Certification provides consumers with a guarantee that the wood products they buy come from sustainable forestry practices. It confirms that the timber used to make those products comes from sustainably managed forests using operations that comply with independently assessed, global benchmarks.

There are two major forest certification schemes worldwide -  PEFC and FSC®. VicForests' operations are certified under the Responsible Wood Certification Scheme to the Australian Standard for Sustainable Forest Management (AS 4708) which is endorsed by PEFC.

This certification demonstrates that VicForests' operations meet requirements for best practice in sustainable forest management. This is done by ensuring our operations meet a set of predetermined and clearly defined environmental, economic, social and cultural performance requirements that supports sustainable management of forests.

In addition to nine-monthly audits by the certification body, VicForests is highly scrutinised by a number of extensive internal, external and regulatory audits looking into all areas of our business. Regular auditing ensures procedures and staff are up-to-date and relevant and it encourages innovation and fresh approaches to ongoing system improvements and practices. Click here to view audit results. 

As part of our commitment to sustainable forest management we are working towards achieving FSC® Controlled Wood Standard. The proposed commencement date of the audit is 11 November 2019. 

 

In support of the efforts at achieving the standard, VicForests has developed a new suite of management systems focused on new harvesting and regeneration practices and high conservation values. VicForests has also updated its Forest Management Plan to communicate clearly the policy settings under which we operate. The Plan will be reviewed on a regular basis and VicForests welcomes ongoing stakeholder input.

VicForests is focusing on new harvesting and regeneration practices, as part of its reform project - outlined in a reform roadmap. A key component to the roadmap is the Controlled Wood standard audit which is due to commence on 11 November 2019 - with feedback in relation to the audit welcomed at vfs.admin@vicforests.com.au.

This roadmap commits VicForests to:

Activities to achieve these goals fall within three key focus areas being adaptive silvicultural regimes and outcomes, High Conservation Value (HCV) protection and enhanced stakeholder engagement.  As part of this, VicForests will identify measures to guide and mark its progress across these areas which will be monitored by staff. This focus in the field is underpinned by key documents focusing on harvesting and regeneration practices, and high conservation values, with two rounds of stakeholder consultation in relation to each document undertaken throughout 2019. Further input on these documents and in relation to the 2019 Controlled Wood standard audit is encouraged via email.

The figure below outlines VicForests intended activity plan in accordance with these focus areas and maps this against the proposed audit plan and timeline.

 

A copy of this roadmap can be downloaded here: