Green Certification and the Quest for Sustainability

What is green certification? “A market driven solution to social value-driven problems” (Vogt et al. 2000: 5) Green Certification is a way to differentiate forest goodsproduced using ecologically sound and sustainable management practices through the use of eco-labels.

Examples of Eco-labels Forest Stewardship Council American Forest and Paper Association Rainforest Alliance

The Goals of Green Certification Address public environmental concerns and values Promote holistic management of forests to ensure that ecological health is maintained Balance conservation and sustainable use

Origins Resulted from environmental movement of 1960’s and 1970’s Developed in order to slow down the rate of tropical deforestation Concept progressed into a worldwide phenomenon

Overview of certification process 1.Pre-assessment 2.Stakeholder Consultation 3.Main Assessment 4.Peer Review 5.Certification 6.Periodic Inspection

To be certified, the following criteria must be met: 1.All applicable national and international laws should be respected 2.Tenure and use rights should be documented 3. Indigenous peoples’ rights should be respected 4. Workers’ long-term social and economic well being should be maintained or enhanced 5. Forest products and services including economic, social, and environmental should be efficiently used

Criteria continued: 7. A management plan should be written and implemented 8.Periodic monitoring and assessment 9. High conservation value forests should be maintained with a precautionary approach 10. Plantations should compliment and promote conservation of natural forests (FSC Pocket Guide)

Issues associated with Certification Obtaining certification must be economically feasible Willingness to pay by consumers - the literature points toward an increasing market for eco-labeled products The certification process needs to be trustworthy and independent -chain of custody

But can Certification Achieve Sustainability? High energy demands resulting from a global economy Rising consumption levels An economic system that encourages and relies upon growth

Moving Beyond Green Certification Implementing government policies that promote sustainable use of natural resources -tax negative externalities Changing the economic growth paradigm Lowering consumption levels

Questions?