In February 2012, the FSC membership approved the first major revision to the global Principles and Criteria (P&C), bringing FSC certification current with the policies, best practices and lessons learned since its inception in 1993.
Successful completion of this core standard also marked the beginning of an important next phase in FSC’s work: the development of International Generic Indicators (IGI) that will be the basis of all FSC Standards.
Public Consultation on the first draft of the IGIs will take place for 60 days, from March 1, 2013 to April 30, 2013.
How to be Involved:
- Review the drafts and provide comments. View the First Draft of the International Generic Indicators. or visit http://igi.fsc.org to download a copy. A formal Comment Form will be uploaded to the IGI website during the upcoming week.
- Webinars: FSC Canada and FSC US hosted two webinars outlining the process of IGI development and consultation.If you missed the webinars, please contact Vivian Peachey, v.peachey@ca.fsc.org for a copy of the presentation.
- Technical Communications: we will keep you apprised periodically, if you are interested, of our findings as we assess these draft IGIs and their applicability and potential impacts in Canada. To stay-up-to-date on the latest information regarding the IGI process and for opportunities to provide feedback please click here to sign-up for our IGI communications update.
For more information on the IGI process, visit http://igi.fsc.org
Background
The purpose of the International Generic Indicators (IGIs)is to ensure consistent application of the global P&C so that the intent of the P&C is shared across all countries. Where national standards are not currently established, the IGIs will take the place of Certification Body“Interim Standards”.
Leading the IGI process is a consensus-based Working Group,representing the social, environmental, and economic chambers of FSC’s global North and South. Rounding out this qualified team, a Technical Expert Group will provide region-specific and certification body input to the process.