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FSC standard for forest management in Sweden

(english translation)

Second consultation 29 june - 31 august 2018

FSC standard for forest management in Sweden (english translation) Second consultation: 29 june – 31 august 2018

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Översättningen av FSC-standarden till engelska

Detta är en översättning från svenska till engelska av konsultationsversionen av FSC-standarden för skogsbruk i Sverige. Det kommer att vara den engelska versionen av standarden som godkänns av internationella FSC. Därför är det viktigt att den engelska översättningen verkligen speglar den svenska. I konsultationen tar vi därför gärna emot synpunkter på den engelska översättningen.

Principer och kriterier har lyfts in på engelska direkt från FSC:s Principles and Criteria. Där en indikator har haft samma betydelse som en indikator som finns på engelska i FSC:s International Generic Indicators (IGI) har IGI-indikatorn använts som översättning, i vissa fall med mindre ändringar.


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PRINCIPLE 1: COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS

The Organization* shall* comply with all applicable laws*, regulations and nationally-ratified* international treaties, conventions and agreements.

1.1 The Organization* shall* be a legally defined entity with clear, documented and unchallenged legal registration*, with written authorization from the legally competent* authority for specific activities.

This criterion is met through the indicators in criterion 1.2.

1.2 The Organization* shall* demonstrate that the legal* status of the Management Unit*, including tenure* and use rights*, and its boundaries, are clearly defined.

1.2.1 There are land titles, legally binding contracts, proxy or other documentation that clearly confirm the right to manage the forest.

1.2.2 The boundaries of all Management Units within the scope of the certificate are registered with Lantmäteriet and are marked in the terrain.

1.3 The Organization* shall* have legal* rights to operate in the Management Unit*, which fit the legal* status of The Organization* and of the Management Unit*, and shall* comply with the associated legal* obligations in applicable national and local laws* and regulations and administrative requirements. The legal* rights shall* provide for harvest of products and/or supply of ecosystem services* from within the Management Unit*. The Organization* shall* pay the legally prescribed charges associated with such rights and obligations.

1.3.1 All management activities undertaken in the Management Unit are carried out in compliance with applicable laws and regulations (see Annex 1).

1.3.2 Contracts and agreements that are entered into relating to management activities are adhered to.

1.3.3 Conflicts and issues of interpretation that arise between Swedish legislation (see Annex 1) and the requirements of the FSC standard are documented and the certification body is consulted. FSC Sweden is informed in the event of significant conflicts and interpretation issues.

1.4 The Organization* shall* develop and implement measures, and/or shall* engage with regulatory agencies, to systematically protect the Management Unit* from unauthorized or illegal resource use, settlement and other illegal activities.

1.4.1 Relevant authorities are notified of illegal activities as soon as they are detected.

1.4.2 Engagement with relevant authorities is initiated when necessary to avoid, prevent and control illegal activities.


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1.5 The Organization* shall* comply with the applicable national laws*, local laws, ratified* international conventions and obligatory codes of practice*, relating to the transportation and trade of forest products within and from the Management Unit*, and/or up to the point of first sale.

1.5.1 Compliance with applicable laws and regulations relating to the transportation of forest products up to the point of first sale is demonstrated.

1.5.2 Compliance with applicable laws and regulations relating to trade of forest products is demonstrated.

1.6 The Organization* shall* identify, prevent and resolve disputes* over issues of statutory or customary law*, which can be settled out of court in a timely manner*, through engagement with affected stakeholders*.

1.6.1 Up to date records of disputes regarding legal issues that relate to management activities, including customary law, are held. The records include:

a) the steps and approaches taken to reach an agreement out of court,

b) the outcomes of the process,

c) unresolved disputes with an explanation as to why they have not been resolved.

1.6.2 Where there are ongoing disputes regarding legal issues relating to management activities, and where continued operations can compromise the rights that the dispute concerns, the disputed operations cease until the dispute is resolved.

1.7 The Organization* shall* publicize a commitment not to offer or receive bribes in money or any other form of corruption, and shall* comply with anti-corruption legislation where this exists. In the absence of anti-corruption legislation, The Organization* shall* implement other anti-corruption measures proportionate to the scale* and intensity* of management activities and the risk* of corruption.

1.7.1 The Organization has a documented public policy against corruption.

1.7.2 The Organization follows its policy against corruption according to 1.7.1.

1.8 The Organization* shall* demonstrate a long-term* commitment to adhere to the FSC Principles* and Criteria* in the Management Unit*, and to related FSC Policies and Standards. A statement of this commitment shall* be contained in a publicly available* document made freely available.

1.8.1 The Organization has a documented public policy which includes a long-term commitment to forest management practices consistent with FSC Principles and Criteria and related national and international guidelines.


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1.8.2 There are written contracts with group-certified landowners, or alternatively deputies or representatives, to comply with the Swedish FSC standard and related national and international guidelines.

1.8.3 When jointly owned properties become certified, the owners commit to following the Swedish FSC standard and related national and international guidelines.

1.8.4 Landowners have certified all their landholdings in Sweden, for which they have full ownership and that occur within the same ownership constellation, according to FSC.

INSTRUCTIONS 1.8.4: Exceptions can be made for landowners that, for formal reasons, cannot make decisions regarding certification for all parts of the landholding.

GUIDANCE 1.8.4: The intention with the exception in the instructions for 1.8.4 is that certification should not be disabled when parts of the landholding cannot be certified for reasons that relate to the right of making this decision.

This applies e.g. for The Church of Sweden, where the management of the clergymen’s salary assets (Sw: Prästlönetillgångarna) is regulated in the church order and is delegated to dioceses that make the decision about e.g. certification. This also applies for landowners that have donation properties with terms that do not enable certification of these properties, but that have other forest holdings that are suitable for certification.


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PRINCIPLE 2: WORKERS’* RIGHTS AND EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

The Organization* shall* maintain or enhance the social and economic wellbeing of workers*.

2.1 The Organization* shall* uphold* the principles and rights at work as defined in the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (1998) based on the eight ILO Core Labour Conventions.

The eight ILO Core Labour Conventions:

No. 29: Forced Labour Convention

No. 87: Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Conventions

No. 98: Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention

No. 100: Equal Remuneration Convention

No. 105: Abolition of Forced Labour Convention

No. 111: Discrimination (Occupation and Employment) Convention

No. 138: Minimum Age Convention

No. 182: Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention

2.1.1 Workers have the right to organize and negotiate as per Swedish law and the applicable collective bargaining agreement. (ILO no. 87, 98)

2.1.2 Workers, as employees, are covered by the collective bargaining agreements that apply to the work, and wages and terms of employment are followed. Both permanent tenure and fixed-term employment are covered by the collective bargaining agreement. (ILO no. 29, 98)

2.1.3 Workers, as employees, have lasting and secure conditions of employment. Permanent tenure is prioritised as a form of employment where possible. (ILO no. 29, 105)

2.1.4 In the case of shortage of work, the affected employer consults with the relevant labour organizations to mitigate the negative impacts on redundant staff.

