“Previous studies have shown that FSC certification has a positive impact on the environment, and the people who live and work in forests, but it’s been harder to show the true financial benefit for the businesses who partner with us. We are an NGO, but we are also an important tool in the marketplace, and we can only be successful in safeguarding the world’s forests if it makes good business sense. That is the premise of certification, and it’s the success of FSC,” remarked FSC Director General, Kim Carstensen.
Most interestingly the study shows that tropical forest companies, and small/medium producers benefit the most from FSC certification, as they typically received the largest premiums, regardless of region or country.
“Tropical forests are vital to the future of our planet, and the communities who rely on them for their livelihoods need better market access. FSC certification helps provide that, and the price premiums reflect the high-end and niche markets they tend to supply. Investing in sustainable tropical timber is essential to the future of our forests,” noted Carstensen.
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