Shared Values | FSC Connect

Shared Values in the wider landscape

FSC, together with an advisory group of members, has committed a study to identify if and when we can consider intensified forestry as sustainable, (Forestry Intensification for Shared Value). 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