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| Focus on forests during Poznan climate talks |
18-12-2008 |
 The importance of forests in climate change was hard to overlook at the UN climate conference in Poznan which took place in early December. While the role of forests in the post-Kyoto protocol remains unclear, the voluntary market for forest-based climate initiatives is already well-established and several schemes are available Read more
| Largest forestry group ever FSC certified by the Rainforest Alliance |
17-12-2008 |
 NEPCon's FSC-accredited partner the Rainforest Alliance has issued an FSC certificate covering the largest forest management group ever to be FSC-certified. The group includes more than 40,000 private properties managing almost 880,000 hectares Go to Rainforest Alliance press release
| FSC National Initiative in Norway accredited |
17-12-2008 |
 Norway now has its own FSC-accredited National Initiative. The NI has already developed a draft national FSC forest management standard, soon going out for public consultation. Set-aside areas and use of exotic species are currently key points of discussion Read more
| EU countries committed to buying green |
16-12-2008 |
 At least 50% of the purchases made by public agencies in EU countries must fulfil green procurement criteria within the next year. The EU Green Public Procurement criteria are likely to include the FSC and PEFC labels for wood-based products Read more
| Forest ownership secured for indigenous people in Panama |
14-12-2008 |
 A key barrier to certification of tropical forests is the lack of recognition of indigenous and local communities' rights - on paper and in practice. A landmark decision made by the Panaman parliament has rendered 560,000 hectares of rainforest the legal property of local indigenous groups Read more
| New PEFC logo usage rules |
12-12-2008 |
 PEFC has adopted new rules for using the PEFC logo on and off-product. The rules are effective immediately, however PEFC logo license holders have a one-year transition period to adjust to the new rules Read more
| SGS Qualifor's FSC accreditation in Poland reinstated |
10-12-2008 |
SGS Qualifor has now regained its FSC accreditation in Poland, which was suspended earlier this year Read more
| Russian FSC standard endorsed by FSC |
02-12-2008 |
 The world's most forest-rich country, Russia, now has its own national FSC standard. The national FSC forest management standard for Russia has been approved by FSC and came into force on 11th of November 2008
Read more
| FSC fees for certificate holders about to change |
27-11-2008 |
 For the first time since the FSC accreditation fees were introduced, the fees are being adjusted. Most certificate holders will experience increased fees, reflecting the need to allocate resources for the FSC network Read more
| Reminder: only one FSC chain of custody standard valid in 2009 |
25-11-2008 |
 As of 1st of January 2009, all older versions of the FSC chain of custody rules will be phased out and companies still using them must switch to the most recent standard. A single standard will henceforth be applicable to all companies, signifying substantial progress towards a more simple and user-friendly system Read more
| Demands for certified wood products gain ground in Europe despite economic downturn |
24-11-2008 |
 Even in the face of global economic downturn and general decrease in forest products demand, certified products are gaining ground in the European and North American marketplace. This is predicted in a forest products market forecast by UNECE and FAO Read more
| New draft FSC standard for forest group managers |
22-11-2008 |
 A new FSC standard addressing group certification is out for public consultation. The draft helps to streamline group certification by compiling existing rules into one standard, but does not represent major progress towards certification of smallscale forestry operations Read more
| UN Timber Committee: Green building and wood-based energy combat climate change |
21-11-2008 |
 According to the Timber Committee of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), forest products as well as living forests can play a major role in mitigating climate change. For example, wood used for green building and energy may help combat global warming Read more
| Slow change in ownership of the world's forests |
19-11-2008 |
 Who owns the world's forests? A recently published report has looked into this, confirming that only a small fraction of the world's forests is owned by local communities and indigenous peoples. However, this pattern is slowly changing, and in some countries significant changes have taken place during the past six years Read more
| The Netherlands approves FSC worldwide and two national PEFC schemes in timber procurement |
17-11-2008 |
 The global FSC system as well as PEFC Germany and the PEFC-endorsed certification system FFCS in Finland have been evaluated as acceptable under the Dutch criteria for timber procurement Read more
| Paperworld 2009 - join the FSC booth |
13-11-2008 |
 FSC Germany is organizing an FSC booth at this year's Paper World, taking place in Frankfurt on 31 January - 3 February 2009. Paper World 2009 is expected to attract around 66,000 visitors from around the world. Read more
| Consensus on the way forward for FSC |
12-11-2008 |
 Remarkable consensus was achieved among stakeholders and several crucial decisions were made on the last day of the FSC General Assembly. In this last bulletin from the event, we report on Friday's decisions and sum up key outcomes of the General Assembly.
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| Progress for tropical forests and the National Initiatives |
07-11-2008 |
 By the end of Thursday, voting FSC members had passed several important motions concerning certification of tropical forests, indigenous people's interests, and the FSC National Initiatives. However, the fate of Controlled Wood remains unclear until votes have been passed today.
Download the GA news bulletin 7 November
| Market value and financing discussed at the FSC General Assembly |
06-11-2008 |
 Yesterday the value of the FSC brand and the financial viability of the FSC network were high on the agenda at the FSC General Assembly. Meanwhile, the social, the economic, and the environmental chamber were busy negotiating in the corridors, trying to ensure their top priority motions got through to the final voting. Download the GA news bulletin 6 November
| Controlled Wood debated at FSC gathering |
05-11-2008 |
 On Tuesday, the continued justification of including the Controlled Wood concept in the FSC system was a hot topic of debate at the FSC General Assembly. In contrast, consensus building continued around actions necessary to improve certification body performance. Learn more about these and other developments in today's bulletin from the FSC General Assembly
Download GA news bulletin 5 November
| First news bulletin from the FSC General Assembly |
04-11-2008 |
 The first news bulletin from the FSC General Assembly is now available, providing insights into the discussions taking place at this key event. Attracting around 300 stakeholders from more than 70 countries, this gathering could be a turning point in the history of FSC
Download GA news bulletin 4 November
| Get daily news from the FSC General Assembly |
29-10-2008 |
 Subscribers to NEPCon's newsletter will receive daily news bulletins from the FSC General Assembly taking place on 3-8 November. Starting on 4 November, we will be reporting from the gathering, enabling you to follow key discussions. To benefit from this special service, get a free subscription here
| New EU initiaves to curb deforestation and import of illegal timber |
27-10-2008 |
 EU has released a a communication on its approach to halt tropical deforestation, as well as draft legislation that aims to curb the import of illegal timber to EU countries. Under the proposed regulation, operators have to exercise due diligence to minimise the risk of placing illegally harvested timber and timber products on the market. Read more
| Global cost of deforestation exceeds current financial crisis |
26-10-2008 |
 According to BBC News, the global cost of forest loss exceeds the cost of the current banking crisis: a study funded by the EU puts the annual cost of deforestation at between $2 trillion and $5 trillion. This estimate includes the cost of losing the ecosystem services provided by forests, such as carbon sequestration and water protection Go to the BBC News
| Stakeholder feedback on the Global Risk Assessment |
26-10-2008 |
 The launch of the Global Risk Assessment website last month has generated encouraging response from the FSC community. The majority of comments welcome the initiative, and many provide important details or suggestions for the improvement of the website Read more
| Adjustment of FSC rules for Swedish small-scale operations |
03-10-2008 |
 More Swedish forest owners may soon choose FSC certification: a new initiative is under way facilitating the access to certification for smallholders by adapting the FSC rules to small-scale forestry. Swedish forest owners are already being offered a premium price for FSC-certified wood and have easy access to group certification Read more
| FSC global principles and criteria under review |
26-09-2008 |
 For the first time since the Forest Stewardship Council was founded, the global FSC principles and criteria are about to undergo a thorough review. The review process could result in a breakthrough for the certification of small forest owners as well as for the role of FSC in mitigating carbon emissions. FSC members can apply to join the working group Read more
| New corruption index: Latvia and Slovakia now low-risk countries for legal issues |
26-09-2008 |
 Transparency International has just released the 2008 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) for the world's countries. Latvia and Slovakia have now reached a CPI score of above 5, one of the criteria for identifying low risk of sourcing illegally harvested wood according to the FSC Controlled Wood standard Read more
| Leading Belarussian joint stock company FSC and controlled wood certified |
25-09-2008 |
 One of the largest wood industries in Belarus, Borisov DOK JSC is now taking advantage of the large domestic production of FSC-certified raw material. Exporting to more than 30 countries, the company aims to become a leading supplier of responsible wood products Read more
| FSC certified forest area grows by 600,000 hectares in Poland |
24-09-2008 |
 After a period when more than one third of the Polish state forest had lost their certified status, the FSC certified area in Poland is again increasing. The Polish regional state forest district directorate Olsztyn recently regained its FSC forest management certificate, based on third-party assessments carried out by NEPCon. Read more
| New tool to avoid purchase of controversial wood |
18-09-2008 |
 Are you sure that you are not buying wood from controversial sources, such as illegal logging? This could easily be the case unless the wood is certified according to a credible scheme. The Global Risk Assessment website, developed by NEPCon in collaboration with the Rainforest Alliance and FSC, is a new free on-line service providing information about more than 150 countries Read more
| Certification body Europartner loses FSC accreditation |
09-09-2008 |
 FSC has withdrawn its accreditation of the certification body Europartner for all FSC certification. Europartner was mainly active in Russia. Also, the FSC accredited certification body Fundación Vida para el Bosque (VIBO), based in Mexico, has been suspended for FSC certification worldwide. Further information is available from the FSC accreditation program, Accredited Services International.
| FSC paper on forests and climate change |
02-09-2008 |
 Warming up to the FSC General Assembly in November this year: FSC has released a statement outlining the foundation for FSC’s role on forests and climate change. FSC aims to promote the use of the FSC standards and certification system for harmonizing carbon crediting with other uses and values of the forest. During the next few months, FSC will issue more information regarding the options Read more
| FSC multi-site certification of 18 Danish printing houses |
18-08-2008 |
 PrinfoDenmark, a group of graphic companies, has obtained a chain of custody certificate enabling 18 partner companies to offer FSC-certified publications. Read more
| Expansion of NEPCon's top management group |
18-08-2008 |
 Based on growth of NEPCon's activities and expansion into new countries and markets, our top management group has recently been enlarged from two to four members. Read more
| Controlled wood risk assessments now available online |
16-08-2008 |
 Risk assessments, important for the credibility of the FSC system, are being made public in the English language through the FSC database www.fsc-info.org. Risk assessments are already translated and uploaded for all applicable companies certified through NEPCon. Read more
| Share your experience using the FSC Controlled Wood standard |
14-08-2008 |
 Are you familiar with the advantages and challenges of using the FSC Controlled Wood standard? You can now participate in an online FSC survey on the implementation of the standard for Company Evaluation of FSC Controlled Wood (FSC-STD-40-005 V2-1). The survey is open until 10 September. Read more
| FSC certificate database provides more info |
12-08-2008 |
 The FSC certificate database www.fsc-info.org has been upgraded. Among other improvements, you can now get accurate information about the specific products that are sold with a specific FSC label by individual companies. FSC has more
| Certification Body SGS puts a halt on new FSC forest management certificates |
07-07-2008 |
The FSC certification body SGS has decided to put a moratorium in place for its FSC forest management certification services worldwide. The decision was taken after the conclusion of several recent audits of SGS conducted by Accredited Services International Read more
| PEFC revises chain of custody and logo usage standards |
03-07-2008 |
 PEFC is in a process of revising the system's chain of custody standards as well as the PEFC logo usage rules. Comments are invited by all interested parties until 30 July. Read more
| Premium on FSC wood sparks interest among Swedish forest owners |
26-06-2008 |
 Many probably do it, but only few will admit it: They pay a price premium for FSC certified wood. Swedish forestry group Sveaskog is one of the few actors on the market having made an open statement that they will pay an extra price for certified raw material. The ultimate aim of Sveaskog’s policy is to ensure that the value connected with the FSC brand is directly benefiting the primary producers. Read more
