Forest management

PEFC confirms sustainable forest management.

PEFC requires a minimum performance level for biodiversity, people’s livelihoods, recreational use and the cultural values of forests.

A “well-managed forest” is a forest managed according to the principles of sustainable development. In practice this means that the forest lands should be managed to meet the social, economic, ecological, cultural and spiritual needs of present and future generations as defined in international processes such as the UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro in 1992.

Forest silviculture or harvesting operations must take into account, for example, forest biodiversity or cultural and recreational values while at the same time remaining economically viable for all those involved.

However, there are many other criteria as part of sustainable forestry. These criteria are defined in the national level stakeholder processes. The PEFC Finland standard focuses on, among other things, forest management planning and implementation, workers rights, training and advice for forest owners, and increasing young people's knowledge of forestry. Special importance is attached to habitats important for forest biodiversity, water protection, silviculture in young stands and the reconciliation of forestry with other natural resource based livelihoods.

Some of the criteria concern only individual forest owners, while others concern only forest companies and other organizations.

Forest related legislation provides a good basis for forest certification in Finland.