The FSC Renews its Efforts to Transition Canada’s Forests

François Dufresne, President & CEO, FSC

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Long considered the gold standard of forest certification programs, the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) is renewing its efforts to be the global leader. In Canada, under the leadership of CEO and president, François Dufresne, the organization aims to focus its efforts on addressing some of the most pressing issues facing Canadian forests including species at risk, Indigenous Peoples’ rights, workers’ rights including gender equity, landscape management and conservation.

Currently, there are about 50 million ha of FSC-certified forest in Canada. Dufresne hopes that will grow to 75 million ha by 2030. He cited the recent certification of 1.6 million ha in the Kenogami Forest of Ontario.

“We are well placed in Ontario and Quebec,” he said. Dufresne added that it is time for FSC to expand its reach across Canada in particular the western provinces where there are few FSC certified forests at the moment.

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In a recent interview with CEO Magazine, Dufresne said that FSC helps bring together key players involved within the forest products supply chain including Indigenous Peoples’, governments, and end users (e.g., brands and retailers) to have a conversation and collaboratively work towards keeping our forests for all, forever.   

At the recent United Nations Climate Change Summit (COP 26) in Scotland, a declaration was passed “...to halt and reverse forest loss and degradation by 2030 while delivering sustainable development and promoting inclusive rural transformation.” Canada was one of the signees. What does it mean for the country?

Part of it will mean that we need to change the way we look at forestry and the leadership for this effort will come in part from Indigenous Peoples. “They will lead the solutions to rebuild our forests and use their traditional knowledge to help restore them,” Dufresne said.

The solution must also seek to reduce the cumulative negative effect traditional forestry practices have had while boosting the ability to produce value-added end products.

Indigenous Peoples’ Rights

Over 1.6 million Indigenous Peoples live in or near forests in Canada. FSC Canada’s standard introduces requirements to proactively recognize and protect their culture, livelihood, and lands.

As can be seen, this jibes well with the FSC’s focus on Indigenous rights. It also ties in with the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples of which Canada is a signee and with which the FSC agrees. FSC now requires Free, Prior, Informed Consent (FPIC) with its new National Forest management Standard.

FSC’s great challenge is to improve its outreach efforts to these communities and explain the value of the FSC. “Once we establish a communications line, that really helps,” Dufresne added. “But the big challenge is to provide the capacity to help establish long-term solutions.”

What does Dufresne mean by capacity? He explained that sufficient resources, long-term site planning and potential revenue streams be made available and that the Indigenous communities can use their traditional knowledge in the stewardship of these lands. “We need to ensure that Indigenous people have the resources they need to be able to participate with the level of commitment this requires.”

A North American market

Turning to the solid wood sector, Dufresne said that this part of the forest products industry has a North American rather than global market. Unlike the pulp and paper sector, ownership is fragmented. As a result, relatively few players have certification.

And, Dufresne noted the cumulative effects of forestry practices have resulted in the loss of a good deal of biodiversity, particularly the woodland caribou the Canadian Boreal Forest.

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As a result, the environment has changed, and the market is demanding more accountability. “Solid wood is the next sector that is becoming more under the microscope.”

Distribution is even more fragmented. Therefore, it can be difficult to source responsibly harvested wood. “Right now, we are increasing funding to build the tools to implement our solutions. We are cognizant of the desire to preserve intact and old-growth forests,” he added.

The FSC efforts have paid off. For example, in Quebec the Cree Cultural Institute and the F1 paddock for the Montreal Grand Prix race have been built with FSC-certified lumber.

Why should a company consider FSC certification? “The FSC is not something coming from nowhere.” Dufresne stressed. “It is a unique platform that brings all sides together to develop solutions that will be solid for the long-term. These challenges such as woodland caribou conservation and climate change are here to stay.”

He noted that there are about 50,000 FSC Chain of Custody Certificates worldwide.

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“For a company wanting to join FSC, there is a market waiting for them. Our marketing component has a very strong appeal globally.”

As has been seen in the recent past, pressure to do the right thing will come from the market: retailers and customers. This pressure will only increase as the consumer becomes more knowledgeable. As Dufresne pointed out, “The reputational risk is closely monitored now.”

The next few years and months will be critical in the growth of the FSC. Dufresne said it is important to increase the awareness of the FSC’s work and the effect of its actions. “We want to ensure the resilience of the Canadian boreal forest while respecting Indigenous rights. We believe the FSC has the solution to achieve this.”

Dufresne continued, “The way forward is promising. We can see a sustainable and valuable forest products sector in Canada that will have high paid jobs, value-added products and a good reputation.”

Images courtesy of FSC


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FSC IS a global not-for-profit organization that sets the standards for what is a responsibly managed forest, both environmentally and socially.

https://ca.fsc.org


cascades 5july21 3Graeme Rodden has covered the pulp and paper industry for more than 40 years, including serving as editor of several well-known paper industry magazines.