Thursday, 27 August 2015
WWF Study Finds Economic Benefits of FSC in the Tropics
© FSC A.C.August 27, 2015
In addition to documented environmental and social benefits resulting from FSC certification, a new study by WWF demonstrates that FSC certification also provides economic benefits to certified companies in tropical regions.
The research, which was conducted in seven countries (but not the United States or Canada), found that companies could earn an extra US $1.80 for every cubic meter of FSC-certified timber.
The study utilized data from eleven forest-management companies of various sizes in Colombia (1), Peru (1), Cameroon (1), Portugal (2), Russia (3), Indonesia (1) and Malaysia (2).
“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.
The study found that companies based in tropical regions, and small to medium producers, received the largest premiums for their products, 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. Investing in sustainable tropical timber is essential to the future of our forests,” noted Carstensen.
Read more at WWF International.