The Role of Advisory Committees in enhancing FSC-values across diverse contexts

The side meeting, organized jointly by the Advisory Committees of FSC Africa and FSC Ukraine, aims to explore the role of Advisory Committees (ACs) in advancing FSC’s values on a global scale. The session will address the challenges and potential advantages of expanding ACs in diverse contexts, drawing from the experiences of Ukraine, where the AC was established in response to multiple challenges. The Africa’s AC operates in a context marked by political and economic challenges, hence striving to balance sustainable forestry with social and economic realities across different countries.

It will therefore provide a platform to reflect on both, the role and achievements of existing ACs in Africa and Ukraine, the challenges in establishing ACs and their potential added value for FSC’s global strategy. Through a series of case studies, and interactive discussions, the meeting will highlight the achievements, challenges, and lessons learned in one country as compared to Africa’s regional context. Discussions will also cover strategies to strengthen the role of ACs within FSC’s governance structure and global strategy, and provide strategic insights and recommendations for FSC’s future approach to ACs. It will also include insights into local community involvement in FSC certification processes and culminate in recommendations for enhancing the influence of ACs in future FSC policies. This collaborative meeting aims to foster knowledge exchange and contribute to the development of FSC’s strategic framework.