For over 25 years, FSC has worked to support small-scale, family and community forests. These groups face unique challenges, from land tenure and ownership to internal governance and access to markets. We have learned to embrace this complexity, developing innovative, tailor-made forest management solutions together with local partners. We have also developed the CFF Toolbox with support tools aimed at increasing the uptake of FSC certification while adding tangible benefits to these forest managers.

In line with our FSC Global Strategy 2021-2026, we offer a comprehensive set of certification pathways and practical tools. These were co-created through inclusive processes, with local knowledge and culturally appropriate, empowering methodologies at their core.

The Journey to FSC

FSC offers a flexible and locally adapted path to certification and beyond, supporting small-scale, family and community forests at every stage. Our “Journey to FSC” approach provides practical solutions for each phase: pre-certification, certification, and adding value, helping forest managers move forward with confidence toward responsible forest stewardship.

From 2016 to 2019, the FSC explored ways to support smallholders and communities through the New Approaches initiative. This work evolved into the Community and Family Forests (CFF) Programme in 2019, which focuses on developing bespoke solutions for accessing, implementing and benefiting from FSC Forest Management certification. In 2025, the CFF programme became a core part of the FSC's Forest Management Growth Strategy and is now led by the Global Network Unit (GNU). The tools and approaches developed remain central to supporting inclusive forest stewardship.

Take a look back at the initiatives and processes that shaped our work today.