FSC APAC: YEAR IN REVIEW
2023 has proven to be a pivotal year for FSC. As we emerged from the final COVID-19 restrictions, we were invigorated with a renewed sense of purpose and drive. The recent, historic outcomes at COP28 have starkly reminded us again that we are in a race against time. It was this acute awareness of time's urgency that spurred us to channel our momentum into vital on-the-ground work early in the year. Driven by this pressing need for swift action, we have accelerated our efforts across the APAC region, deepening our commitment to climate action.
Over the last 12 months, we’ve successfully expanded FSC’s influence in the region—a landmark achievement fueled by our drive to harness APAC's diverse cultures and governance. By strategically engaging individuals skilled at forging deeper connections with communities, members, governments, businesses and stakeholders, we cultivated stronger, more resilient local partnerships, and the valuable input from our members has helped pave the way for our journey into 2024. Embracing each nation’s unique identities, we deepened our engagement and elevated our presence. These enriched relationships ultimately broadened the reach of our initiatives, facilitating the advancement of responsible forest management across this ecologically diverse region.
2023 marks a watershed year in our journey of sustainable growth. In the realm of Forest Management (FM), we've charted an impressive 9% growth, escalating to a striking 9,400,764 hectares – a whisker away from the monumental 10 million hectares mark. Parallel to this, our Chain of Custody (CoC) program has catapulted with a 21% surge, mirroring the dynamic shifts in global sustainability practices. Equally impressive is the Promotional Licence Holder (PLH), clocking in a 10% growth, a clear indicator of the solid trust and commitment our partners in the APAC region continue to invest in us. These figures aren't just numbers; they're a testament to a collective vision of a more sustainable and interconnected business ecosystem.
But 2023 was not without its share of challenges. Guided by our vision to protect the forests in APAC and worldwide, FSC laid substantial groundwork for aligning with the European Union Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR). Using our FSC EUDR Toolbox, we began preparing for crucial compliance, especially in export-centric economies like China, Vietnam, India, and Malaysia. This foundational work is crucial for our full roll-out and adoption slated for 2024, reinforcing our commitment to responsible forestry. Concurrently, our dedicated ground staff are actively preparing to assist our certificate holders in navigating this EUDR journey, ensuring that they are well-equipped and informed to meet these new challenges and requirements
Additionally, we began advancing the FSC Remedy Framework in anticipation of its comprehensive implementation in 2024. This framework, with its stringent requirements for addressing past social and environmental harms, has catalyzed a profound transformation within our organization. It has propelled us into deeper, more meaningful collaborations, particularly as we embrace principles like Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) and align with the United Nations’ Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
These 2023 reflections not only highlight our continuing work to safeguard our forests and actively combat climate change; they also serve as an inspiration for us moving forward.
Clearly complex, the journey ahead remains uncertain and shaped by the current global circumstances. But we can look forward to it with optimism, thanks to the valuable lessons we learned this year on cross-cultural understanding and cooperation. These insights have undoubtedly reshaped our approach by emphasizing the importance of diversity and collaboration in environmental stewardship. As we step into the new year, let us carry this spirit of unity with us, resolving to turn future challenges into opportunities for progress and positive change.
Here’s to a future filled with sustainable growth and even more shared successes. Happy New Year!
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