As a globally recognised and trusted third-party certification system for responsible forest management, FSC acknowledges its vital contribution to the development of standards that bolster the resilience of our forests in the face of unprecedented and progressively severe weather events.
It is essential to highlight that FSC continuously evaluates and revises its standards to ensure their alignment with evolving best practices in environmental and forest stewardship. FSC’s responsible forest management certification system is carefully designed to foster ongoing improvements and ensure that certified companies to take corrective actions when necessary.
Since the 2018 flooding incidents, FSC ANZ has proactively taken measures to strengthen the resilience of forestry in New Zealand against extreme weather events. These measures involved incorporating specific requirements into the updated FSC New Zealand Forest Stewardship Standard (NZ FSS). The development of this standard involved an extensive and rigorous consultation process with industry stakeholders, environmental and social groups, as well as Indigenous communities. Published on January 17th and effective since 15th April this year, the Standard represents the culmination of collaborative efforts spanning several years, aiming to address the unique local context of forestry in New Zealand. It addresses important aspects such as erosion, water courses, sediment, and slash management. It is important to note that the Standard was not in effect during the recent weather events including the January Auckland Anniversary floods and Cyclone Gabriel in February, so the additional measures it encompasses may not have been implemented.
In response to the recent extreme weather events in New Zealand and the concerns expressed by stakeholders following the release of the New Zealand Ministerial Inquiry into Land Use, FSC ANZ has taken prompt action. We have alerted Assurance Services International (ASI), FSC's global assurance provider, who are assessing these concerns and considering if further action is required. Any violations identified will be promptly dealt with in accordance with FSC’s standards and processes. We have confidence in the effectiveness of the requirements outlined in the updated New Zealand Forest Stewardship Standard, which we believe will enhance the resilience of responsibly managed forests. We will, however, continue to closely assess the Standard's performance to ensure it continues to serve its intended purpose and make necessary revisions as required.
System integrity is a core area of work for FSC. If you feel like a local, FSC-certified forest may have contributed to damage or harm to your property, you can report it here: https://fsc.org/en/system-integrity.
If you have any FSC-related questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the FSC ANZ team at info@au.fsc.org.