The interpretation addresses whether organisations certified to the Standard may replant harvested plantation areas composed of native species (within their natural range) with exotic species. The draft interpretation made clear that this is not permissible.
The consultation generated 114 responses, including submissions from the Americas, Europe, Asia, and 103 from Australia. Respondents included certificate holders, auditors, consultants, FSC International staff, staff from other FSC national offices, and promotional licence holders. A large proportion of respondents identified as “other,” indicating engagement from stakeholders without a formal FSC relationship.
The feedback will now be reviewed by the Australian Standards Development Group (SDG). Based on its analysis and discussions, the SDG may either support the draft interpretation or propose changes to it. If supported, the interpretation will proceed to the FSC ANZ Board and then to FSC International for approval. If changes are proposed, another round of consultation is likely before the interpretation is finalised and submitted for approval and publication.
The timeframe for the publication of the interpretation has not yet been established.