The Forest Stewardship Council was founded in 1993 to establish international forest management standards and monitor certification organizations, or “certifiers.” FSC is an independent, not-for-profit organization with a diverse membership representing environmental, business and social interest globally. Here is an abridged version of their “Ten Principles of Sustainability.”

1. Meet all applicable laws.

2. Have legally established, long-term forest management rights.

3. Recognize and respect the rights of indigenous peoples.

4. Maintain the economic and social well-being of local communities

5. Conserve the forest’s economic resources.

6. Protect biological diversity.

7. Have a written management plan.

8. Engage in regular monitoring.

9. Conserve primary forests and well-developed secondary forests.

10. Manage plantations so as to alleviate pressures on natural forests.

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