2.1.5 Written contracts of employment or business agreements with effective terms are established between workers and employers. The contents of the employment contract comply with the Employment Protection Act and the applicable Swedish collective bargaining agreement. The contents of business agreements are agreed upon between the parties and follow current practice in the sector (for example Standard Conditions for Forestry-related Contracting, ABSE). (ILO no. 29, 105)

2.1.6 When workers are underage (under 18 years), the specific rules for working hours and work duties as stated in the Swedish Work Environment Authority´s provisions regarding the working environment of minors are adhered to. (ILO no. 138, 182)

2.2 The Organization* shall* promote gender equality* in employment practices, training opportunities, awarding of contracts, processes of engagement* and management activities.


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2.2.1 Employers promote gender equality in employment practices, allocation of wages, training opportunities, representation at meetings and in decision-making forums. The equivalent also applies when hiring contractors. (ILO no. 100, 111)

2.2.2 There is no discrimination on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, religion or ethnicity in employment practices, employment type, allocation of wages, training opportunities, representation at meetings and in decision-making forums. (ILO no. 100, 111)

2.2.3 Workers have the right to leave and compensation as parents/guardians, as regulated by the valid collective bargaining agreement and the Parental Leave Act. Such leave is treated in positive spirit and may not constitute an obstacle for employment/assignments or a justification for compromised working conditions.

2.2.4 Opportunities to signal wrongs that are in conflict with 2.2.1 and 2.2.2 are documented and well known. Wrongs that arise are investigated, resolved and monitored so that they are not repeated.

GUIDANCE 2.2.4: Opportunities to signal wrongs that are in conflict with 2.2.1 and 2.2.2 should be described in the company’s staff policy.

2.2.5 A gender equality plan is in place. Employers with more than 25 employees formulate a written gender equality plan in accordance with the Discrimination Act. A written gender equality plan is not required of employers with fewer than 25 employees.

2.3 The Organization* shall* implement health and safety practices to protect workers* from occupational safety and health hazards. These practices shall*, proportionate to scale, intensity and risk* of management activities, meet or exceed the recommendations of the ILO Code of Practice on Safety and Health in Forestry Work.

2.3.1 The Swedish Work Environment Authority’s provisions regarding systematic work environment management (Sw: Systematisk arbetsmiljöarbete, SAM) are applied. Risk assessments and action plans are documented in written form and workers are aware of them. Local agreements are reached about the forms of engagement regarding systematic work environment management.

GUIDANCE 2.3.1: Local agreements are reached between the employer and the labour organization.

2.3.2 Consultations are conducted regarding work environment issues in workplaces where more than one company operates. If required, an agreement is reached regarding who is responsible for coordinating safety measures against illnesses and accidents in the shared workplace (Work Environment Act – shared workplace).

2.3.3 Employers provide safety and healthcare equipment that is appropriate to their assigned tasks as per the law and the collective bargaining agreement.

2.3.4 The use of relevant safety equipment is enforced.

2.3.5 The following is in place:


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a) incident reporting,

b) occupational injury reporting,

c) registration of sick leave as a result of accidents,

d) safety inspections and risk assessments,

e) records of overtime where working hours are regulated.

The Organization is responsible for ensuring that contractors with their own employed staff can present documentation of the above. This also applies for organizations with their own employed staff.

2.3.6 The causes of incidents and/or accidents that have occurred are investigated and documented, and practices for the systematic work environment management are revised as required.

2.3.7 All employees have access to occupational health services as required for the working conditions. The occupational health service is competent in preventative work environment management as well as job adaptation and rehabilitation services.

2.3.8 A safety representative and a safety committee are in place as per the Work Environment Act. Where a local safety representative is missing, contact with a regional safety representative has been established.

2.3.9 Work and safety instructions, together with emergency procedures, shall:

a) be available at the workplace,

b) be understandable to those affected by the work,

c) be known by those affected by the work.

2.3.10 Workers have access to staff facilities. For forest management and felling work, the staff facilities are formed of a staff cabin that is approved for the work and is adjacent to the workplace.

INSTRUCTIONS 2.3.10: At fixed workplaces, furnished facilities shall be available adjacent to the work premises. Access to staff facilities shall also be made available at non-sedentary workplaces, although in such cases staff cabins erected at the workplace can be sufficient.

“Adjacent to the workplace” means next to the workplace or in its immediate vicinity, within walking distance. In exceptional cases – if work is conducted on sporadic occasions or during a very short time (less than one workday) – the distance to the staff facilities may be longer and transportation by car may occur.

“A staff cabin that is approved for the work” relates to the requirements in the Swedish Work Environment Authority’s provisions on workplace design, AFS 2009:2.

a) To fulfil the requirements for staff facilities for forestry work, such a staff cabin shall include:

1. Personal hygiene/possibility to wash hands with warm water,

2. Facilities to heat up and eat food,

3. Comfortable seating, in the case of cold weather in a heated space,

4. Possibility to change clothing,

5. Possibility to dry off,

6. Possibility to store personal clothing separately from work clothing.

b) For work near urban areas, access to a toilet shall also be available.


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c) Exceptions from the requirement for a staff cabin adjacent to the workplace can occur in the following cases:

1. Planning/survey/assessment work, where the worker is normally based at a fixed workplace,

2. Repair work conducted by ambulatory service mechanics,

3. Temporary forestry work conducted during one workday or less,

4. Temporary machine work conducted during one workday or less,

5. A site to which it is not practically possible to transport a staff cabin,

6. When the workday begins and ends where staff facilities are available,

7. Where staff facilities are available at fixed workplaces (for example, for planners and for service mechanics),

8. Where the erection of a staff cabin occurs at a central site within a geographical area, where several shorter work assignments are intended to be conducted over several days,

9. Forestry work that is conducted as secondary work by reindeer husbandry businesses, where the businessperson conducts the work alone.

The requirements for staff facilities are regulated according to the Work Environment Act and the Swedish Work Environment Authority’s provisions (AFS 2009:2), including rules of application, as well as the collective bargaining agreement that applies to the work together with the ILO Code of Practice, Safety and health in forestry work.

2.3.11 Those that are provided with temporary accommodation have good living conditions during the work period.

GUIDANCE 2.3.11: It is not uncommon for workers to be provided with temporary accommodation, either because the work is not situated near their home or because the employer employs foreign workers that only stay in Sweden for the duration of the assignment. It is important that the living conditions are reasonable even in such temporary accommodation or temporary stays in Sweden.

When the worker is resident in the country, the indicator requirements apply to living conditions in the temporary accommodation, which are presumed to be of modern comfort and to adhere to the standard that is required for personal hygiene, cooking, storage and drying of clothing. For these aspects, the accommodation shall be equivalent to permanent accommodation. The indicator requirements are not intended to regulate the terms for when the worker independently chooses their temporary accommodation.

If the worker is temporarily staying in Sweden for the duration of the assignment, the indicator requirements apply to both the accommodation and living conditions. Such cases in forest work rarely relate to single individuals; rather, it is more common that both the assignment and the accommodation is provided for entire work teams. Joint accommodation for several people should thereby include facilities that are well-suited for the number of people staying there, with regard to: sleeping areas that allow for privacy, a dining area and kitchen with possibilities for cooking, toilets, washing and shower facilities, washing and drying of clothing, as well as lockable lockers for personal effects.

