FSC Principles and Criteria

The FSC Principles and Criteria (P&C) describe how the forests have to be managed to meet the social, economic, ecological, cultural and spiritual needs of present and future generations. They include managerial aspects as well as environmental and social requirements. FSC rules are the strictest and FSC’s social and environmental requirements the highest.

• Legality verification - follow all applicable laws
• Demonstrated long-term land tenure and use rights
• Respect rights of workers, indigenous peoples’
• Equitable use and sharing of benefits
• Reduction of environmental impact of logging activiites
• Identification and appropriate management of areas that need special protection (e.g. cultural or sacred sites, habitat of endangered animals or plants)

http://www.fsc.org/