Forest Certification in Developing and Transitioning ... - UTas ePrints

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forest certification in developing and transitioning countries
has focused the attention of Guatemalans on the identification of threatened species,
protection of seed trees, and habitat conservation. In Estonia, Ahas et al describe the
development of an Estonian methodology for biodiversity protection involving
reserving key biotopes and leaving snags and dead wood. In Estonia, too, a unique
“Spring Truce” has been arranged where no logging takes place between April 15 and
June 30 to minimize the disturbance to animals during the breeding season.
Tysiachniouk describes how certified companies are required to identify and protect
high conservation value forests in Russia, reducing threats of biodiversity loss on
certified lands.
Monitoring and Compliance
Several case studies draw attention to how certification has improved forest
monitoring and compliance. Ham notes in the South Africa case study how
forest certification led to improvement in the system of checks and balances,
including the formalization of previously ad hoc adherence to company policies and
the systemization of processes to ensure consistent implementation. Practical
mechanisms included the development of internal checklists and the addition of staff
with environmental expertise. Monitoring has improved in Malaysia as state forestry
departments are now committed to incorporating information monitoring
environmental impacts, including areas lost or destroyed after logging, the number
and length of second roads and skid trails, and the area of log yards.
Training
There is also evidence that much more training is taking place to ensure that staff are
aware of environmental issues, can recognize endangered species, and incorporate
biodiversity protection into their job requirements. In Estonia, senior corporate
managers in certified operations are more interested in environmental issues than
previously and extensive training exercises have been held and manuals produced.
According to Ahas et al, “These initiatives have in turn changed behavior in everyday
forest management and resulted in more close-to-nature forest management
practices.” Muhtaman and Prasetyo note that companies involved in certification
“continuously conduct training of employees and community participants in various
topics relating to sustainable development.” In community forest operations too, such
as those in PNG, Solomon Islands, Indonesia, and Mexico, NGOs have established
training schemes to encourage local people to employ better management practices.
Thus, for example, Wairiu notes in the Solomon Islands case study that “some
communities managed to halt commercial logging in their forest areas through
awareness training in certification standards.”
Attitudinal Change
While difficult to measure formally, many of the case studies also draw attention to
certification’s role in generating significant attitudinal change, especially in forest
managers. Paschalis-Jakubowicz makes this point in the case of Poland, where he
yale school of forestry & environmental studies