The employer is normally is responsible for providing accommodation, and thus also for ensuring that the standard of the accommodation fulfils the terms.

2.4 The Organization* shall* pay wages that meet or exceed minimum forest* industry standards or other recognized forest* industry wage agreements or living wages*, where these are higher than the legal*


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minimum wages. When none of these exist, The Organization* shall* through engagement* with workers* develop mechanisms for determining living wages*.

2.4.1 Wages and working conditions meet or exceed the local and central collective bargaining agreements that apply to the work. If contractors are hired, the compensation corresponds to the level as per the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

INSTRUCTIONS 2.4.1: Wages and other compensation for employees are accounted for, together with any deductions, on payslips in conjunction with the ordinary salary payment.

2.4.2 Regulations relating to temporary accommodation beyond those of the valid collective bargaining agreement about arrival at work, journeys home, and travel during leave shall be present in written form or shall be apparent in the contract of employment.

INSTRUCTIONS 2.4.2: If payment deductions are made for the above and/or temporary accommodation, this shall be apparent on the payslip.

2.4.3 Workers shall be familiar with the wages, compensation and conditions that apply for the work. Information about rights and the implications of the collective bargaining agreement is provided in the relevant languages.

2.4.4 Labour organizations have the right to visit workplaces of contractual employers given that the visit has been reported in good time.

2.5 The Organization* shall* demonstrate that workers* have job-specific training and supervision to safely and effectively implement the Management Plan* and all management activities.

2.5.1 All workers have the relevant competence required for the work assignment.

INSTRUCTIONS 2.5.1: That workers have sufficient competence for the work that is carried out is an important aspect of applying the FSC standard. To fulfil this, a completed agricultural college education with a focus on forestry, as well as completed courses from the Swedish Vocational Board of Forestry (SYN; Sw: Skogsbrukets yrkesnämnd) for the relevant work assignment, or the equivalent competence is required. Workers:

a) Have competence necessary for the work.

b) Shall be able to understand the content, intent and application of the eight ILO Core Labour Conventions (see “Mänskliga rättigheter i arbetslivet” (in Swedish), issued by Union-to-union).

c) Shall be able to recognise and report cases of sexual harassment and gender discrimination (see the Swedish Work Environment Authority’s provisions, at present AFS 2015:4).

d) Shall be aware of the applicable terms of work according to the collective bargaining agreement (see the collective bargaining agreement that applies to the work).

e) Shall have competence in natural and cultural resource management that is suitable for the purpose of work, in accordance with SYN or equivalent. The competence is renewed at least every fifth year through e.g. the SYN course on environmental consideration/cultural and environmental resource management: renewal.

f) Have suitable competence for forest ditching, equivalent to the SYN course in protective ditching/ditch cleaning. The competence is renewed at least every fifth year.


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g) Have suitable competence for site preparation, equivalent to the SYN course in site preparation/management. The competence is renewed at least every fifth year.

h) For work assignments as planners, have suitable competence in forest conservation value assessment, in accordance with SYN or the equivalent.

i) For work assignments as forestry planners, have suitable competence corresponding to a university education in forest management planning and according to the requirements set by the forest management plan producer. Renewal courses and calibration trainings for forestry planners shall be carried out at least every fifth year according to the forest management plan producer’s documented routines.

Any insufficiencies in education shall be remedied as soon as possible through specific training and suitable guidance and supervision.

Completed and planned trainings shall be documented.

If temporary workers lack competence in forest work, there shall be a supervisor with the necessary competence according to the above that is responsible for the work assignment in question. This applies primarily for schoolchildren or for those who, for reasons related to employment policy, are given the opportunity for an internship or work experience.

2.5.2 Systematic professional development of employed staff is carried out through periodic, documented performance appraisals and workplace meetings. This applies to both permanent tenure and returning fixed-term staff. An evaluative dialogue is held with fixed-term seasonal forest management staff at the end of the season. The dialogue shall be documented.

2.6 The Organization* through engagement* with workers* shall* have mechanisms for resolving grievances and for providing fair compensation* to workers* for loss or damage to property, occupational diseases*, or occupational injuries* sustained while working for The Organization*.

2.6.1 Work-related occurrences that cause loss and/or damage to property belonging to workers are dealt with immediately.

INSTRUCTIONS 2.6.1, 2.6.2 AND 2.6.3: The management of wrongs and compensation is developed in engagement between the affected parties.

2.6.2 Cases regarding occupational diseases or occupational injuries are dealt with immediately.

2.6.3 Up-to-date records of cases relating to 2.6.1 and 2.6.2 are available and include:

a) Steps taken to resolve the cases,

b) Outcomes of all cases including fair compensation,

c) Unresolved cases, the reasons they are not resolved, and how they will be resolved.

2.6.4 Fair compensation is provided with respect to 2.6.1 and 2.6.2.

GUIDANCE 2.6.4: Work-related loss or damage of property is normally compensated through supplementary insurance. Occupational disease and occupational injuries are compensated through insurances according to the collective bargaining agreement.

2.6.5 Workers are covered by the Swedish social security system or by additional insurance from their home country.


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INSTRUCTIONS 2.6.5: It is The Organization’s responsibility that workers are covered at least by work-based social benefits, together with protection against high healthcare costs in case of accidents or illness during the work assignment period.

The principal rule is that payroll taxes are paid in to the Swedish social security system in conjunction with compensation for work conducted within the country, and that workers are registered with the Swedish National Insurance Office.

When exceptions are made from the principal rule, there shall be adequate documentation that shows which decisions have been made by Swedish authorities, as well as which benefits and compensations the workers are covered by instead.

GUIDANCE 2.6.5: Information regarding what applies for employee benefits and social security for foreign workforce is available on the following websites:

The Swedish Tax Agency’s information: “Rules for working as an employed person in Sweden” is available as a PDF on the website: https://www.skatteverket.se

The Swedish National Insurance Office’s information: “Working in Sweden” is available as a tab on the website: https://www.forsakringskassan.se

The Federation of Swedish Forestry and Agricultural Employers (SLA) has information on foreign workforce as a PDF in Swedish (Sw: ”Utländsk arbetskraft en handledning för medlemsföretag i SLA”), available on their website: http://www.sla-arbetsgivarna.org/

https://www.skatteverket.se/

https://www.forsakringskassan.se/

http://www.sla-arbetsgivarna.org/


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PRINCIPLE 3: INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’* RIGHTS

The Organization* shall* identify and uphold* Indigenous Peoples’* legal* and customary rights* of ownership, use and management of land, territories* and resources affected by management activities.

3.1 The Organization* shall* identify the Indigenous Peoples* that exist within the Management Unit* or those that are affected by management activities. The Organization* shall* then, through engagement* with these Indigenous Peoples, identify their rights of tenure*, their rights of access to and use of forest* resources and ecosystem services*, their customary rights* and legal* rights and obligations, that apply within the Management Unit*. The Organization* shall* also identify areas where these rights are contested.

3.1.1 The Organization accepts and takes considerations for the customary Sami people’s reindeer herding that is conducted within the landholding.

