Certifying Environmental, Social & Cultural Ecosystem Services in FSC: Global Challenges & Opportunities

Forests provide multiple ecosystem services, but in FSC certification, cultural services are usually limited to recreation, without fully recognizing their contribution to health, well-being, and community identity. Initiatives like those from FSC Italy, with cases such as the Magnifica Comunità di Fiemme and Oasi Zegna, have made progress in integrating these aspects into their standards. Meanwhile, Mexico has developed pioneering processes for certifying environmental ecosystem services under FSC, expanding its reach and market experience. This context presents an opportunity to strengthen the global integration of social and cultural services in FSC certification, promoting more holistic and sustainable forest management.