Advancing FSC’s strategic work on climate and biodiversity – update and what’s next
FSC’s ability to respond credibly to the climate and biodiversity crises depends on what happens next — and active, participative member engagement is essential at this event. Despite consistent prioritisation by the membership, action on the full Climate, Biodiversity and Restoration (CBR) agenda has not yet been delivered. With CBR reaffirmed as a strategic priority in 2025, members are calling for FSC to take a clearer leadership role – and for greater progress to follow.
This session offers a key opportunity for members to engage directly: to clarify expectations, raise concerns, and influence the finalisation of FSC’s new Strategic Framework for Climate and Biodiversity. You’ll hear an update on where things stand, contribute to shaping next steps, and help ensure FSC has clearly defined the ambition and strategy needed to make a meaningful contribution.
Subhra Bhattacharjee
Subhra Bhattacharjee is Director General of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). She brings 23+ years of experience in climate, sustainable development and poverty reduction across central banking, academia and the United Nations, with postings in Bahrain, Bangladesh, Germany, the occupied Palestinian territory, the United States and India. Subhra has led government-UN development frameworks, built cross-sector coalitions for climate action, and helped deliver first-ever climate-finance estimates and nationally determined contributions in challenging contexts. She holds an MPhil in International Economics (Jawaharlal Nehru University) and a PhD in Environmental & Macro-Economics (Iowa State University). At FSC, she focuses on strategy, policy and partnerships to strengthen credible forest solutions for markets and communities.
Maria Pilar Melero Bravo
Forest Engineer with over 15 years of experience in forestry and sustainability across private, public, and NGO sectors. Currently leading the development of FSC International’s Climate and Biodiversity Strategic Framework. Expertise in program management, policy development, and facilitating multi-stakeholder collaboration to address complex environmental and social topics. Previous experiences include the coordination of forest restoration projects and the recovery of traditional livestock routes and public woodlands in Spain.
Mike Bekin
Mike Bekin is a long-term member of FSC, and also serves on FSC UK’s board. He’s led the only 2 climate-change specific motions approved by the GA, with a view of ensuring FSC delivers measurable solutions to the greatest environmental challenge of our times. Originally from Brazil, Mike founded a import business focused on FSC tropical hardwoods. He advises businesses in the carbon markets and is doing a masters at Cambridge University’s CISL on sustainability.
Event Details
- Tuesday, 28 October
Time: 08:30 - 10:00 (EST - Panama) / 14:30 - 16:00 (CET) / 21:30 - 23:00 (WITA)