Forest Certification in Russia in Turbulent Times: Trends and Challenges

Before 2022 Russia had 62 M ha FSC certified forests. After FSC's withdrawal some formerly FSC-certified companies started logging in HCV forests, while many NGOs either halted operations or shifted focus away from nature conservation. Meanwhile the former FSC Russia team started Forest Etalon (FE), a system based on FSC standards. It has just 8.1 M ha certified because other certification schemes emerged as well. Since the latter opted for weaker requirements, it is difficult for FE to compete with them in the absence of strong support.

Russia hosts 25% of the global IFLs and Russian forests are vital for global climate and biodiversity. But today certified forest areas are shrinking, and protection for IFLs and Indigenous rights is inadequate. At the meeting, we will discuss the future of Russia's forests in the light of the global sustainable development agenda and how FSC may help