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Normative Document

ADV-STD-60-004_02 V1-0

Background

This process starts the implementation of the recently approved Motion 45/2025 (M45), considering the results of the Motion 23/2020 (M23) pilot projects.

The overall process will be conducted in two subsequent phases. Phase 1 is to develop a set of generic requirements (clauses) for enhanced HCV 2 management and monitoring in IFLs. Phase 2 consists of developing requirements and monitoring frameworks more specific to the key IFL regions to foster a standardized and streamlined implementation of enhanced management and monitoring across ecoregions. The requirements (clauses) will be first implemented via Advice Note.

Ultimately, the requirements introduced through the Advice Note(s) will be incorporated into the International Generic Indicators (IGI) as part of the revision of the Principles, Criteria & International Generic Indicators (PCI). They will then be integrated into the Forest Stewardship Standards (FSS) based on the resulting updated version of the FSC Principles and Criteria.

Process objectives

Phase 1:

Develop clear, generic requirements (clauses) for IFLs following M45: Create a set of indicators for enhanced HCV 2 management and monitoring in IFLs, to be issued through an Advice Note.

Phase 2:

  1. Develop a set of requirements (clauses) for enhanced HCV 2 management and monitoring in IFLs that are specific to key IFL regions (Canada, Latin America, Congo Basin) to be issued through an updated version of the Advice Note published as per phase 1.

    These requirements (clauses) should remain consistent with the generic indicators developed in phase 1 and the above-listed considerations to keep the alignment with M45. 

  2. Define a set of monitoring needs and best practices associated with the above region-specific indicators to:

    a. Enhance consistency and scientific robustness of monitoring activities across Management Units within the region,  

    b. Guide the implementation of satellite-based earth observation monitoring activities by FSC and/or external partners outside of the certification process to fast-track and upscale the generation of data and insights about the change in ecological integrity in IFLs. 

    These monitoring needs will be issued in a guidance document to complement the normative requirements (clauses) to be issued in the Advice Note.

Process leads

Andrea Cornejo: policyinnovation@fsc.org

Franck Trolliet: impacts@fsc.org 

Working Group

Phase 1:

Technical Working Group (TWG) members:

  1. Andrei Shchegolev, WWF International
  2. Caroline Duhesme, ATIBT
  3. Chris Wedeles, Member of SDG Canada
  4. Hector Tuy, Independent consultant for IP issues
  5. Julia Young, HCV Network
  6. Victor Lima, NeoCert

Expert:
Joeri Zwerts, Utrecht University

Related Processes
Get involved

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Timeline

A summary of steps taken and process to date

April 2026

FSC organized two public webinars to support stakeholder understanding of the consultations on the Advice Notes related to the implementation of Motion 45/2025 on Intact Forest Landscapes (IFLs). The webinars provided an overview of the objectives, scope, and proposed requirements contained in the Advice Notes, as well as an opportunity for participants to ask questions and provide feedback directly to FSC and Technical Working Group representatives.

The webinars were conducted in English, with interpretation available in Spanish and French. Presentation slides from the webinars are available at the end of this webpage.

April 2026

Launch of Public Consultation of the Advice Note ADV-STD-60-004_02: Requirements for enhanced HCV 2 management and Monitoring in IFL in English, Spanish and French. The consultation runs from 3 April to 1 May 2026. Participate in the consultation on the requirements for enhanced HCV 2 management and Monitoring in IFL here  FSC Consultation Platform. 

February 2026

Director General approved the Terms of Reference and the final composition of the technical working group.

January 2026

Evaluation and selection of TWG candidates is finalized.

Terms of Reference are sent to FSC’s Director General for approval.

December 2025

The Board of Directors decided to initiate the implementation of M45 with developing interim measures for enhanced management and monitoring of HCV2/IFL areas at the BM104. 

Public call for members of Technical Working Group is released.

October 2025

Members approved Motion 45/2025 at the GA 2025 in Panama. 

Motion 45-2025.PDF
PDF, Size: 718.19KB
TOR_TWG-development of indicators for IFL_approved_2026-02-03.pdf
PDF, Size: 679.49KB
Canada Crosswalk ADV-STD-60-004_02 V1-0.pdf
PDF, Size: 343.44KB
IFLs TWG composition (EN).pdf
PDF, Size: 1.06MB
Webinar IFL Advice Notes Slides.pdf
PDF, Size: 5.17MB