The Canadian Standards Association ( CSA ) is a non-profit voluntary association established in 1919 with a core focus on the development of a range of standards and product certification. In 1994, the CSA developed a Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) standard for Canada. The initial standard, developed by a committee of academics, governmental, industry and nongovernmental groups, was released in 1996 and is known as Z809-96. The updated Z809-02 standard took effect in December 2002. The CSA SFM standard was endorsed by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes in 2005. As of June 2007, about 59% or 79.3 million hectares out of 134.1 hectares of certified Canadian forests had been certified under the CAN/ CSA -Z809 SFM Standard. The CSA SFM standard utilizes a continual improvement approach, which requires public participation, practical demonstration of sustainable forest management practices, and management commitment. It’s based on six criteria addressing biodiversity, maintenance and enhancement of forest ecosystems, conservation of soil and water resources, the contribution of forests to global ecological cycles, multiple benefits to society, and society’s responsibility toward sustainable development. The CSA SFM has a chain of custody (COC) system to track certified forest products from the time they leave the CSA certified forest until they reach their final destination, such as a retailer's shelves. Companies that meet the COC requirements can use the CSA SFM mark.
| Sub-Category |
Private Sector
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| Standard for |
Forest Management
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| Focus |
Promoting sustainable forest management in Canadian forests to maintain and enhance the long-term health of forest ecosystems for current and future generations.
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| Structure |
The CAN/ CSA -Z809 SFM Standard was developed according to an internationally recognized and accredited standards development process and is based on the international Helsinki and Montréal processes. It incorporates Canada's own national SFM criteria, which were developed by the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers, as well as requiring the development of locally adapted indicators through a public consultation process. The Standard links adaptive forest management to forest certification through three key requirements:
- Performance Requirements
- Public Participation Requirements
- System Requirements
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| Conformity Requirements |
Certified organizations shall meet the SFM requirements of the Standard, which include but are not limited to:
- Compliance with relevant legislation on the defined forest area
- Appropriate values, objectives, indicators, and targets that clearly address the CCFM SFM
- Criteria and CSA SFM elements in this Standard
- Ongoing and meaningful public participation
- Progress towards or achievement of performance targets
- Continual improvement in performance
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| Auditing System |
Qualified independent third party audits by certifiying bodies who are qualified to conduct certifications under the CSA SFM system by the Standards Council of Canada. Certification organizations are monitored annually and required to be re-accredited every five years.
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| Geographic Focus |
Canada
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| Website |
http://www.certifiedwood.csa.ca
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