Please consult the following PDF Documents:

PEFC_ST_1003201X_SFM_ED.PDF (564.5 KiB) 

“Our revised Sustainable Forest Management benchmark is now up for public consultation, and we are asking you to share your insights and knowledge to help us further improve this vital document. The deadline for comments is 26 June 2018.

This new benchmark extends the impact of PEFC certification beyond forests and enhances its contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

As the major causes of forest loss are found outside of the forest – such as unsustainable agricultural expansion – moving beyond the forest is also an important step to tackle deforestation.

Expanding forest certification to trees to benefit smallholders

The most significant change is the inclusion of Trees outside Forests (ToF). This is an important step towards supporting sustainable management of trees throughout landscapes. It will enable millions of farmers and smallholders to obtain PEFC certification whilst promoting good agricultural practices. We envisage that this will help to increase income and the productivity of agricultural land and agroforestry, especially in developing countries, thereby reducing poverty (SDG 1) and hunger (SDG 2).

ToF certification is also relevant for trees in cities and urban forests, with a positive impact on sustainable cities (SDG 11) and the well-being of the urban population (SDG 3).

Enhanced social requirements to advance workers' rights, indigenous people

Expanded social requirements in the revised benchmark include minimum wages for forest workers, equal opportunities for employment and non-discrimination (SDG 8), and promote gender equality (SDG 5). There are also enhanced provisions specifically designed to safeguard the interests of indigenous peoples and the equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of traditional and local knowledge. (SDG 2 & 4). 

The PEFC benchmark is also the first global sustainable forest management standard that specifically requires respect for human rights as defined by the Universal Declaration on Human Rights.

Refined environmental requirements and climate positive practices

The revised document includes a sharpened definition of ecologically important forest areas and specifically references the role of forests in providing ecosystem services (SDG 15). The benchmark supports climate positive practices and the role of forests in climate regulation (SDG 13), and protects high carbon stock.  The benchmark forbids the reforestation or afforestation of ecologically important non-forest areas (SDG 15).

Contribute to the benchmark!

Together with our stakeholders we have moved this benchmark forward – and now we need to hear from you.

For more Information, please consult the following PDF Documents: