National forestry standards achieve international endorsement

2011-07-28

Two National Standards of Canada for forest management have received an endorsement from the world’s largest forest certification system.

The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) International has endorsed the Canadian Sustainable Forest Management Standard (CAN/CSA-Z809-08) and the Canadian Sustainable Forest Management for Woodlots and Other Small Area Forests (CAN/CSA-Z804-08).

Both standards are key to the Standards Council of Canada (SCC)’s Sustainable Forestry Program. SCC now offers accreditation to agencies that certify to CAN/CSA-Z804-08 in addition to CAN/CSA-Z809-08, both under the PEFC scheme. The endorsements mean the Canadian standards meet PEFC International’s Sustainability Benchmark, which sets out the required level of performance for forestry management and conservation. All national systems wishing to be PEFC recognized undergo rigorous independent assessment to ensure their compliance with this benchmark.

• Learn more about the SCC’s Sustainable Forestry Accreditation Program