News From FSC Working Groups Around the World

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) working group news:

Brazil
The working group has produced initial documents outlining national criteria and indicators for the Amazon native forests and plantations. They are being reviewed by stakeholders nationwide. After field testing, final documents are expected to be ready in mid-1999 for submission to the FSC board.

Canada
The first steering committee was elected in April. Three regional groups are developing FSC standards for Canada:

* The Acadian Forest Region is finalizing standards for board submission.
* In British Columbia, a steering committee is finishing its first draft.
* The Great Lakes/St. Lawrence group has released its first draft for public comment. They will be submitted for board approval in January.

Germany
The German working group has 52 members, mostly organizations. The second draft national standards are completed.

UK
National standards for Great Britain are complete and submitted to the board.
The FSC UK working group and the Forestry Commission agreed to develop a common audit protocol for UK (http://www.fsc-uk.demon.co.uk)

Six certification bodies are accredited by FSC to do assessment. They are:
IMO, Switzerland
Skal Forestry (Eko), Netherlands
Soil Association (Woodmark), UK
SGS Forestry (Qualifor), UK
Rainforest Alliance (SmartWood), US
SCS (Forest Certification), US

FROM FSC Notes