HCVs in FSC: Strategic Importance & Opportunities
High Conservation Values (HCVs), a concept originating from FSC, are embedded in FSC’s Principles and Criteria. When identified, maintained, and enhanced, HCVs help protect the ecosystems, species, and cultural values that underpin a healthy climate and resilient future. Safeguarding HCVs is central to sustainable development—preserving biodiversity, supporting local communities, and valuing the cultural and ecological services forests provide. As global interest grows in demonstrating the positive impact of certification, FSC’s approach to HCVs offers tangible outcomes that align with new regulatory requirements for due diligence on environmental and social impacts. The work of FSC certificate holders to manage HCVs also fosters inclusive dialogue, recognition of rights, and long-term planning. This session will explore the current status of HCVs within the FSC system, share insights and lessons from members, and identify opportunities to leverage investment in HCVs as FSC advances into its next strategic period.
Speakers
Aisyah Sileuw, Daemeter
Aisyah is Co-Founder and President Director of Daemeter, with over 30 years of experience in the social aspects of sustainable forest management. Since the mid-1990s, she has worked on community forestry, chain of custody, and forest verification. She leads teams on social HCV assessments, impact analysis, and stakeholder engagement. A member of the HCV Network’s Quality Panel, she is also an FSC lead auditor and trained in Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) sustainability reporting since 2012.
Markus Pfannkuch, Precious Woods
Markus is Co-CEO of Precious Woods Holding Ltd, a global leader in sustainable tropical forestry. With 20 years of international experience, he specializes in forest management, certification, ESG strategies, and international forest policy. Since joining the company in 2015, he has held key roles including Chief Sustainability Officer. As Co-CEO since 2023, he has led strategic restructuring during a market crisis, improving performance. Markus combines deep forestry expertise with strong leadership in sustainability and operations.
Juan Anzieta, Arauco
Juan is Asset and Sustainability Manager at Arauco, a trilingual executive with extensive experience across corporate management, communications, and public affairs. With a background in forestry, business, and leadership, he has successfully led multidisciplinary teams with a focus on results and collaboration. Passionate about strategic management and sustainability, Juan is committed to creating shared value and exploring global business opportunities. He is known for his enthusiasm, adaptability, and strong interest in sustainable development and innovation.
Alina Santiago Jiménez, FSC PIPC
She is a Zapotec leader from Ixtlán de Juárez, Oaxaca, has over 20 years of experience working with Indigenous communities on forest certification, governance, and sustainable livelihoods. She serves as Health Councilor in her municipality and is a member of FSC’s Southern Social Chamber and Chair of its Indigenous Peoples Committee. Alina promotes Indigenous-led solutions to environmental and social challenges through consulting, training, and project development with national and international partners.
Rodrigo Arce Rojas, Ricardo Palma University and National University of Engineering, Peru
With 30 years of experience, Rodrigo specializes in community forest management, forest certification, climate change, REDD+, agroforestry, and indigenous rights. He teaches at Ricardo Palma University and the National University of Engineering in Peru. His work bridges society, nature, and culture through applied research and policy, focusing on governance, participation, conflict resolution, and capacity building in environmental and forestry contexts. He also works on agrobiodiversity, watershed management, and the rights of indigenous peoples in isolation.
Jason Hon, WWF Malaysia
Jason is the Associate Director of WWF-Malaysia, leading the Peninsular Malaysia Conservation Programme, Conservation Science and GIS Unit, and overseeing Tiger Conservation and Sustainable Markets Programmes. With expertise in wildlife ecology, spatial planning, forest and peat conservation, and environmental policies, he has over 10 years of experience working with Sarawak’s local and indigenous communities. Jason also supports civil societies through project development, technical reporting, and public outreach. He currently serves on the Board of FSC Malaysia.
Joaquim Teodósio, Sociedade Portuguesa para o Estudo das Aves
Joaquim has worked in nature conservation since 1996, focusing on habitat management, invasive species, and sustainable development. He began with laurel forest restoration in the Azores to protect the endangered Priolo, blending ecological goals with community well-being. After two decades at SPEA leading major conservation projects, he now works at Palombar on LIFE SOS Pygargus. As FSC Portugal’s vice-president, he champions responsible forest management, uniting biodiversity conservation with social and economic sustainability.
Gabriel (Gabe) Bolton, Preferred by Nature
Gabe has over 20 years of experience in forest certification and more than a decade as a forester in the Northeastern US. As Senior Technical Advisor at Preferred by Nature, he supports global forest management certification, focusing on high-profile and controversial cases. A qualified FSC FM auditor and trainer, he has participated in 50+ audits across 19 countries. Gabe contributes to FSC through technical roles, including IGIs, PfA, standard revisions, risk-based approaches, and grievance mechanisms.
Joanna Nowakowska, FSC
Dr Joanna Nowakowska leads FSC’s Policy and Performance Unit, overseeing normative requirements, including forest management standards, risk assessments, and chain of custody. With a background in forestry and global project management, she also guides FSC’s monitoring and evaluation program, promoting science-based impact assessment. She currently leads FSC’s alignment with EU Green Deal regulations, including EUDR. A former GIS practitioner and trainer, Joanna is passionate about leveraging technology to support sustainability and continuous improvement in forest certification.
Event Details
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Date: Sunday 26 October
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Time: 14:30-16:00 EST (Panama), 20:30 - 22:00 CET, 03:30 - 05:00 WITA