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The FSC logo allows consumers to buy wood and other forest products from a forest that is being managed in a way that is environmentally sustainable, socially responsible and economically sound. Timber with the FSC logo has to adhere to the FSC's principles and criteria as set out on their web site (http://www.fscoax.org/).

Until December 2002 Fern is representing the Northern environmental chamber on the Board of FSC, and keeps NGOs informed of developments in the FSC. Hannah Scrase is Fern's representative on the board of the FSC, can be contacted by email regarding FSC-specific enquiries.

Fern supports the FSC but believes it can and should be improved; specifically the social sector should be strengthened, stakeholder participation should be improved; certification of large scale tree plantations should be heavily scrutinised and certifiers should be made to comply more strictly with existing procedures.

In our report, Behind the Logo (May 2001), we assess the strengths and flaws of the FSC in comparison with three other forest certification schemes (PEFC, SFI, CSA). This report shows why none of the other forest certification schemes currently operational meet the requirements the wider NGO community has formulated for a credible certification scheme.