3.1.2 Where customary Sami people’s reindeer herding is conducted within the landholding, the Organization, in engagement with representatives for the Sami reindeer herding, carries out a process for collaborative planning where the rights that may be affected by forest management are secured.

INSTRUCTIONS 3.1.2: The following is taken into account in the collaborative planning process:

a) Legal and customary rights to use land, water, forest, natural resources and ecosystem services,

b) Other applicable legal and customary rights and obligations,

c) Evidence that backs up these rights and obligations,

d) Areas where the rights are disputed,

e) How The Organization handles rights and disputed rights,

f) The Sami villages’ goals in relation to the forest management activities.

Management activities are not conducted before the collaborative planning process has been carried out. The Sami village can choose not to give consent to a proposed activity when the statutory and customary rights of the Sami reindeer herding are threatened in a way that disables the reindeer herding after the collaborative planning process has been carried out.

3.2 The Organization* shall* recognize and uphold* the legal* and customary rights* of Indigenous Peoples* to maintain control over management activities within or related to the Management Unit* to the extent necessary to protect their rights, resources and lands and territories*. Delegation by Indigenous Peoples of control over management activities to third parties requires Free, Prior and Informed Consent*.

3.2.1 The legal and customary rights of Sami people’s reindeer herding may not be violated. If such a violation occurs, it is corrected through engagement with the holder of rights through the dispute resolution committee that the parties have agreed upon.


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3.2.2 A collaborative planning process is offered to the Sami villages that have described to the Organization how the Sami village’s grazing area is used. This can occur digitally, verbally or through paper maps.

INSTRUCTIONS 3.2.2: Within the framework for Principle 3, “Indigenous Peoples’ Rights”, it is the Organization’s responsibility to plan several types of activities in collaboration with representatives for the Sami people’s reindeer herding. The collaborative planning process is based on the principle of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), and the parties seek common solutions within this framework so that forest management activities can be carried out. The point of departure is that lands can be used by both parties. Respect and understanding for each other’s rights shall be central to the work within the collaborative planning process.

The collaborative planning process covers a Sami village’s area and the activities planned by the forest managers within ca. 5-7 years.

The collaborative planning process covers:

• final felling,

• selective fellings in subalpine forests,

• the method of site preparation,

• the choice of tree species,

• fertilization,

• road construction.

The Sami village can choose to not give consent to a proposed activity, presuming that the Sami village describes how the activity affects the conditions within the whole of the Sami village’s grazing area and how the activity substantially worsens the grazing possibilities within the Sami village in the long term. It is presumed that both parties consider a landscape perspective and, therefore, consider all aspects with an impact, so that both reindeer grazing and forest management activities can be conducted. The Sami village’s account shall contain a description of:

a) the consequences for the reindeer herding, with reference to the description of how the land is used by the Sami village and with consideration taken to measures that can improve the grazing possibilities,

b) the time period during which the impact of the forest management activity remains,

c) if there are measures that the Organization can take to limit or eliminate the impact,

d) how reindeer herding has been adapted to enable the forest management activity to be conducted.

The collaborative planning process ensures that the Sami reindeer herding has an influence on the forest management. The collaborative planning process is conducted in a landscape perspective and gives both parties a better overview of the cumulative effect of the measures that are suggested for the time period within the Sami village’s grazing area.

Implementation of the collaborative planning process

The collaborative planning process is offered to all Sami villages that have provided the Organization with a description of how the Sami village uses the land, and that are affected by forest management activities within ca. 5-7 years. The process is normally carried out annually, on the initiative of the Organization, assuming that activities are planned to be carried out. Areas that are used by several Sami villages are handled according to 3.2.3.

At a collaborative planning meeting, the representatives for the Sami village shall have a mandate to discuss and decide on measures that are suggested within the whole Sami village’s area. Both parties shall have a mandate to adapt the suggested management activities within time and geography in order to facilitate, or limit the negative impacts on, the other party’s business operations. It is important that both parties clearly communicate whether the discussion goes beyond their mandate.


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If a forest management activity that has a negative effect on the grazing conditions is suggested, time and focus in the collaborative planning process shall be used to analyse which positive measures could be implemented to facilitate the forest management activity. If the parties cannot agree on a solution, the Organization and the representatives for the Sami village should conduct a field assessment of the area that is affected by the management activity. The purpose of the field assessment is to increase understanding for the significance of the area for each party. The field assessment provides the opportunity to discuss adaptations to the site and the surrounding area according to the conditions. The Sami village can choose not to give consent to a measure, but the Organization does not have to accept restrictions that substantially affect the forest management in the long term. Restrictions that substantially affect the forest management in the long term occur when consent to forest management activities is not given within a time perspective that greatly exceeds the Organization’s long-term harvesting plans, or when general consent is not given for a specific type of activity. The negative impact that a management activity can have on the grazing conditions is not permanent. The measure is planned in collaboration again when the forest condition has changed in terms of grazing.

Materials and preparation

To be able to review management activities and impact, it is of utmost importance that the Organization and Sami village have access to maps and data in GIS systems. All large forest owners have their own internal systems. A prerequisite for the collaborative planning process is that the forest management respects the Sami village’s description of land use within the area defined in 3.1.1. The Organization shall check all activities that are suggested for collaborative planning against the Sami village’s description of land use. The Sami village is responsible for ensuring that the Organization receives an updated description of the land use.

The steps in the collaborative planning process:

1. Large forest owners check with each Sami village approximately when in the year it would be suitable to conduct the collaborative planning process.

2. The Organization proposes forest management activities by, in good time, sending materials to the Sami village. The materials shall include information about the timepoint, management activity, choice of method, tree species, planned considerations for reindeer herding, and other relevant factors for the sites where activities are suggested. The collaborative planning meeting is conducted within 6


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weeks after the Organization has sent out the invitation and materials to the Sami village, unless otherwise agreed.

3. The Sami village processes the information and forms a comprehensive understanding of the issue, so that representatives shall be well prepared when the process begins. The Sami village asks the Organization about any ambiguities. The Organization supplements the material as necessary.

4. During one or more physical meetings, the proposed management activities and the minutes are reviewed methodically for the standpoint of the Sami village and the need for considerations in relation to each individual activity. Representatives for the Sami village can give their consent for the management activity, with the considerations and any adaptations that are agreed upon during the collaborative planning, or choose to not give their consent for the activity. Three possible situations can then occur, where the Organization and the representatives for the Sami village either:

a. Are in agreement that the management activity will not be carried out during the current collaborative planning period, but have together identified and agreed to implement positive measures that, over time, will lead to improved grazing conditions in the area. The representatives for the Sami village have given consent for the activity to be carried out within the next collaborative planning period, at the earliest in five years, or;

b. Are in agreement that all possibilities to adapt operations from both parties have been considered, and that the grazing conditions are affected to such an extent that the management activity cannot be carried out within the current collaborative planning period. The Organization abstains from conducting the activity at the site in question, and the activity is brought up for collaborative planning again, at the earliest in five years. At the next collaborative planning for the activity, the existing conditions as well as positive adaptations or measures that have been carried out during the abstention period are considered, or;

c. Are not in agreement over the long-term impact of the management activity on grazing, and/or that all possibilities for adaptation from both parties have been considered. The Organization or Sami village can then call for a review from a dispute resolution committee. The request is made to FSC Sweden. The dispute resolution committee determines which adaptations or measures are required. For the dispute resolution committee to do so, all positive measures that could enable the management activity to be conducted shall have been considered, and a description that clarifies how the activity disables reindeer herding within the Sami village shall be compiled.

