Fern Evaluation of Forest Certification Programs

A new report from the nongovernmental organization

Fern identifies the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) as the only independent and credible forest certification program. Three other major programs—the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), the Canadian Standards Association’s Sustainable Forest Management Standard (CSA), and the Pan-European Forest Certification (PEFC)—all failed to meet most of the nine basic requirements that Fern used to evaluate the programs. A full copy of the report can be downloaded from their Web site. Fern’s mission is to advocate for sustainable management of forests and respect for the rights of forest peoples. The organization chose its name for its symbolic value, as ferns are one of the few plants found in all forest types. For more information, visit online at www.fern.org.