WOODCARVING & ACCESSORIES

Precisely What Does FSC Certified Timber Mean?

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international, non-governmental charitable organisation, established in 1993 to publicise responsible management of all of the Earth’s forests. Different countries have branches of the organisation working in them.

The major benefit of the FSC is that forests are protected for generations to come and people know that when buying wood that’s FSC certified, they are not contributing to deforestation and climate change.

Deforestation is a large challenge for the entire world. If forests are not properly maintained, we will end up losing an irreplaceable and vital part of the world’s ecosystem. This not surprisingly would be a problem on a world scale and one that we must prevent.

Illegal logging is one part of the problem. People desperate for cash chop down virgin forest and clear trees faster than they can be replaced. No regard is given to regional wildlife or native peoples that rely upon the forest for all of their needs. Sad to say some of this lumber will find its way into the UK where people are sometimes unaware as to where the wood has come from.

People can trust the FSC labelling of wood. The certification refers to forest management and chain of custody. A well managed forest will be maintained with thought for wildlife, people and the environment and trees that have been cut down will be replaced naturally or replanted. Sections of the forest will be protected from logging to protect the rare plants and animals that are part of it and to protect sacred sites of native people. Workers will be sourced in the area, trained properly and paid fairly.

The chain of custody tracks the movements of the wood from forest to end supplier. Every link in the process is monitored and certified to make certain everyone is compliant with the FSC’s priciples.

People will see the FSC logo (a tree which has a tick) on anything from wooden furniture, cedar cladding and oak beams to charcoal and venison.

If you’re purchasing wood or wooden producs, make certain that they include the FSC logo and this means that you will be sure to have an ecologically sound product.
Dimitrios Klitsas – Master Woodcarver – Making It Here – PBS WGBY