SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative), Washington, D.C., USA, has released a new standard that reinforces its role in supporting and promoting sustainable forest management as one of the world's leading third-party forest certification programs.
The SFI 2010-2014 Standard is based on 14 core principles that promote sustainable forest management, including measures to protect water quality, biodiversity, wildlife habitat, species at risk, and Forests with Exceptional Conservation Value. It has five more principles than the SFI 2005-2009 Standard, including separate principles for protection of special sites, biodiversity, aesthetics and recreation, and new principles for responsible procurement practices in North America, avoidance of controversial sources offshore, research, training and education, and public involvement.
The standard also has 20 objectives, 39 performance measures, and 114 indicators -- up from 13 objectives, 34 performance measures, and 102 indicators. To be certified, forest operations must be third-party audited to these requirements by independent, objective and accredited certification bodies. The SFI program is committed to continuously improving responsible forest management.
The new standard took effect on January 1, and program participants have up to one year to implement the changes.
TAPPI
http://www.tappi.org/