| FSC remains hot among paper and printing industries |
21-06-2008 |
 The FSC Global Paper Forum 2008 showed that last years’ trend among the paper and printing sectors continues: Certification is still very much on the agenda, and in some areas demands for FSC raw material is already exceeding supplies Read more
| Extreme growth of FSC continues, causes bottlenecks |
21-06-2008 |
 The popularity of the FSC scheme keeps growing. In 2007, FSC experienced the fastest growth in the organisation’s history with a 43% increase in number of certificates. New forecasts show that the FSC scheme may be growing even faster in 2008. The growth is now creating an unexpected bottleneck: Insufficient capacity among accredited certification bodies. Fortunately, NEPCon is still able to accommodate companies’ wishes for certification services. Read more
| NEPCon to assist in Natura 2000 protection in northern Cyprus |
11-06-2008 |
 The conservation of marine turtles in northern Cyprus will soon be safeguarded, along with other precious nature of the region. A new project will assist the Turkish Cypriot community in its efforts to comply with EU nature conservation requirements. Read more
| NEPCon moves towards the East |
30-05-2008 |
 NEPCon Asia - NEPCon's sixth daughter company - is now registered. Based in Krasnoyarsk in Siberia, NEPCon Asia will develop our services in the Eastern part of Russia as well as neighbouring countries. Read more
| New NEPCon staff in three countries |
29-05-2008 |
 In order to meet increasing demands for our certification services, NEPCon has employed additional staff with a strong professional background in Russia, Poland, and Lithuania. Read more
| Meet the new FSC executive director at FSC Global Paper Forum |
28-05-2008 |
 This year’s FSC Global Paper Forum offers several exciting opportunities. For example, FSC’s new director André de Freitas will present his visions for FSC, participants will learn about hot topics such as climate neutrality of paper, and representatives of Tetra Pak and SCA will share their experience. It is also possible to participate in technical training on FSC rules relevant for the paper and printing sector. The Global Paper Forum takes place on 9-10 June in Düsseldorf. Go to Global Paper Forum
| FSC's global principles and criteria: comments invited |
27-05-2008 |
 For the first time in their 15 years' existence, the FSC's global principles and criteria for responsible forest management are undergoing a thorough and systematic review. A new draft is open for public consultation until 12 July 2008. You can review the new standard and provide your comments here
| New Executive Director of FSC International |
27-05-2008 |
 One of the world’s most challenging top leading positions has a new face: The FSC has appointed Mr. André de Freitas as Executive Director of the FSC International Center. Freitas will play a key role in ensuring system credibility and in carving out new directions for the development of the Forest Stewardship Council. Read more
| New FSC global homepage |
22-05-2008 |
 The FSC International has re-launched its website. In addition to a new attractive design and improved structure, the new homepage contains a number of user-friendly features not previously available. The site now offers a special business area as well as a dialogue forum. Check it out at WWW.FSC.ORG
| The FSC tightens control over the Controlled Wood rules |
20-05-2008 |
 Controlled wood certified companies may soon find that they need to adjust their practices. In order to ensure consistent implementation of the rules for controlled wood certification, the FSC has released detailed guidance. Clients audited by NEPCon should not expect any major change, however there are new requirements for companies using their own system for avoidance of controversial wood. Read more
| FSC Certification Body SGS Qualifor in Poland suspended |
20-05-2008 |
 The FSC’s accreditation unit Accredited Services International (ASI) has suspended the certification body SGS Qualifor from FSC certification activities in Poland, following major violations of the FSC accreditation requirements. Read more
| Social issues - a challenge in public timber procurement |
29-04-2008 |
 Social criteria were in focus during an international meeting in Copenhagen on public timber procurement policies this month. Public timber buyers face several challenges, however it seems clear that the solution involves well-recognized forest certification schemes. The meeting was attended by more than 70 participants from about 10 countries. Read more
