As an outcome of this process the following international normative document is expected: New Procedure for Standard Development Groups (SDGs) to determine the placement and extent of Intact Forest Landscapes (IFL) core areas and conservation measures, based on the conditions in the wider landscape.
Mandated by Motion 23: Use landscape-wide approaches adapted to local conditions and strengthen Standard Development Groups (SDGs) to improve protection of Intact Forest Landscapes (General Assembly, 2020), approved at General Assembly 2021-2022 in Bali Indonesia, FSC is developing through engagement with members, SDGs, stakeholders, and partnerships a revised landscape approach for FSC stewardship in forests with high social and environmental values, in particular Intact Forest Landscapes (IFL). As an outcome of this Motion SDGs will be able to implement a landscape approach process to protect and manage IFL following developed, relevant, and published requirements in the normative framework.
At its meeting in August 2023 (BM96) the BoD approved the implementation of “major process” according to FSC-PRO-01-001 V4-0 Development and Revision of FSC Requirements based on a piloting approach, and with the deviations described in the Terms of Reference (ToR).
Motion 23 grants one year to review and revise the current approach to IFL conservation and enable SDGs to identify and recommend improvements to be made. Pilot testing allows the implementation of draft requirements which may result in temporary use of FSC trademarks in the labelling and promotion of FSC-certified products.
While the revision of the applicable normative framework is expected to be completed by 2026, SDGs will be able to implement a landscape approach process, through pilot testing, to protect and manage IFL, which will enable the consequent certification of management units before this date.
Strengthening the approaches for identification, protection, maintenance and/or enhancement of High Conservation Values 2, including IFL conservation at landscape level in National and Regional Forest Stewardship Standards, and enabling SDGs through pilots to identify and recommend improvements to FSC’s normative framework.
At BM 96 BoD approved Focus Forest Advisory Group (FFAG) to act as working group for this process.
The FFAG is composed as follows:
Economic North
Alan Thorne (Organization member), Canada.
Economic South
Caroline Duhesme (ATIBT – RoC office), Africa
Environmental North
Grant Rosoman (Greenpeace, New Zealand), Asia Pacific
Environmental South
Leila Syntiche Wolo, (individual member, Benin), Africa
Social South
Alina Liviet Santiago Jiménez (individual member, Mexico), Latin America
Social North
Leo van der Vlist (individual member, Netherlands), Europe
You can stay informed of the developments on this revision process by staying tuned to this process page and by participating in consultations and webinars.
Timeline
A webinar is scheduled to introduce FSC stakeholders to the work related to Motion 23 and the upcoming pilots on 11 July 2024, 16.00 CEST. Please see the webinar presentation here.
The Board of Directors approves the extension of the interim rule in ADV-20-007-18 V2-0 which outlines rules related to the protection of Intact Forest Landscapes (IFLs). The interim rule has been extended until 30 June 2026. See the news item here.
Minor changes for clarification have been made to the draft procedure to be piloted by Standard Development Groups (SDGs): Development of indicators for the protection of Intact Forest Landscapes considering the landscape level . Feedback form for countries participating in Motion 23 pilots is uploaded here.
Translated versions: French | Portuguese
Call for applicants to participate in the pilots of the draft guidance and procedure is launched.
The majority of the FFAG endorses the draft procedure to be piloted by Standard Development Groups (SDGs): Development of indicators for the protection of Intact Forest Landscapes considering the landscape level.
FFAG endorses the draft guidance to be piloted by Standard Development Groups (SDGs): Landscape Approach to Intact Forest Landscapes.
29 November: Webinars on the implementation of Motion 23 are organized :
- 9.00 – 10.00 am (CET)
- 16.00 – 17.00 pm* (CET)
*With simultaneous interpretation in Spanish and French.
See webinar presentation here.
Conceptual phase and engagement activities with stakeholders are conducted.
14 September: Director General approves the Terms of Reference for Working Group to revise requirements for IFL conservation.
31 July – 2 August: To address Motion 23/2020 the FSC Board of Directors at its meeting (BM96) approves the implementation of “major process” according to FSC-PRO-01-001 V4-0 Development and Revision of FSC Requirements based on a piloting approach. The BoD also approves the Focus Forest Advisory Group to act as working group for this process. See more information about Focus Forest here
9 - 14 October: Motion 23/2020 Use landscape-wide approaches adapted to local conditions and strengthen Standard Development Groups (SDGs) to improve protection of Intact Forest Landscapes is approved at the General Assembly 2021-2022 in Bali Indonesia.
