Which system is designed to ensure sustainable management of forests?

The choice of certification is significant in the context of sustainable forest management. Certification systems, such as those provided by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), set specific standards for responsible forest practices. These standards encompass various aspects of sustainability, including ecological health, social and economic benefits, and the overall well-being of forest-dependent communities.

By obtaining certification, forest managers demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices. This can lead to better management of forest resources, ensuring that they are used in a way that maintains biodiversity, protects ecosystems, and supports long-term wood production without depleting resources or harming the environment. Certification also provides consumers with options to choose products from sustainably managed forests, encouraging markets that support responsible forestry.

Conservation programs, while important for the protection of specific landscapes and ecosystems, do not directly establish the broader management framework that certification provides. Reforestation and afforestation are essential practices to renew and expand forest cover, but they do not inherently ensure the sustainable management of existing forests. Thus, certification stands out as a comprehensive approach to maintaining the sustainability of forest resources.