Recent reporting in ABC News has raised questions about the integrity of sustainable timber certification systems in Australia. According to conservation advocates and new research, auditing processes have revealed shortcomings in voluntary certification schemes. The areas logged as “sustainably managed” may not always adequately protect native forests, with building evidence suggesting the scheme could be leading to damage to the environment in Australia and failing to protect forests.
Industry services that monitor compliance of accredited schemes highlighted deficiencies in how sensitive ecosystems were identified at a major plantation site. Local landholders and researchers warn that endangered species habitat has potentially been compromised where certification audits failed to recognise key ecological features.
Industry bodies are defending the strength of the certification frameworks, such as the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) and emphasising ongoing improvements in impact assessment and compliance processes. However, academic commentary argues that systemic reform is needed to ensure that certifications align with conservation outcomes and regulatory expectations across the sector.
To combat this threat to biodiversity, an urgent reform is being requested for Australia’s certification scheme to protect the areas. High standards are required to protect threatened species and align this with certification bodies through strengthening assessments following a strong and ethical supply chain.
Prospects for forest biodiversity conservation in Australia are expected to develop over the next decade. In the meantime, we will keep you updated on any reforms. Our services provide FSC certification checking to support businesses in managing claims and strengthening environmental credibility. By assessing alignment between FSC requirements, we assist organisations in verifying due diligence and corrective actions to meet high environmental and governance standards.