5. At the next collaborative planning meeting, the Organization presents which measures that were agreed upon have been carried out, as well as any deviations from the agreement.

6. The Organization shall carry out their own evaluation together with the Sami villages with whom the Organization plans in collaboration. The evaluation is adapted regarding the choice of method, when and how often a joint evaluation has to occur, based on the degree of forest management within the Sami village area that affects reindeer herding. The joint evaluation is conducted on the initiative of the Organization. The evaluation is documented. The Sami village is given the opportunity to read and comment on the summarising documentation.

7. Large forest owners shall, together with representatives appointed by Sámiid Riikkasearvi for the Sami reindeer herding, annually conduct a common, general evaluation of the collaborative planning process with the purpose of developing and improving the process.

GUIDANCE 3.2.2: The landscape perspective allows the activities as a whole to be analysed, and with the help of the Sami village’s description of land use, the Organization and the representatives for the Sami reindeer herding can agree on adaptations. Adaptations can be


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carried out for surrounding parts of the landscape to facilitate for the forest management activities to be conducted without substantially worsening the grazing conditions in the long term. Both parties should be focused on actively suggesting positive measures during the collaborative planning process, to balance the ability for the proposed management activities that have a negative impact on the Sami reindeer herding to be carried out. Examples of positive measures can be clearing or thinning to facilitate accessibility or promote grazing, adapting the felling formation, or using mild site preparation methods.

3.2.3 Where several Sami villages, according to the division of grazing land, use the same area, these are invited to a joint meeting for collaborative planning. The results of these meetings are documented. The Sami villages that do not participate in the collaborative planning meeting are informed of the outcome within the overlapping area at their regular collaborative planning meeting.

3.2.4 The following is considered in the collaborative planning process:

a) special consideration is taken for forests with an abundance of arboreal lichens,

b) buffer zones along watercourses and mires, as well as tree groups within or adjacent to the felling area, are left as sources of dispersal for arboreal lichens on lands within the reindeer herding area,

c) exotic tree species are not established within areas of particular importance to reindeer herding according to 3.5.1, unless otherwise agreed,

d) lichen areas within the reindeer herding area are not subject to burning, unless otherwise agreed.

3.2.5 Prior to the overall planning of land conversion within the reindeer herding area, information is acquired and documented from the affected Sami village relating to permanent establishments and other objects essential to reindeer herding, as well as whether the changes can lead to considerable disturbances for the reindeer herding.

3.3 In the event of delegation of control over management activities, a binding agreement* between The Organization* and the Indigenous Peoples* shall* be concluded through Free, Prior and Informed Consent*. The agreement shall* define its duration, provisions for renegotiation, renewal, termination, economic conditions and other terms and conditions. The agreement shall* make provision for monitoring by Indigenous Peoples of The Organization*’s compliance with its terms and conditions.

3.3.1 Representatives for the Sami people’s reindeer herding are given the opportunity to choose between taking a stand on single management activities that affect their rights (3.2.2) or to give general consent for a certain period or for certain activities.

INSTRUCTIONS 3.3.1: The conciliation agreement in Härjedalen meets the requirements in 3.3.1.

3.3.2 Where general consent has been given for management activities, a binding agreement shall be concluded between the parties that regulates:


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a) the duration of consent,

b) provisions for renegotiation,

c) renewal of the agreement,

d) economic conditions and other terms and conditions,

e) how the agreement shall be followed up.

3.4 The Organization* shall* recognize and uphold* the rights, customs and culture of Indigenous Peoples* as defined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007) and ILO Convention 169 (1989).

The requirements in criterion 3.4 are fulfilled by following the FSC standard for forest

management in Sweden.

3.5 The Organization*, through engagement* with Indigenous Peoples*, shall* identify sites which are of special cultural, ecological, economic, religious or spiritual significance and for which these Indigenous Peoples hold legal* or customary rights*. These sites shall* be recognized by The Organization* and their management, and/or protection* shall* be agreed through engagement* with these Indigenous Peoples.

3.5.1 Sites of special cultural, economic, religious or spiritual significance for which the Sami people hold legal or customary rights are identified through engagement with the Sami people. These areas are old settlements and other Sami cultural remains, work corrals, as well as culturally important paths and sacrificial places or other spiritual values.

3.5.2 The measures that the parties agree upon regarding the protection or considerations for these areas shall be documented and implemented through engagement. In the cases where the representatives for the Sami people’s reindeer herding determine that physical identification of sites in documentation or on maps would threaten the value or protection of the sites, other means will be used.

GUIDANCE 3.5.2: Other means can, for example, refer to verbal communication.

3.5.3 Wherever sites identified according to 3.5.1 are newly observed or discovered, management activities in the vicinity cease immediately until protective measures have been agreed upon with the representative for the Sami people’s reindeer herding.

3.6 The Organization* shall* uphold* the right of Indigenous Peoples* to protect* and utilize their traditional knowledge* and shall* compensate local communities* for the utilization of such knowledge and their intellectual property*. A binding agreement* as per Criterion* 3.3 shall* be concluded between The Organization* and the Indigenous Peoples for such utilization through Free, Prior and Informed Consent* before utilization takes place, and shall* be consistent with the protection* of intellectual property* rights.

This criterion is not applicable in Sweden.


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PRINCIPLE 4: COMMUNITY RELATIONS

The Organization* shall* contribute to maintaining or enhancing the social and economic wellbeing of local communities*.

4.1 The Organization* shall* identify the local communities* that exist within the Management Unit* and those that are affected by management activities. The Organization* shall* then, through engagement* with these local communities*, identify their rights of tenure*, their rights of access to and use of forest* resources and ecosystem services*, their customary rights* and legal* rights and obligations, that apply within the Management Unit*.

4.1.1 Local communities that may be affected by forest management are identified before management activities occur.

4.1.2 Physical or legal persons’ legal rights to the land, as well as use rights and servitude, are documented.

4.2 The Organization* shall* recognize and uphold* the legal* and customary rights* of local communities* to maintain control over management activities within or related to the Management Unit* to the extent necessary to protect their rights, resources, lands and territories*. Delegation by local communities* of control over management activities to third parties requires Free, Prior and Informed Consent*.

4.2.1 Legal rights, use rights and servitude are respected.

4.2.2 The rights and obligations relating to the Right of Public Access (Sw: Allemansrätten) are defended and cherished.

GUIDANCE 4.2.2: See the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency’s website.

4.3 The Organization* shall* provide reasonable* opportunities for employment, training and other services to local communities*, contractors and suppliers proportionate to scale* and intensity* of its management activities.

The indicators under criterion 4.3 also contribute to meeting the requirements of criterion 5.4.

GUIDANCE 4.3: The implication of “local” under 4.3 will vary on a case-by-case basis. It is not possible to give a clear definition of “local” that fits all the indicators in this criterion. The intention is to give local residents the opportunity for employment and training, or the opportunity to contribute with other services. Measures are adapted to the extent of forest management on a local scale.

