Group Forest Management Certification Requirements (PEFC ST 1002:200x (ED 1.0)

Ben Gunneberg,

PEFC Council Secretary General

1

Main differences between “old” and proposed new documentation

2

1. Cancels and replaces requirements for group and regional certification as defined in Annex 3 of the Technical Document

2. Provides one set of requirements for all multi-site/group/regional approaches,

3. Removes duplication / overlaps in documentation and provides clear definitions

4. Provides a concise and precise Meta standard requirements for forest certification systems which allow group forest management certification.

Why do we need Group forest certification ?

3

1. It is normal practice in certification to audit every company site covered by the certificate

2. Implications for forest owners:

1. Small forest owners could not afford the costs

2. Many Forests would not be certified

3. Solution:

1. Group Certification based on sampling / other information / monitoring, making use of existing information on forest management

What does Group forest certification do ?

4

1. Allows forest owners to become certified under one certificate and share

1. the financial obligations

2. Common responsibilities for forest management

2. Aims to improve information dissemnination and co-operation in forest management amongst forest owners

Structure of Document

5

1. This document defines the requirements “inside the group” including certain management structures between owners / managers and/or the entity representing them. This in turn leads to the correct implementation of sustainable forest management and provides confidence in sampling

2. Requirements for “auditing” including sampling etc to be covered in the document on requirements for certification bodies

3. Provides a meta standard as strong framework for development of locally adapted and suitable solutions

4. Contains requirements which have to be followed to ensure a clear approach and structure

Basic approach

6

Group entity (Central office) (3.2)

Participant (3.6)

Participant (3.6)

Participant (3.6)

Participant (3.6)

Group organisation (3.3)

Basic Model

7

1. Whole box defines group forest organisation which is certified

2. Any non conformity in any of the participants applies to the whole group organisation

3. Any sampling requires structure, rules and management between the Group entity and the participants to ensure robustness

4. This model applies to all situations where more forest owners are covered by one certificate,

5. National terms can be applied provided each element is identifiable in the structure of this standard.

Functions and responsibilities of Group Entity

8

1. To represent the group forest organisation in certification process

2. Provide commitment on behalf of organisation to comply with SFM and other scheme requirements

3. Establish written procedures for management of group

4. Keep records including

1. All participants, contact details, id of properties and size

2. Conformity of participants with requirements

3. Certified area

4. Implementation of internal monitoring, its review and any preventative / corrective actions taken

5. Written agreements on participants comitments and obligations

Functions and responsibilities of Group Entity

9

5. Provide “confirmation on participation“ in group forest certification

6. Provide info and guidance for effective implementation of SFM and other scheme requirements

7. Operate annual internal monitoring programme for evaluation of participant’s conformity with requirements

8. Operate Review of conformity with SFM standard, including results of internal monitoring, CB’s evaluations and surveillance, corrective and preventative measure if required and evaluation of effectiveness of CARs

Functions and responsibilities of Participants

10

1. Contractual relationship with group entity on conformity with SFM and other requirements

2. To comply with SFM standard and other requirements

3. Provide full co-operation and assistance to group entity or CB requests for data etc

4. To implement corrective actions and preventative action established by group entity.