The two-day engagement convened members in the region to interact, network, and exchange insights with each other and the FSC Secretariat. Members were immersed in topics from the FSC Global Strategy and implementation framework, with a special focus on regional priorities and motions that will be voted on during the FSC General Assembly.
The meeting was opened by FSC International Director General Kim Carstensen opened the meeting with an update on FSC Global Strategy 2021-26, regional priorities, and strategic highlights.
A key topic of engagement during the meeting was the focused discussion on the Policy for Association (PfA), conversion and remedy framework. FSC Chief System Integrity Officer Marc Jessel presented updates on the recent public consultation on these policies and procedures with an overview of subsequent actions. Considerable discussions were aroused, including the scope of application of PfA; consultation approach; ownership, control, and responsibility with respect to rights holders and more.
A presentation on “Mainstreaming Smallholders in Asia Pacific” showcased several strategies aimed at bringing more smallholders into the FSC system, including examples from Vietnam and Indonesia.
The Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee (PIPC) presented a clarification that the Indigenous Foundation is aligned with the International FSC system, and will support those who identify and declare themselves as indigenous regardless of the official position of their respective governments.
FSC Climate Director Pina Gervassi delivered a presentation on the topic of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Restoration, describing some of the most pressing climate issues and the associated challenges and opportunities for FSC.
The meeting concluded with remarks by board member representatives Linda Fienberg and Stuart Valintine along with FSC International Director General Kim Carstensen, who emphasized FSC’s commitment to effectively engage members and to continue to explore and experiment with different mechanisms for engagement to meet the needs of members and FSC.
Join us at the FSC General Assembly to discuss and engage with us on these topics and more!
Expanding FSC Certified Forests in Indonesia
New Approaches Towards Conversion and Remedy
Conversion and Remedy: An Open Conversation
Scaling Up Forest Based Solutions for Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss and Forest Degradation
Developing an FSC Standard for Smallholders in Asia Pacific
The FSC General Assembly is FSC’s highest decision-making body, attracting hundreds of participants from indigenous people, environmentalists, businesses, and others in FSC membership. The 2022 FSC General Assembly will explore how FSC can further strengthen our approach to local and global forest stewardship solutions, reinforce the role of forests as critical nature-based solutions, and define the credibility and value of FSC on global agendas.
Learn more here https://ga.fsc.org/en/about-the-ga