4.3.1 Local business and local employment opportunities related to management activities are given priority where a cumulative assessment of collective agreements, costs, quality and availability show that these are at least equivalent to non-local options.

GUIDANCE 4.3.1: The intention with the indicator is to give local residents increased opportunities for employment in their business, or as employees in the forest management. Forest management, which often is conducted locally and, not uncommonly, in sparsely populated areas, can in this way contribute to thriving rural areas. Added costs can be


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required so that the purpose of Principle 4, to maintain or enhance the social and economic wellbeing of local communities, can be achieved.

4.3.2 When formulating tender documents in conjunction with the purchase of goods and services, the Organization stresses the importance of local alternatives and locally operating entrepreneurs.

INSTRUCTIONS 4.3.2: The exclusion of small companies is avoided in tender documents.

4.3.3 The Organization shall implement measures to hire local suppliers of goods and services over non-local suppliers, provided that this is possible in the long term.

INSTRUCTIONS 4.3.3: Measures refer to the use of local alternatives, or actively providing opportunities for submitting bids, offers, or the equivalent. Local alternatives shall, where the conditions allow for these to develop into competitive suppliers, be given the opportunity for assignments over a shorter time period/smaller quantities even if they are not completely comparable to non-local alternatives, so that these can be subsequently evaluated.

For Organizations or members of group entities that are subject to the Swedish Public Procurement Act, the following applies instead: “Local suppliers of services and goods are given priority where these are comparable to non-local alternatives in terms of costs, quality, and availability. Local contractors’ opportunities for tendering are encouraged by specifically, although not only, turning to them within the scope that the law allows.”

4.3.4 Local processing of raw materials is strived for where it is possible and while taking market conditions into account.

GUIDANCE 4.3.4: For companies with their own process industry, 4.3.4 applies after the processing of raw materials for the company itself.

4.3.5 Reasonable attempts are made to contribute to the establishment of local business and employment opportunities where local alternatives are lacking.

GUIDANCE 4.3.5: ”Reasonable attempts” can be to advertise the need for local forest management contractors, or alternatively, a local workforce in the local press and in different social medias. When a local workforce is needed, engagement with the Swedish Public Employment Service should occur, for example for local investments in self-employment.

4.3.6 The Organization shall take measures aiming at long-term, stable and beneficial relationships with contractor businesses.

4.4 The Organization* shall* implement additional activities, through engagement* with local communities*, that contribute to their social and economic development, proportionate to the scale*, intensity* and socio-economic impact of its management activities.

4.4.1 Activities that contribute to the social and economic development of local communities are implemented in proportion to the local landholdings.

4.4.2 Large forest owners: Systematic work for contributing to the long-term social and economic development of local communities is in place.

GUIDANCE 4.4.1 AND 4.4.2: Possible examples of contributions to the social and economic development of local communities are:

• providing contributions, in the form of money or benefits in kind, to school forests or local non-profit organizations with activities relating to forests,


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• supporting small-scale local business enterprises,

• prioritising local populations in hunting and fishing concessions, possibly at a lower fee,

• giving local nature tourism business enterprises priority to concessions,

• granting land for outdoor and sporting establishments, such as e.g. nature trails and resting places,

• having a positive approach to local outdoor, sporting and cultural arrangements on their land,

• if possible, keeping roads, with the exception of seasonal variations, open to the public.

4.5 The Organization*, through engagement* with local communities*, shall* take action to identify, avoid and mitigate significant* negative social, environmental and economic impacts of its management activities on affected communities. The action taken shall* be proportionate to the scale, intensity and risk* of those activities and negative impacts.

4.5.1 Areas of importance to local communities for outdoor recreation, culture, or local economy and that may be negatively impacted by current measures are documented, and affected stakeholders are identified.

GUIDANCE 4.5.1: For more detailed guidance, see the forest sector’s “Targets for environmental considerations” (Sw: Målbilder för god miljöhänsyn) regarding social values on the Swedish Forest Agency’s website. Examples of areas important for the local economy can be areas with concession reindeer herding.

4.5.2 Engagement is carried out for areas identified in 4.5.1 in good time before the planned measures are initiated. The form of engagement is adapted to the situation and based on the viewpoints of affected stakeholders.

INSTRUCTIONS 4.5.2: Engagement can be conducted upon request by an affected

stakeholder.

GUIDANCE 4.5.2: Engagement is an exchange of information so that, when forest management activities are selected, considerations can be made and management can be adapted to reduce the negative effects on landscape values and values important for the local economy, or where it is possible to identify activities that can have a positive effect.

The engagement process is adapted, with respect to the approach and content, to the participating parties, as well as to the type of management activity that is planned. Engagement can occur as a step in the planning process prior to a management activity in a site or for a larger area, as well as when monitoring and evaluating implemented activities. If several different management activities are planned to be carried out within the same area, these can all be considered during the same engagement opportunity.

The Organization first forms an opinion on which type of engagement (information, dialogue, consultation) is most suitable for the situation. The method of contact, information, and process are adapted to the circumstances of the parties, and the site’s value for affected stakeholders, with the purpose of ensuring:


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• that the parties are given sufficient time to acquaint themselves with the planned management activities and their impact,

• that the parties are given the opportunity to receive information adapted to their level of knowledge and areas of interest,

• that the affected parties are represented.

All engagement should be documented so that it can be monitored. The results of engagement are documented in site-specific management instructions or the equivalent. Examples of engagement and what can be considered to be “in good time” may vary depending on the complexity.

In typical cases, information and dialogue occurs at least two weeks before the management activities, in the form of:

• informative signs, with contact details and a description of the management activity,

• information by mail or posted in a public place,

• advertisement in the local press,

• telephone calls.

In more complex situations, the initiative should be taken for individual meetings or briefing meetings at least six weeks before the management activity is planned to be carried out. For consultation meetings, which are a type of formalised engagement, see instructions and guidance for 4.5.3.

4.5.3 Consultations are conducted for sites of special importance to local communities: for outdoor recreation, culture, or local economy.

INSTRUCTIONS 4.5.3: Consultation can occur upon request by an affected stakeholder, but consultation is normally not carried out with single individuals or for issues that relate to the Right of Public Access (Sw: Allemansrätten). In such cases, a different type of engagement is chosen instead.

A consultation shall meet the following requirements:

a) Affected stakeholders are called to consultation through an invitation where the site, time and place of the meeting as well as contact details for the party that made the call are indicated. The invitation is sent out at least six weeks before the management activity is planned. A map where the general planned activities appear in text or in visual format, shall be sent out in conjunction with the invitation.

b) Minutes from the consultation are kept, where the received viewpoints are accounted for. The stakeholders that participate shall be given the opportunity to comment on the minutes. Any comments shall be accounted for.

c) A record of the consultation shall be made, which includes the minutes from the consultation and where the Organization gives an account of the decision about management activities. How the Organization has met or catered to the received viewpoints shall be apparent in the record. The decision about management activities shall be made by the Organization itself after the consultation has been carried out. The consultation record shall be shared with those that participated in the consultation prior to the management activities are initiated.

