The intention of the challenge is for a team of postgraduate students to work with a non-profit organisation on a project.
We tasked the students to investigate the dynamics of third-party audited forest certification schemes in the UK (FSC, PEFC), as well as newer certification approaches, including emerging schemes focused on carbon and ecosystem services.
The students enthusiastically took on the complexities of the FSC system and immersed themselves in a sector which was completely new to them, delving into publicly available certification data and interviewing forest managers.
We know that total certified area in the UK has continued to creep upwards in recent years. The students found that, in the last two years, the area of individual forests transferring between group schemes or dropping out of certification altogether accounted for only a tiny proportion of the 1.6 million hectares under FSC certification. Their findings confirmed our understanding of dual certification in the UK.
The collaboration between FSC UK staff and the Cardiff students proved both beneficial and enjoyable, with both sides learning from the process and gaining insights from each other.
"I have very much enjoyed the consultancy work we have done for FSC UK as part of our university development. I have particularly become very inspired by FSC's mission, and I am now making more conscious choices about what products I buy. Most importantly, I have discovered how passionate I am about this area of work, and the experience has inspired me to consider roles in similar charitable areas after I complete my graduate scheme."
Isabella Wicks, student team leader.
"I'm so glad that I was fortunate enough to work with FSC UK. The work FSC is doing is commendable and of primary importance in today's climate crisis. I am truly inspired by it and hopefully, in the near future I'll be able to contribute to the forestry sector. So, I will definitely make a conscious effort while I buy products and certainly look for the FSC logo!”
Spoorthy Deepak, student.
"I am grateful for the FSC's mission and the opportunity to contribute in some little manner to it. We learnt a lot about forestry and working on this project has made me mindful of the products I buy. I enjoyed working with the FSC UK team and appreciate their dedication and effort when we were a team. I would promote more such collaborations since they would benefit future students, FSC learning, and overall development of the industry.”
Mayank Nahar, student.
FSC UK would like to thank Isabella, Spoorthy, Mayank and their colleagues Syed Mohd Hasan and Anup Kudachi for their work on this project. We wish them all the best in their careers!