Illustrative image. (Source: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – TheNational Forest Stewardship Standard (NFSS) for Vietnam has been launched andwill be effective from May 1 this year, according to the Vietnam Office of theForest Stewardship Council (FSC).
“The National Standard for Vietnam is a comprehensivetool developed specifically for forests in this country to allow them to bewell-managed now and in the future, and to promote the responsible sourcing offorest products,” said FSCAsia Pacific Regional Director Cindy Cheng at the launch event earlier this month.
“Applying this new standard will enable FSCcertificate holders to gain greater access to global markets by proving theircommitment to good forest management, and the positive impact that theiroperations have on the environment, as well as the communities and workers whodepend on these forests,” sheadded.
“With199,000 hectares of forests already certified by FSC in Vietnam, we hope thatnow, more forest managers, processors, brands and retailers along the valuechain will see the importance and benefits of FSC certification.”
This standard applies to all forest operationsseeking FSC certification within Vietnam. It covers natural forests, plantationsand small and low-intensity managed forests.
Many organisations have played a role in developing theNFSS for Vietnam, includingthe Vietnam Administration of Forestry (VNFOREST); the Ministry ofAgriculture and Rural Development; WWF Vietnam; the Forest Certification for Ecosystem Services (ForCES) project; the German Development Cooperation Agency (GIZ) GmbH Ecosystem Services project; the Research Institute for SustainableForest Management and Forest Certification (SFMI); and more.
The Forest Stewardship Council is a globalnot-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting responsible forestmanagement around the world. Officially founded in 1994 with a mission to stopglobal deforestation, the FSC certification scheme ensures that forests productsare responsibly managed and harvested.
Vietnam is the thirdlargest wood exporter in Asia./.
VNA