| More than 100 million hectares FSC certified |
28-04-2008 |
 FSC milestone: The total forest area certified according to FSC standards has passed 100 million hectares worldwide. Forests in 84 countries around the world have been certified according to the FSC standards to date. Source: www.fsc.org
| New FSC standard for Small Forest Holdings in Latvia - comments invited |
25-04-2008 |
 A draft FSC standard developed in Latvia may hold the key to ensure access to certification even for the smallest forest properties – also in other parts of Europe. The standard introduces innovative approaches such as the partial transfer of the responsibility for compliance with the FSC requirements to certified logging companies. NEPCon is co-managing the project and will be responsible for conducting a field test of the standard. Read more
| FSC assessment of Obec Ľubica |
23-04-2008 |
 The Obec Ľubica located in Slovakia is undergoing FSC forest management and chain of custody assessment. The assessment will be carried out by NEPCon in late of May 2008. Read more
| PEFC issues position paper on climate |
15-04-2008 |
 An new position paper from the PEFC Council deals with the carbon issue and forest certification. Among other issues, the PEFC demands that only sustainably managed forests should qualify for carbon credits. And, that sustainable forest management must be demonstrated through credible certification. Read more
| Study shows 20 times less deforestation in FSC forest compared to strictly protected area |
07-04-2008 |
 A recent study conducted by the Rainforest Alliance shows that FSC certified rainforest in the Guatemalan Maya Biosphere Reserve is considerably better preserved than neigh-bouring forest areas. The rate of deforestation was found to be as much as 20 times lower than in other parts of the reserve, where harvesting is strictly prohibited. In addition, wildfires occurred in only 0.1 per cent of the FSC-certified areas, while between 7 and 20 percent of the non-certified areas were affected by fire. Read more
| Find FSC products online |
25-03-2008 |
 A new online search engine containing info about FSC certified products has been jointly launched by four FSC National Initiatives. This user-friendly platform enables buyers to find FSC products defined by category. Initially, certified companies from Denmark, Germany, Brazil and Australia can enter and update info about their certified products for free. More countries are expected to be covered soon. Check it out at www.fsc-products.org.
| European shoppers recognize the FSC label |
24-03-2008 |
 The FSC has released a Market Info Pack revealing the latest FSC-related market figures. For example, the FSC brand is now well recognized among consumers in several European countries. And the global market for FSC products has now reached a staggering 20 billion USD - and is still growing. Download market info pack
| The Swedish Nature Conservation Society leaves the Board of FSC-Sweden |
23-03-2008 |
 The Swedish Nature Conservation Society is leaving the Board of FSC-Sweden. However, the Society remains a member of FSC and will participate in the further development of the system. Download press release
| FSC Training Course in Russia |
19-03-2008 |
 NEPCon's next FSC auditor training course is under way. The course will take place during April 7-11 in St. Petersburg, and will be conducted in the Russian language. The course is a full auditor training course covering all the main aspects of forest management as well as chain of custody and controlled wood auditing. The training provides participants with updated knowledge about different aspects of the FSC certification requirements and related auditing techniques. If you wish to participate, remember to sign up before March 31st. Read more Close
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| Latvian forest certification scheme loses PEFC recognition |
06-03-2008 |
 The Latvian Forest Certification Scheme is no longer endorsed by the PEFC Council, and Forest Management Certificates issued against it can not be considered as PEFC recognised. Read more
| Comments invited for PEFC Global Governance Review |
06-03-2008 |
 The PEFC Council is inviting comments on the organisation, structure, and mission of the PEFC from its stakeholders, partners, and the general public. Comments must be submitted through on on-line survey by 31 March. Read more
| Estonian PEFC scheme endorsed |
06-03-2008 |
