Shared Values | FSC Connect

Shared Values in the wider landscape

FSC, together with an advisory group of members, has committed a study 'Forestry Intensification for Shared Value' to identify if and when we can consider intensified forestry as sustainable. Coming from this work, we found that implementing shared value can make intensification sustainable if shared value is considered at the landscape level, not just at the management unit level.

Shared values are the positive result of (intensified) forestry, such as in plantations, which are commonly recognized amongst the different stakeholder groups (social, environmental and economic) across the wider landscape.

How can intensification deliver shared values?

Forestry has been intensified for centuries. Today, amidst rising global demand for forest products and the critical imperative to safeguard our forests, FSC poses a fundamental question: Can we sustainably supply renewable forest materials to a growing population while enhancing biodiversity? And in this process, how do we foster ecosystem services, community resilience, and protect the rights of women, Indigenous Peoples, and workers? Can we identify how forestry practices provide not only enhanced productivity but also positive long-term contributions to achieve environmental and social benefits in the wider landscape.

FSC, together with certificate holders, rights holders and other stakeholders is seeking ways to identify whether and how FSC-certified intensified production contributes to responsible forest management and promotes shared values in the wider landscape.

SIAG summary of values that should be shared

Social	Adequate lands for local livelihoods and ecosystem services Benefits for small producers, including access to the intellectual property rights of any trailled products Benefits for women and other marginalized groups Job retention and/or retraining and compensation Local food security Maintaining the cultural and spiritual links of local communities with their land and forests Protection for the rights of activists, whistle-blowers and others Respect of customary and other land rights, including adherence to free, prior and informed consent.
Environmental	Maintenance of ecosystem services in the landscape Maintenance of forest carbon stores Maintenance of species composition, distribution and densities in managed forests More efficient use of environmental resources such as water and nutrients Protection and enhancement of forests that are either intact or have high conservation value Reducing waste of FSC-certified wood fibre in the supply chain
Economic	Creation of economic value in a way that also creates value for society Engagement with local communities Generation of dignified employment conditions for a trained local workforce Higher yields and improved efficiency to spare land, reduce carbon emissions, resource consumption and environmental impact

Examples of shared values in the wider landscape from sustainable forest management

Community Economic Development: Provision of local livelihood support such as the collection of non-timber forest products and mushrooms or medicinal plants, contribute to the creation of economic value in a way that also creates value for community. However, shared values also emphasize the importance of equitable economic value creation within communities. Shared values in this context involve not only the sustainable utilization of forest resources but also the fair distribution of benefits among stakeholders.

Ecosystem Services Conservation: The promotion of recreational activities and ecosystem services provisions like hiking, biking or wildlife observation, demonstrate shared commitment to conserve natural areas, promote sustainable land-use practices, and promote nature-related recreation. Shared values at the same time explore how stakeholders collectively prioritize the conservation and enhancement of ecosystem services and promote its benefits amongst the community. Shared values here extend beyond enjoyment of nature to include active stewardship and conservation efforts.

Cultural and Spiritual Connection: Traditional practices, ceremonial gatherings, spiritual rituals, and community resilience emphasize the deeper cultural and spiritual significance of forests to local communities. Shared values encompass not only the preservation of cultural heritage sites and traditional practices, but also the empowerment of local and indigenous communities in decision-making processes.

We are exploring methods for identifying shared values in the wider landscape by evaluating for example, their social and environmental impacts, the level of inclusivity in decision-making processes for livelihood support, examining community initiatives, conservation programs, participation in restoration projects, conducting community consultations, indigenous people’s consultations, and participatory mapping exercises.

SV timeline

How do we co-create to identify the contributions of FSC-certified plantations in the wider landscape?

Co-creating shared values in intensified forests involved a collaborative effort among various stakeholders, members, experts, certificate holders, each bringing perspectives and expertise to the discussions. Through extensive engagement sessions, workshops, and forums, we fostered an inclusive environment where ideas could be exchanged.

Main supporters of developing shared values are the Sustainable Intensification Advisory Group (SIAG), established by the FSC Board of Directors, the SIAG consists of six members, equally representing the interests of the social, environmental, and economic chambers of the FSC membership. SIAG is tasked with providing a balanced understanding of sustainable intensification and shared values, promoting broader engagement, knowledge-sharing and collaborative initiatives to support the development of FSC solutions.

"We are a dedicated team of 6 FSC members around the world working on a voluntary basis since 2018 to support the
FSC in it’s efforts to achieve sustainable forest management in a context where forest intensification is no longer
a hypothesis but rather a reality”
- SIAG members

SIAG members

Moving forward: Next steps

To advance the Shared Values project, we are reevaluating our approach. Collaboration with stakeholders and certificate holders is crucial as we identify appropriate indicators and engagement strategies for shared values. Exploring a bottom-up approach and leveraging the "Sphere of Influence" concept in landscape dialogues holds promise. Our goal is to develop outcome-based values. Next steps involve establishing a roadmap, engaging stakeholders, streamlining surveys, initiating pilot projects, and crafting a robust communication plan. These topics will be the focus of discussion at the upcoming SIAG meeting scheduled for June 17-19. We are enthusiastic about launching new pilots by Q4 2024, expanding into additional regions. The aim is to finalize a methodology and tools for identifying and communicating shared values in intensified forestry by 2025, with applicability across all regions.