IFLs at a Crossroads: Charting a Viable Path Forward
More than a decade after the adoption of Motion 65/2014, Intact Forest Landscapes (IFLs) remains one of the most contentious issues within FSC. Despite significant efforts – including the innovative landscape approach introduced by Motion 23 in 2022 – the implementation of IFL requirements has yet to yield meaningful, positive outcomes. Concerns are growing that without a viable solution, FSC risks losing certificates and relevancy, as well as the ability to protect these areas, particularly in the tropics and potentially in boreal forest regions.
The General Assembly 2025 marks a pivotal moment. It is a critical opportunity for FSC and its members to realign and drive decisive action on IFLs. This session, brought by motions proposers and the FSC Secretariat, brings together voices from the ground and leading experts, to show a new course is possible. Join the conversation, contribute your perspective, and help shape the future of IFLs in FSC.
Joeri Zwerts
Joeri Zwerts is an Assistant Professor at Utrecht University. His research focuses on wildlife conservation in tropical forest landscapes where agro-commodities like timber and palm oil are produced, using wildlife monitoring methods such as bio-acoustics and thermal drones. His work centers on responsible forest management, landscape connectivity, and human-wildlife conflict. His goal is to develop evidence-based strategies that align conservation with human well-being. He has lived and/or worked in Suriname, Western Equatorial Africa, and Indonesia.
Miriam Matorela Zárate
Miriam Matorela Zárate is an anthropologist with over 20 years of work alongside indigenous communities in the Peruvian Amazon. She is part of the Board of FSC Peru, representing the Social Chamber. She has participated in FSC audits, in the adaptation of standards, and in the implementation of participatory governance mechanisms, promoting intercultural approaches that strengthen collective rights, territorial sustainability, and the effective participation of indigenous peoples in forest management and decision-making processes.
Markus Pfannkuch
Markus Pfannkuch is co-CEO of Precious Woods, a global leader in sustainable tropical forestry and timber production. With 20 years of experience — from hands-on forest management to executive leadership— he specializes in resource management, certification, ESG, and forest policy. Joining in 2015 as a forest manager, he became Co-CEO in 2023, guiding the company through a market crisis. Markus holds a master’s degree in forestry and an EMBA from HEC Paris.
Event Details
- Monday, 27 October
Time: 08:30 - 10:00 (EST - Panama) / 14:30 - 16:00 (CET) / 21:30 - 23:00 (WITA)