After five years of efforts, all public forests under the jurisdiction of the eight regional forestry branches have received FSC certification. The certified forest area covers nearly 1.6 million hectares, accounting for 71.5% of Taiwan's total forest area, the highest certification rate among Asian countries. The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency held a press event on 11th December 2024, with special attendance from FSC Asia-Pacific Regional Director Ms. Cindy Cheng, former Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Tsao Chih-hung, Ombudsman Mr. Tian Qiujin, and representatives from the Forestry Research Institute to witness the opening of a new chapter in Taiwan's forest sustainability.
Director of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, Mr. Lin Hua-qing, mentioned that over 99% of Taiwan’s timber was previously reliant on imports, with at least 30% coming from natural forests in tropical countries. Taiwan, however, has considerable plantations that, if properly managed, can increase the self-sufficiency rate of domestic timber, reduce reliance on tropical natural forests, and cut down on energy consumption and carbon emissions from long-distance timber transportation. However, with concerns about logging, to start managing and harvesting plantations, it was necessary to first gain the trust and support of society. Following the policy of former Minister Tsao, he introduced the internationally rigorous FSC certification system, adhering to the ten principles and seventy criteria established by FSC. This ensures that forestry production is conducted sustainably, with assessments and monitoring of all forest operations to prevent irreversible environmental damage. Respecting local indigenous cultures and interests, safeguarding labor rights, and considering stakeholders' opinions are key aspects. Additionally, the agency publishes social and environmental monitoring data every six months and listens to the public to review and revise forest management plans in pursuit of sustainability.
Mr. Tsao recalled that during his tenure as Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, he proposed a policy for the "Sustainable Use of Forest Resources," which included promoting economic forest use in line with FSC standards and deepening the "Satoyama Initiative" towards small, beautiful forestry development that balances conservation and sustainable use. Sustainable forest management yields not only timber but also non-timber forest products, such as mushrooms and forest honey, all of which come from sustainably managed forests and align with global forestry trends.
FSC Asia-Pacific Regional Director Ms. Cindy Cheng, who attended the event from Hong Kong, stated that FSC is internationally recognized as one of the most rigorous forest management systems. It emphasizes a balance across environmental, social, and economic aspects. The ten principles and seventy criteria set by FSC establish globally recognized forest management standards that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To date, 160 million hectares of forest land worldwide have received FSC certification. In Taiwan, ten forest management units covering about 1.58 million hectares have received FSC certification, and the future goal is to encourage the procurement of FSC-certified forest products to support responsible and sustainable forest management.
Mr. Lin Hua-qing emphasized that the FSC certification of all public forests marks the beginning of a new era in Taiwan's forestry industry. The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency has already launched several new strategies for sustainable forest management that include both timber and non-timber production. These strategies involve promoting FSC-compliant forestry production, assisting and rewarding private forests to participate in certification, advancing the use of domestic wood in construction, revitalizing the bamboo industry, expanding the forest economy, and promoting the high-value use of non-timber products and forest therapy to foster the development of a diversified forest industry. In addition to encouraging the public to purchase domestic wood and FSC-certified products, the agency is also actively promoting the use of domestic materials in school desks and chairs to instil carbon reduction and sustainable plantation management concepts into daily life.
*This is a translation of the original press release issued by the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, Ministry of Agriculture. Please refer to the Chinese version 森林永續經營新扉頁 國有林全區FSC驗證 森林驗證比例亞洲最高 for the original content.