Major
FSC-PRO-30-006 Ecosystem Services Procedure: Impact Demonstration and Market Tools
Motion 53 asks FSC to expand and strengthen the Ecosystem Services Procedure by developing specific additional services and market claims for Indigenous and Traditional Peoples through the Cultural ES pillar.
So, during this conceptual phase, the intent is to consult important stakeholders and research the best way to recognize and measure the cultural Ecosystem Services (ES) claims in an easy way.
The work of indigenous and traditional communities is crucial to protecting places of cultural importance and maintaining ecological health, and it is essential that the Traditional Knowledge of Indigenous peoples is recognized, maintained, transmitted within their communities, and shared more widely. This knowledge is developed through its intrinsic and lasting link with its environment and nature. It includes the protection of biodiversity, cultivation, use of non-timber forest products, and the use of Traditional practices that protect forests against climate change.
-
Represent Indigenous and traditional peoples in the inclusion of the Cultural ES in the Ecosystem Services Procedure.
-
Create the opportunity to interview key stakeholders.
-
Make the concept more comprehensive while increasing clarity and simplicity.
-
Facilitate and enable further impacts and quantitative measurements for the impact demonstration while enhancing qualitative approaches.
To be determined.
Stay informed on the process by signing up here.
Timeline
Apply for a working group to expand the cultural ecosystem services in the Ecosystem Services Procedure.
Applications are open until 25 July 2025
FSC seeks applications for members of the WG to incorporate the recognition of cultural services and practices into the ecosystem services procedure, thereby strengthening and ensuring the long-term interconnection of Indigenous Peoples. The WG will comprise three chamber-balanced members, representing environmental, social, and economic interests, and three technical experts to fulfil the tasks and responsibilities outlined in the Terms of Reference (TOR)
The WG should collectively bring strong expertise in working with Indigenous and Traditional Peoples topics and the FSC environment. Familiarity with key issues of traditional knowledge, Indigenous and Traditional peoples' organizational models, methodologies of sociocultural impact evaluation, ethnography, and qualitative data collection is highly valued.
Review the "FSC Privacy Statement" in the documents available below (Working Group Section).
FSC launches 60-day public consultation on conceptual report to implement Motion 53/2021. The report is available in English, Spanish and French at the bottom of the page. The public consultations can be accessed on the FSC Consultation Platform.
Webinars were held during January 2025 to present the conceptual reports and discuss key aspects of the consultation. The presentation materials are now available here.
Additional material for support:
- Motion 53 Two-Pager Summary, offering a concise overview of the motion.
The consultancy conducts research about the recognition of cultural services and practices in the Ecosystem Services Procedure. It also conducts field research and interviews stakeholders.
FSC works with the Indigenous Foundation and PIPC to develop a Terms of Reference for a consultancy to research more on the subject. A consultancy is selected based on this criteria.