 The Estonian Forest Certification Scheme has been endorsed by the PEFC Council. This endorsement brings the number of PEFC endorsed national certification schemes to 24. At the same time the PEFC Council re-endorsed four national certification schemes. Read more
| Five million hectares now FSC certified in Russia through NEPCon's services |
29-02-2008 |
 In collaboration with the Rainforest Alliance, NEPCon is now providing certification solutions to operations managing more than 5 million hectares of FSC certified forest in Russia. In all likelihood, that's just the beginning. Russia may become the next world champion in terms of FSC-certified forest area. Read more
| FSC and PEFC assessment of Fredericia Municipality in Denmark |
28-02-2008 |
 Fredericia Kommune (municipality) in Denmark is undergoing PEFC and FSC forest management and chain of custody certification assessments. The assessments will be carried out by NEPCon on 7 April 2008. Read more
| The Baltic paper sector is moving towards FSC |
28-02-2008 |
 Certification of the paper and printing sector in the Baltic area is taking off: Baltic printing houses may now offer FSC certified publications, which are printed on paper delivered by local certified paper merchants. Read more
| FSC assessment of Horsens Municipality in Denmark |
27-02-2008 |
 Horsens Municipality in Denmark is undergoing FSC forest management and chain of custody certification assessment. The assessment will be carried out by NEPCon during the first part of April 2008. Read more
| Project to support NGOs and eco-labelling in Belarus |
23-02-2008 |
 NEPCon is co-launching a new project which aims to strengthen environmental NGOs in Belarus. The project has special focus on the role of NGOs in promoting credible eco-labelling schemes. Read more
| FSC assessment of JSC |
21-02-2008 |
The operation JSC "Primorsky GOK" located in Primorsky Krai,Russia is undergoing FSC forest management and chain of custody assessment. The assessment will be carried out by NEPCon during April 21-24. Read more
| FSC reassessment of the Regional Directorate of State Forests in Łódź |
18-02-2008 |
Regional Directorate of State Forests in Łódź in Poland is undergoing FSC forest management and chain of custody certification reassessments. The reassessment will be carried out by NEPCon during 16 -22 March. Read more
| FSC reassessment of the Regional Directorate of State Forests in Radom |
18-02-2008 |
Regional Directorate of State Forests in Radom in Poland is undergoing FSC forest management and chain of custody certification reassessments. The reassessment will be carried out by NEPCon during 12 -18 March. Read more
| New NEPCon staff in Denmark |
18-02-2008 |
Due to increasing activities in Scandinavia, we have secured two new staff mebers who will be dedicated mainly to certifiction auditing. Both of the new employees have an excellent background for working with the forest and wood industries. Read more
| Re-endorsement of the Latvian PEFC standard out for public consultation |
15-02-2008 |
As part of the obligatory 5-year revision, the Latvian PEFC standard is in a process of re-endorsement. Public comments are invited until 19 March 2008. The PEFC has more
| Revised draft FSC policy to avoid greenwashing open for public comment |
12-02-2008 |
The FSC has released the second draft version of its Version 3-0 of FSC-POL-20-002 Policy for the Association with FSC, for public comment. Read more
| PEFC Global Governance Review |
11-02-2008 |
The PEFC has launched a Global Governance review, directed by a group of international experts. The aim will focus on key aims outlined in PEFC's Strategic Plan, such as the usability and efficiency of the PEFC system and its relations with stakeholders. The PEFC has more
| Russian PEFC standard out for public consultation |
11-02-2008 |
The Russian National Council of Forestry Certification has submitted the Russian National Forest Certification System for PEFC endorsement. All interested stakeholders are invited to comment on the system until 30 March 2008. The PEFC has more
| New rules for promotional use of the FSC trademarks in force |
08-02-2008 |
The new requirements for using the FSC trademarks in promotion - launched by the FSC last year - are now compulsory for all FSC trademark users. The new rules allow for a flexible use while maintaining a strict protection of the FSC trademarks. Read more
| Reassessment of Priluzskoje Lesnichestvo GU |
11-01-2008 |
Priluzskoje Lesnichestvo GU located in Komi Republic, Russia, is undergoing FSC forest management and chain of custody certification reassessment. The reassessment will be carried out by NEPCon during February 11-15. Read more
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