Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification recognises the need for sustainable development in the forest industry. The FSC principles and criteria have been developed in an international framework. The main objective is ensuring that forests of all types are managed at a landscape level in a sustainable manner, socially, environmentally and economically. Timbercorp actively subscribes to the principle of responsible forest management.

FSC is the world's first and most rigorous forest product labelling scheme. It is the only forest label supported by the World Wildlife Fund, and Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth, and by major forest product retailers such as Home Depot and IKEA.

The FSC promotes ten principles of forest stewardship. These Principles & Criteria describe the characteristics of responsible forest management and were developed with the input of many groups and people worldwide:

1. Compliance with laws and FSC principles 2. Tenure and use rights and responsibilities 3. Indigenous peoples' rights 4. Community relations and worker’s rights 5. Benefits from the forest

6. Environmental impact 7. Management Plans 8. Monitoring and Assessment 9. Maintenance of High Conservation Value Forests 10. Plantation Management

FSC accredited forests are found in 60 countries with the organisation’s headquarters in Bonn, Germany, plus four Regional Offices and 34 National Initiatives.

The FSC accredits independent third party organisations who certify the forest managers and forest product producers to FSC standards. Timbercorp is certified by an organisation called SmartWood, which certifies more forest-management operations than any other FSC certifier (approximately 40% of the worldwide total).

The FSC product label allows consumers worldwide to recognise products that support the growth of responsible forest management worldwide.

Benefits of Certification

Increased Stakeholder Consultation

The strength of FSC and what sets it above other forestry certification schemes is the intense stakeholder consultation.

Through increased business presence and involvement in various community groups, Timbercorp has been able to demonstrate that it is not just a forestry company. Timbercorp is also a valuable contributor to communities by its commitment to supporting their social, economic and environmental fabric through sustainable practices. Local communities have shown confidence in Timbercorp as it expands its forestry estate. They have responded positively to the company's demonstration of its regional commitment to being around for the "long run".

Responsible Forest Management

Responsible forest management requires that the water, soil and wildlife within or adjacent to Timbercorp treefarms are properly protected.

Timbercorp has integrated the FSC's 10 Principles & Criteria into the company's Standard Operating Manual so that all special values social and environmental are well managed.

Forest Stewardship Council and SmartWood are not responsible for any financial claims on returns on investment.