples of such certification systems includes PEFC, FSC(Forest Stewardship Council), Rainforest Alliance, and Preferred by Nature
PEFC, for instance, is a globally recognized certification system that promotes sustainable forest management through a dual mechanism:
- Sustainable Forest Management Certification: Ensures forests are managed sustainably based on rigorous environmental, social, and economic criteria.
- Chain of Custody (CoC) Certification: Guarantees traceability of certified materials throughout the supply chain through independent auditing. In the context of Indonesia, what we’re seeing in Indonesia is up to the converter companies within the value chain.
PEFC stands out for its stakeholder-driven approach. Developed with input from environmentalists, academics, NGOs, and industry players, it ensures standards that are both stringent but also accessible.
To date, PEFC has certified over 300 million hectares of forests worldwide, with more than 20,000 companies holding CoC certifications. These figures underscore its role in driving global adoption of sustainable practices.
How PEFC Certification Works
PEFC takes a unique approach to sustainable forest management by allowing for localized solutions rather than imposing a single global standard.
Instead of mandating uniform guidelines, PEFC collaborates with national forest certification systems, enabling countries to customize their requirements to suit local ecosystems, legal frameworks, and socio-cultural context
In each country, a governing body oversees the development of its national certification system. For instance, the Indonesian Forestry Certification Cooperation (IFCC) manages PEFC standards in Indonesia, while Thailand (TFCC), Vietnam (VFCC), and Malaysia (MTCC) have their own respective systems.
Once a national system is developed, it undergoes a rigorous, independent assessment process lasting approximately nine months.
To maintain impartiality, this evaluation is conducted by a third-party assessor rather than PEFC itself. Systems that successfully meet PEFC’s international benchmarks are awarded PEFC endorsement, confirming their alignment with global sustainability requirements.
Core Requirements of PEFC Certification
Despite the localization of standards, all PEFC-certified systems must adhere to a set of universal principles, including:
- Ecosystem Biodiversity: Conserving and enhancing the diversity of forest ecosystems.
- Ecological Protection: Safeguarding ecologically significant forest areas and prohibiting forest conversions.
- Indigenous Rights: Recognizing the free, prior, and informed consent of indigenous peoples.
- Worker and Community Welfare: Promoting gender equality, ensuring fair treatment, and fostering the health and well-being of forest communities.
- Human Rights and Worker Protections: Adhering to International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions and progressing toward living wages.
- Environmental Safeguards: Prohibiting genetically modified trees, minimizing hazardous chemical use, and adopting climate-positive practices like reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Respecting property rights, traditional customs, and consulting with local communities and stakeholders.
PEFC Certification in Indonesia
As one of the world’s most forest-rich countries, Indonesia holds a vital role in global sustainability efforts. Here, PEFC certification operates under the stewardship of the Indonesian Forestry Certification Cooperation (IFCC), which adapts PEFC standards to the local context while maintaining alignment with international best practices.
PEFC works in harmony with Indonesia’s Sustainable Forest Management certification system (SVLK) and is the only certification endorsed by the National Accreditation Committee (KAN). This dual alignment ensures that PEFC complements national priorities while providing global recognition.
Several Indonesian companies have embraced PEFC certification, demonstrating its applicability across industries. Brands like Paseo and Nice Tissue utilize PEFC-certified materials, Greenfields Milk uses certified packaging, and artisanal businesses like Anomali Coffee have also adopted sustainable practices through PEFC certification.
Why Certification Matters
Forest certification is a critical tool in demonstrating sustainable management practices. By adhering to PEFC standards, forest owners and managers can prove that their practices meet today’s needs without compromising the ability of future generations to benefit from these resources.
In our next article, we’ll delve into the evolving demands and trends shaping the future of forest certifications, exploring how these pressures are influencing businesses and consumers alike.
