There are many ways in which members can contribute to the work of FSC, including by taking part to working groups developing policies or standards, and by providing input to global strategies. However, the most obvious way members direct FSC is by proposing and voting on motions at the FSC General Assembly.
Motions are developed through a process of discussion within and between the three FSC chambers – economic, environmental and social. To be considered at the General Assembly, a motion requires the support of a member from each of the three chambers. Motions can be further debated and refined at the Assembly, and in order to pass they require a two-thirds majority overall and a simple majority in every chamber
Motions can be used to steer the internal governance of FSC (a motion was passed at the last General Assembly to improve the motions process!), to direct the secretariat to undertake specific work, or even to make changes to the core of the FSC system, the Principles and Criteria.
Although the General Assembly only meets every three years, there are other opportunities to meet and discuss issues. A recent example of this is the European Regional Members’ Meeting which was held in Bucharest in May this year.
Many topics were discussed at this meeting, with the members clearly indicating their priority areas. Biodiversity and climate change came through strongly as key areas for FSC to focus on. There was also a clear desire to reinvigorate membership engagement, particularly in the environmental and social chambers.
As ever, there were differing views and strong debates, but the overwhelming sense was that of a shared passion to work together to ensure the future of our forests.
Ewan Brown from B&Q, representing UK-based economic chamber member Kingfisher plc, said “It’s so energising to spend time in a room with FSC members who are all so invested in the interests and success of FSC, it certainly reminds me why we do what we do”.
If you are passionate about protecting the world’s forests, if you want to learn from and be inspired by others who share that passion, and if you would like to contribute to the work of FSC, why not consider becoming a member? Membership is open to individuals or organisations, and in the UK we are particularly keen to engage with more social chamber members – including communities, forest user groups and workers. The FSC UK team would be delighted to hear from you.