Although formal guidance from FSC International has not yet been provided on the implementation of the motion, FSC Canada anticipates that the actions for implementing Motion 65 will be well aligned to FSC Canada’s current Standards Revision Process, which is set to be finalized by mid to late 2016.
In particular, FSC Canada expects that existing initiatives such as the development of indicators for Species at Risk (SAR) and Woodland Caribou and the application of Free, Prior and Informed Consent will provide a strong basis for the approach to address IFL indicators.
In moving forward, FSC Canada’s current chamber-balanced Standards Development Group as well as Technical Expert Panel (TEP)have been tasked with developing indicators related to Principles 6, 9 and 10 and will provide guidance for indicators related to Intact Forest Landscapes based on the following preliminary direction for strategic work plan for addressing IFLs in Canada:
- Review and analyse what the motion requires as compared to what we propose in the Caribou appendix and SAR indicators, in addition to other planned indicators;
- Consider proposed Motion 65 requirements like the notion of IFL cores; discuss and define IFLs;and determine the best science and best management practices for IFLs in a Canadian context;
- Integrate the planned approach (e.g. SAR and Caribou) with the best science and management for IFLs in Canada;
- Determine and activate any needed mapping support;
- Consider if the TEP: P6,9,10 has all the necessary experts to address IFLs and if we need to augment the panel;
- Facilitate cross-chamber discussion;
- Coordinate with FSC IC and FSC Network Partners who work in countries with significant IFLs (e.g. Russia, Brazil, Congo, Indonesia, Australia)to ensure consistency and promote best management practices.
In the upcoming months, FSC Canada will provide updates on the implementation of this motion and aim to gather feedback from stakeholders through the Standards Revision Process.
For questions,please contact Vivian Peachey, Director of Standards at 647-528-0140 or v.peachey@ca.fsc.org
To view a copy of(amended) Motion 65: