FSC extends Congo Basin standard consultation

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has extended the consultation period for the draft Congo Basin sub-regional standard in order for workshops to be held in four countries within the region.

Interested stakeholders now have until March 15 to submit their comments, during which time FSC-accredited certification bodies will conduct field tests of the standard, with an emphasis on engaging local communities in the process.

The sub-regional standard forms a harmonising framework for national standards in each of the four countries. Including Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Gabon.

Once approved, the standard will replace the five generic standards from FSC-accredited certification bodies currently in use across the region.