Comparing carbon market and forest management standards

Danish NGO NEPCon has recently released a study entitled ‘Field perspective comparison of forest carbon and forest management standards.’ The research, commissioned by the Rainforest Alliance, recognizes the function of responsible forest management in retaining and increasing carbon stocks. It aims to facilitate a more efficient process for dual certification of voluntary carbon trading and forest management.

The study reviewed the FSC Principles and Criteria alongside three voluntary carbon market standards: the Verified Carbon Standard, the Carbon Fix Standards, and the Climate, Community and Biodiversity Standards. It assessed projects in seven countries where FSC and carbon standards are jointly used, applying methodologies used in previous studies, but expanding the scope of analysis to include new criteria and updated standards.

According to the report, FSC standards are strongest in terms of social and environmental criteria, which it attributes to the maturity of the FSC system and its extensive normative framework. The research finds that FSC certification makes a positive contribution to meeting many of the requirements of the carbon trading standards, including compliance with legal frameworks and increased financial stability. The study also highlights the fact that even though carbon accounting is not directly covered by FSC’s forest management standard, FSC certification requirements frequently generate adequate information to fulfill the demands of carbon accounting standards. (CCBS, CFS, VCS)

To read the full report, click here.

For another report in same fields see here:Options for REDD+ Voluntary Certification