GUIDANCE 4.5.3: Consultations are carried out to pick up opinions from the local community or other stakeholders and constitute a basis for decisions about any management activities. The consultation meeting is primarily a communicative meeting, and not a meeting for decision-making.


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Routines to identify and receive viewpoints are adapted to the local extent of the forest management. The distribution of responsibilities within the organization, with regard to handling and evaluating viewpoints, is made clear.

The consultation is characterised by the following:

• Clarity about the purpose of the consultation and what the process looks like,

• Openness from all parties involved,

• Dialogue with the intention of building trust.

Affected stakeholders are normally primarily impacted by larger management activities such as regeneration felling. The need for consultation can, however, arise for other larger management activities that have a substantial effect, as a step in the management planning, and as a part of monitoring and evaluation of the management within an area.

It is often best to meet at the site in the forest, to clarify the planned management activities and the wishes of stakeholders while there. One meeting is often enough, although two meetings may be necessary in complex cases, e.g. if many sites or stakeholders are affected.

Information about the planned management activities is given within a reasonable time, usually at least two weeks before the management activities are initiated, for example through:

• informative signs about the management activity, with contact details,

• information by mail or posted in a public place,

• advertisement in the local press,

• telephone calls.

4.5.4 Measures are adapted to the identified values in affected areas and with consideration for the concerns that were brought up during engagement. The degree of consideration shall be proportionate to the values and the extent of forest management. The Organization makes the final decision about the choice of measure.

INSTRUCTIONS 4.5.4: Considerations that are made according to 4.5.4 are documented and may be counted in 6.5.2d.

4.5.5 Management activities do not worsen or obstruct the accessibility of publicly used paths, permanent tracks or trails, and paths of cultural and historic interest.

4.5.6 Damage to publicly used paths, permanent tracks and trails, and paths of cultural and historic interest is remedied.

4.6 The Organization*, through engagement* with local communities*, shall* have mechanisms for resolving grievances and providing fair compensation* to local communities* and individuals with regard to the impacts of management activities of The Organization*.

4.6.1 Inquiries, viewpoints and grievances are handled systematically and in a credible way in relation to the stakeholder. This is adapted in proportion to scale, intensity and risk and to the counterparts’ capacity in terms of costs and time.

INSTRUCTIONS 4.6.1: A systematic and credible management of grievances includes:


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a) confirmation of receipt and information about how and when the matter will be handled,

b) that implemented and planned measures are communicated,

c) that an internal timeframe is in place for handling and implementing a and b.

4.6.2 Clearly documented and easily accessible contact details for the Organization are made available for inquiries, viewpoints and grievances from the public to be conveyed.

4.6.3 There is a documented, publicly available general description of how the Organization handles viewpoints and grievances.

4.7 The Organization*, through engagement* with local communities*, shall* identify sites which are of special cultural, ecological, economic, religious or spiritual significance, and for which these local communities* hold legal* or customary rights*. These sites shall* be recognized by The Organization*, and their management and/or protection* shall* be agreed through engagement* with these local communities*.


4.8 The Organization* shall* uphold* the right of local communities* to protect* and utilize their traditional knowledge* and shall* compensate local communities* for the utilization of such knowledge and their intellectual property*. A binding agreement* as per Criterion* 3.3 shall* be concluded between The Organization* and the local communities* for such utilization through Free, Prior and Informed Consent* before utilization takes place, and shall* be consistent with the protection* of intellectual property* rights.



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PRINCIPLE 5: BENEFITS FROM THE FOREST*

The Organization* shall* efficiently manage the range of multiple products and services of the Management Unit* to maintain or enhance long-term* economic viability* and the range of social and environmental benefits.

5.1 The Organization* shall* identify, produce, or enable the production of diversified benefits and/or products, based on the range of resources and ecosystem services* existing in the Management Unit* in order to strengthen and diversify the local economy proportionate to the scale* and intensity* of management activities.

5.1.1 The diversity of benefits that the forest can provide, in addition to timber production, are taken into account.

GUIDANCE 5.1.1: If a businessperson conducts commercial use or operations that go beyond the Right of Public Access (Sw: Allemansrätten), it may be appropriate to regulate this through a contract so that sustainable levels are not exceeded.

5.1.2 The forest productivity is utilised on the basis of the forest owner’s management objectives.

5.2 The Organization* shall* normally harvest products and services from the Management Unit* at or below a level which can be permanently sustained.

5.2.1 Timber harvesting does not exceed the harvest level that can be permanently sustained. These levels are calculated from forest holdings on a regional level.

5.2.2 Commercial use of the forest occurs at levels that are sustainable in the long term.

5.3 The Organization* shall* demonstrate that the positive and negative externalities* of operations are included in the management plan*.

The Board of FSC Sweden do not consider this criterion to contribute to a responsible forestry; rather, it would imply an increased workload for Organizations with very little impact out in the forest. As such, no indicators have been developed for this criterion.

5.4 The Organization* shall* use local processing, local services, and local value adding to meet the requirements of The Organization* where these are available, proportionate to scale, intensity and risk*. If these are not locally available, The Organization* shall* make reasonable* attempts to help establish these services.

The indicators under this criterion are covered by the requirements under criterion 4.3.

5.5 The Organization* shall* demonstrate through its planning and expenditures proportionate to scale, intensity and risk*, its commitment to long-term* economic viability*.

5.5.1 A long-term economic viability is ensured in accordance with the management plan.


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5.5.2 Expenditures and investments are made to meet the requirements of this standard.


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PRINCIPLE 6: ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES* AND IMPACTS

The Organization* shall* maintain, conserve* and/or restore* ecosystem services* and environmental values* of the Management Unit*, and shall* avoid, repair or mitigate negative environmental impacts.

6.1 The Organization* shall* assess environmental values* in the Management Unit* and those values outside the Management Unit* potentially affected by management activities. This assessment shall* be undertaken with a level of detail, scale and frequency that is proportionate to the scale, intensity and risk* of management activities, and is sufficient for the purpose of deciding the necessary conservation* measures, and for detecting and monitoring possible negative impacts of those activities.

6.1.1 The overall conservation values in the landscape are identified. Conservation values outside of the property shall also be considered to the extent that these are affected, both positively and negatively, by current silvicultural activities.

GUIDANCE 6.1.1 AND 6.3.1: The purpose of the indicators is to provide an overview of the overall conservation values that are present in the property or in the landscape. Regionally, the identification is conducted alongside ecological landscape planning or forest management planning, through the compilation of information from official sources such as municipalities, country administrative boards (High Value Forest Landscapes, applicable action plans) or the Swedish Forest Agency (“Skogens pärlor”). This can mean contact with large forest owners with ecological landscape plans that relate to the surrounding properties. Locally, the identification is conducted through assessments of conservation values alongside site planning.

6.2 Prior to the start of site-disturbing activities, The Organization* shall* identify and assess the scale, intensity and risk* of potential impacts of management activities on the identified environmental values*.

6.2.1 Assessments of conservation values are conducted and documented as part of the site planning, normally carried out when the ground is free from snow cover, prior to regeneration felling, final thinning and forest road construction.

