Rainforest Alliance to launch new certification scheme to rival FSC

In a move that will further add to FSC’s woes, the biggest of its accredited ‘certifiers’, Rainforest Alliance SmartWood, has announced plans to launch it’s own ‘logging certification’ scheme, which is closely modelled on the FSC. In a consultation document circulated recently by SmartWood, the organisation claimed that it “remains an unequivocal, global supporter of the FSC system as the most credible forest certification system” but then, before introducing the proposed rival system, goes on to say that “we also believe that the FSC system can be improved”.

(more…)

SmartWood and Tembec: into the ‘black hole’ of disinformation

FSC-Watch earlier reported on the certification of more areas of Tembec’s vast logging operations in Canada, making it the largest of all FSC certified companies and no doubt earning it’s certifier, SmartWood, substantial fees. David Nickarz, a forest activist in Winnipeg, has been challenging Rainforest Alliance over this certificate. Other forest activists that have questioned SmartWood (there are many of them) will understand what David means by the ‘black hole’ of disinformation that he refers to in the blog article below, which describes his experiences in ‘complaining’ to SmartWood.

(more…)

‘Low quality’ SGS targetted in Greenpeace protest campaign

As previously reported on FSC-Watch, the certification of the Spanish industrial plantation company, NORFOR, has caused widespread concern, which a recent FSC inspection of the company’s certifier, SGS, has only served to heighten. Despite finding clear non-compliances with FSC’s Principles and Criteria, the certificate remains in place.

(more…)

Colombia: Is the FSC Seal Applied to Blood-Stained Timber?

In March 2007, FSC-watch posted the ‘verdict’ of the Peoples’ Permanent Tribunal on the company Pizano SA, which had been FSC certified by SmartWood. The Peoples’ Permanent Tribunal had been investigating the environmental and social impacts of companies in Colombia. Here’s some more information about this FSC-certified company from Miguel Ángel Soto, Greenpeace Spain, and Tom Kuchartz, Ecologistas en Acción. This article was published in the World Rainforest Movement Bulletin 123, October 2007:

(more…)

Stop GE Trees Campaign seeks clarification of FSC’s position on GM trees

Following FSC-Watch’s post questioning FSC’s position on genetically modified trees, (and an article in the World Rainforest Movement Bulletin), the Stop GE Trees Campaign has written to Heiko Liedeker requesting clarification. Copies of the letter have also been sent to FSC’s Board and to Andre de Freitas, FSC’s Head of Policy and Standards. (I wrote to de Freitas on 23 August 2007, requesting a clarification of FSC’s position on GM trees. De Freitas did not reply.)

(more…)

Barama, Guyana: WWF’s ‘suspended’ star performer in South America accused by President of giant timber scam

At the start of this year, FSC-Watch reported on the ‘suspension’ of the FSC certificate of Malaysian-owned Guyanese logging company, Barama. A statement issued today by the President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo, who accuses Barama of “fraud”, will come as a further embarrassment to supporters of the certificate.

(more…)