Certification Standard for NZ Plantation Forests to be developed

Development of the National Standard for Certification of Plantation Forest Management in New Zealand in accordance with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has recommenced.

FSC is an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization established to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests and is supported by leading environmental groups such as Greenpeace and WWF. To date FCS has certified over 134 million hectares of forest in 80 countries.

Spokesperson for the Standards Development Group (SDG), Colin Maunder, announced today “that the SDG decided to re-commence with the second Draft that has been at an impasse since November 2003 and this has been accepted by FSC International”.

The SDG is comprised of 2 representatives from four Chambers (Economic, Environment, Maori and Social), except that due to its diversity the Social Chamber has 3 representatives (with the voting rights of 2).

Approximately 1 million of the 1.8 million hectares of NZ forest plantations are certified to FSC.  These plantations include significant areas of natural vegetation, native wildlife and are enjoyed by large numbers of people for recreation. The standards consider economic management, long term employment and sets rules for environmental management and recreational use.

Mr Maunder said “the outstanding issues from 2003 are : areas to be set aside as reserves, pesticide use, small low intensity forests, rules regarding  conversion of natural vegetation and conversion of plantations to other uses.” “Five working groups have been formed to establish the rules for these areas in conjunction with forest managers”.

Mr Maunder further explained the process “The SDG plans to finalise a draft for forest testing in August.  After which the Forest Tested Draft will be available for public comment and submission through a Consultative Forum that will be facilitated primarily through e-mail exchange.”

“Participation in the Consultative Forum can be done by registering with the relevant chamber representatives or Colin Maunder.”

For more info please contact Colin Maunder.
C/- Timberlands Limited
PO Box 1284
Rotorua 3040
Telephone: 7 343 1081