PEFC
The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) is an international non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) through independent third-party certification.
PEFC works throughout the entire forest supply chain to promote good practice in the forest and to ensure that timber and non-timber forest products are produced with respect for the highest ecological, social and ethical standards. Thanks to its eco-label, customers and consumers are able to identify products from sustainably managed forests.
PEFC is an umbrella organization. It works by endorsing national forest certification systems developed through multi-stakeholder processes and tailored to local priorities and conditions.
Obtaining PEFC Sustainable Forest Management certification
PEFC demonstrates that management practices meet requirements for best practice in sustainable forest management, including:
• Biodiversity of forest ecosystems is maintained or enhanced
• The range of ecosystem services that forests provide is sustained
◦ they provide food, fibre, biomass and wood
◦ they are a key part of the water cycle, act as sinks capturing and storing carbon, and prevent soil erosion
◦ they provide habitats and shelter for people and wildlife; and
◦ they offer spiritual and recreational benefits
• Chemicals are substituted by natural alternatives or their use is minimized
• Workers' rights and welfare are protected
• Local employment is encouraged
• Indigenous peoples' rights are respected
• Operations are undertaken within the legal framework and following best practices
The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) is an international non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) through independent third-party certification.
PEFC works throughout the entire forest supply chain to promote good practice in the forest and to ensure that timber and non-timber forest products are produced with respect for the highest ecological, social and ethical standards. Thanks to its eco-label, customers and consumers are able to identify products from sustainably managed forests.
PEFC is an umbrella organization. It works by endorsing national forest certification systems developed through multi-stakeholder processes and tailored to local priorities and conditions.
Obtaining PEFC Sustainable Forest Management certification
PEFC demonstrates that management practices meet requirements for best practice in sustainable forest management, including:
• Biodiversity of forest ecosystems is maintained or enhanced
• The range of ecosystem services that forests provide is sustained
◦ they provide food, fibre, biomass and wood
◦ they are a key part of the water cycle, act as sinks capturing and storing carbon, and prevent soil erosion
◦ they provide habitats and shelter for people and wildlife; and
◦ they offer spiritual and recreational benefits
• Chemicals are substituted by natural alternatives or their use is minimized
• Workers' rights and welfare are protected
• Local employment is encouraged
• Indigenous peoples' rights are respected
• Operations are undertaken within the legal framework and following best practices
