This week has seen an exciting update from FSC International, with the launch of the revised Ecosystem Services Procedure [FSC-PRO-30-006 V2-0] which underpins FSC’s Verified Impact approach.
What is Verified Impact?
Verified Impact is FSC’s evolving approach to monitoring, conservation, and improvement of ecosystem services in forests.
FSC-certified forest managers already lead the industry in conservation and identification of areas with high ecological value. At the same time, many businesses are seeking ways to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, particularly as environmental claims come under increasing scrutiny as governments seek to prevent greenwashing. Recognising this, Verified Impact supports forest managers to quantify the value of their responsible management practices with high-integrity data and connects them with businesses interested in sponsoring these efforts. Forest managers can access funding to support their actions, and businesses are able to tell a compelling and evidence-based story about contributing to positive impacts through nature-based solutions.
The Ecosystem Services Procedure
Ecosystem Services is a concept that recognises that there is inherent value in nature and that these benefits to society can be measured. The FSC Ecosystem Services Procedure offers a framework to demonstrate and quantify the positive impacts of responsible forest management practices, generating verified ecosystem services impacts. It also allows forest managers and sponsors to make ecosystem services claims to promote and communicate about verified ecosystem services impacts as part of their broader sustainability strategies.
This Procedure can be used to demonstrate the positive impact on seven types of forest ecosystem services:
- biodiversity conservation,
- carbon sequestration and storage,
- water services,
- soil conservation,
- recreational services,
- cultural practices and values, and
- air quality.
In addition to new ecosystem services impacts, the updated Procedure provides clearer requirements for forest management groups, more robust impact demonstration requirements, a new revenue sharing mechanism, clearer promotion and sponsorship requirements and other improvements.
Verified Impact in Canada
Verified Impact aligns with an exciting ECCC-funded project looking at carbon and fire management in FSC-certified forests, with a goal of understanding how forestry management practices, including Traditional Ecological Knowledge, can contribute to forests that are more resilient to climate change.
Several pilot projects have commenced in 2024, with more planned for 2025-6. FSC Canada is actively seeking forest management companies, communities and Indigenous groups who may be interested in participating in carbon and fire management pilots. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to FSC standard development and advance forestry management practices. Funding is available to select participants.
Learn More and Get Involved
FSC International will be holding two informational webinars in February to support a smooth transition to the new procedure. Learn more and register here.
For questions about Verified Impact in Canada, or to find out more about getting involved in a carbon or fire management pilot program, contact Amy Willox: amy.willox@ca.fsc.org.