Australia’s forest management newly revised Australian Standard for forest management (AS4708–2013) strengthens forest managers’ responsibilities in relation to social, cultural and public participation requirements.

“The Australian Standard for forest management has been in operation for ten years,” said Chairman of Australian Forestry Standard Ltd, Geoff Gorrie.

“This is the second full revision of the Standard, undertaken to ensure it continues to reflect best management practices, is consistent with international standards for sustainable forest management and meets community expectations.”

“As an official Australian Standard, it already provides the confidence to consumers that certified products come from well-managed forests,” added Mr Gorrie.

Changes to the Standard include:

  • Clearer and more specific description of the requirements for public participation in forest management planning
  • Clarification of the role of monitoring and review of biodiversity values
  • Tighter requirements for weed and pest control and for chemical use
  • Specific requirements for carbon management
  • Clarification of the requirements relating to protection of indigenous and heritage values Exclusion of the use of genetically modified trees,
  • More explicit requirements to protect workers’ rights in line with international expectations

The changes resulting from the review aim to improve forest management and the rigour of the certification system itself. 

The review was guided by the requirements of Standards Australia and undertaken by an independent Standards Reference Committee made-up of experts and representatives from a broad range of stakeholders, including the Institute of Foresters of Australia, Planet Ark, Timber Communities Australia, Greening Australia, Australian Forest Products Association, the CFMEU and the Ecological Society of Australia.

The new Standard applies to any new application for certification from 24 August 2013. Existing certified forest managers have 12 months to transition to the requirements of the revised Standard.  

The Standard is the core component of the Australian Forest Certification Scheme (AFCS). The scheme also encompasses a logo and label, a chain of custody standard and procedures for accrediting certification bodies to assess compliance with the Standard.

“To support sustainably managed forests in Australia, all consumers need to do is purchase products with the Australian Forestry Standard or PEFC logos,” said Geoff Gorrie.