FSC Modular Approach Program (MAP)

Achieving the full set of P&C requires a high level of performance from Forest Management Organizations. Many forest managers, especially smallholders and those in tropical countries, perceive FSC certification as prohibitive and inaccessible unless intermediate benefits are available along the path to certification that justify their efforts and investments. As a response, in 2005 FSC approved a Policy on Modular Approaches to Forest Certification (FSC-POL-10-003). This Policy set up minimum criteria for credible stepwise schemes. The Policy also stated FSC’s own interest in exploring stepwise schemes and collaborating with entities operating credible stepwise schemes.

FSC’s Modular Approach Program (MAP) is an emerging initiative aimed at providing a structured path to achieve FSC certification by verifying defined steps, starting from the legal right to harvest to full FSC certification. FSC has drafted MAP standards (forest management, chain-of-custody, and accreditation requirements), planned the integration of smallholder support services, and developed a Monitoring & Evaluation system. In addition, FSC is carrying out field-tests and consultation throughout 2013 as part of a ‘controlled’ launch.

For more information on MAP please click here.