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 FMU 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. But today, with the increasing demand for more forest products and the urgent need to protect our forests at the same time, FSC has raised the question – Can we provide renewable forest materials to a growing world population, and increase contributions to biodiversity at the same time? 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 if and how we can demonstrate that FSC certified intensified production is advancing responsible forest management while also enhancing 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

Understanding 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.