FSC Forest Management (FM)
FSC Forest Management certification is a voluntary, independent certification for forestry organizations that want to demonstrate responsible forest stewardship. The certification evaluates forest management planning and practices against FSC’s internationally recognized Principles and Criteria, ensuring that forests are managed in an environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable manner.
The certification applies to all forest types and ownership structures, including industrial and private forest owners, forest license holders, community forests, and government-managed forests. Applicants may seek certification individually or as part of a group certificate, which allows for shared oversight and reduced costs.
Smaller forests and those managed at a low intensity may qualify for streamlined certification under FSC’s Small and Low Intensity Managed Forests (SLIMFs) program. Additional flexibility is available through a continuous improvement procedure for SLIMFs and community forests, making certification more accessible.
While FSC’s global Principles and Criteria provide the overarching framework, national or regional forest management standards adapt them to reflect local environmental and social conditions. In Canada, for example, there are four approved Regional Forest Management Standards—the Boreal Standard, the Maritimes Standard, the British Columbia Standard, and a forthcoming Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Standard currently in draft.
FSC Forest Management (FM) Listings
Sign Up or Log In and gain access to advanced search and filter tools for our database of sustainability profiles to find socially and environmentally responsible suppliers.