INSTRUCTIONS 6.2.1 AND 6.2.2: To achieve sufficient concurrence and a reliable result, the method should be well structured and tested, and should have instructions for application that are fit for the purpose. The Swedish Forest Agency or other experts with equivalent competence shall regularly be consulted so that those who conduct the conservation value assessments are calibrated in terms of identifying high conservation values, including Woodland Key Habitats. Training is adapted to difficulties in identifying cryptic conservation values for relevant parts of the landholding.

The method that is used for conservation value assessments shall be evaluated and approved by the Certification Body, who shall also be assured that the method is used in a reliable manner. An extensive description of the method shall be available and shown upon request.

When constructing forest roads, assessments of environmental and conservation values are carried out for stands that are affected by the road.


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The abovementioned method is also used, together with other general information about conservation and environmental values, as a basis for the formation of consideration measures in conjunction with forest management activities.

GUIDANCE 6.2.1: The objective of the conservation value assessment is to identify conservation and environmental values within the site. The assessment primarily aims to provide information as a basis for:

• environmental and conservation planning prior to regeneration felling, final thinning and forest road construction,

• decisions about set-aside areas for nature conservation purposes (6.5.1 and 6.5.2),

• the gap analysis regarding habitats in the landscape (6.3.1),

• the ecological landscape plan (6.8).

Together with the occurrence of indicator species or red-listed species, the assessment can be used to weigh factors that can indicate the presence of high conservation values or a Woodland Key Habitat.

A conservation value assessment that is based on species inventories of plant and animal species with special habitat requirements demands extensive fieldwork, a high level of knowledge about species, and a high level of biological competence. Most appropriate for most Organizations is an approach based on systematic assessments of the potential for biodiversity in an area, as reflected by the presence of habitat features and environmental conditions that are important for the organisms. The assessment must be sufficiently extensive to encompass the different habitat requirements of different groups of organisms, and should illustrate:

• topography and soil conditions,

• hydrology,

• stand climate,

• the composition and qualities of the tree layer,

• trees with special qualities,

• different types of dead wood,

• vegetation cover/fertility,

• substrates and structures associated with natural disturbance dynamics,

• historical land use.

6.2.2 The execution of the assessment of conservation values, including the ability to identify Woodland Key Habitats, is regularly evaluated.

6.3 The Organization* shall* identify and implement effective actions to prevent negative impacts of management activities on the environmental values*, and to mitigate and repair those that occur, proportionate to the scale, intensity and risk* of these impacts.

6.3.1 An overall gap analysis regarding habitats in the landscape is conducted.

GUIDANCE 6.3.1: This analysis can be based on which habitats are lacking in the landscape; for example, habitats or structures that can harbour many red-listed species, that a particular habitat is underrepresented in the landscape, or that a particular habitat is


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disadvantaged by the current or historic forest management. The gap analysis can also encompass objectives for strengthening existing conservation values within the landscapes, such as e.g. adjacent High Value Forest Landscapes identified by the county administrative board.

6.3.2 The management activities and nature conservation measures as per this standard are analysed based on the gap analysis according to 6.3.1, including which additional measures are required to conserve or strengthen priority habitats.

6.3.3 Management activities and nature conservation measures are adapted and implemented to conserve or strengthen priority habitats in the landscape according to 6.3.1.

6.4 The Organization* shall* protect rare species* and threatened species* and their habitats* in the Management Unit* through conservation zones*, protection areas*, connectivity* and/or (where necessary) other direct measures for their survival and viability. These measures shall* be proportionate to the scale, intensity and risk* of management activities and to the conservation* status and ecological requirements of the rare and threatened species*. The Organization* shall* take into account the geographic range and ecological requirements of rare and threatened species* beyond the boundary of the Management Unit*, when determining the measures to be taken inside the Management Unit*.

6.4.1 The following habitats are exempt from all management activities other than management required to maintain or promote natural biodiversity or biodiversity generated by traditional practices:

a) Natural, conspicuously uneven-aged and stratified forests with an abundance of old/large trees and a high frequency of coarse dead woody debris in different stages of decomposition,

b) Woodland Key Habitats according to the definition and methodology of the Swedish Forest Agency (1995),

c) Low-productive forest land (land with a total annual volume increment of less than 1 cubic meter per hectare).

INSTRUCTIONS 6.4.1: The definition of 6.4.1a is interpreted in a regional perspective with consideration for the conditions of the stand and forest type. See 9.3.3 for the interpretation regarding subalpine forests. Regarding 6.4.1b, see instructions for 6.2.1 about the identification of Woodland Key Habitats in conservation value assessments, as well as requirements for calibration and training for surveyors.

6.4.2 Information about occurrences of red-listed species is obtained, evaluated and documented.

GUIDANCE 6.4.2: Information about red-listed species is available on the Swedish Species Information Centre’s website. Obtaining information means to make use of applicable data sources regarding species occurrences of red-listed species in current GIS-layers from personal inventories, the Swedish Species Observation System (Sw: Artportalen), country administrative boards/the Swedish Forest Agency, et cetera. Quality assurance of the information is a part of the evaluation.

6.4.3 Conservation measures are carried out for the known occurrences of red-listed species that are impacted by forest management. The extent of the measures shall be proportionate to the category of threat


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of the species, and the focus of the measures is adapted to the requirements of the species.

GUIDANCE 6.4.3: The measures can be part of the general nature consideration measures or they can be specific, and are documented for instance in site-specific management instructions.

6.4.4 In conjunction with management activities, considerations are made for known:

a) raptors’ nests of priority bird species according to the Forestry Act,

b) occurrences of territorial bird species with small population sizes,

c) capercaillie leks.

INSTRUCTIONS 6.4.4: Use the guidance for considerations for birds (Sw: Vägledningar för hänsyn till fåglar) produced by the Swedish Forest Agency and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency regarding breeding seasons, buffer zones, and other considerations (see the Swedish Forest Agency’s website). The term “territorial bird species with small population sizes” encompasses: red-throated diver, red kite, peregrine falcon, northern hawk-owl, great grey owl, Ural owl, Eurasian eagle-owl, grey-headed woodpecker, greenish warbler, red-breasted flycatcher, Eurasian golden oriole, and little bunting. The species recounted above may be revised on the basis of changes in the Red List. Known occurrences of 6.4.4 a-c are documented in conjunction with forest management activities.

GUIDANCE 6.4.4 AND 6.4.6: All types of silvicultural activities, as well as ditching or road construction, that can affect rare and threatened bird species should be avoided during the breeding season. The Swedish Forest Agency/county administrative boards can provide guidance aside from the Species fact sheets (Sw: Artfaktabladen) and the forest sector’s “Targets for environmental considerations” (Sw: Målbilder för god miljöhänsyn).

6.4.5 Considerations are made for known occurrences of forest species listed in the Species Protection Ordinance (2007:845) Annex 1 with the designation N or n.

INSTRUCTIONS 6.4.5: Known occurrences are documented in conjunction with management activities.

GUIDANCE 6.4.5: Examples of habitats with species designated as N or n:

• buffer zones against water (all bat species N),

• stratified broad-leaf forest habitats, for example with hazel (hazel dormouse, northern birch mouse, smooth snake N),

• pine forests on sandy soils (sand lizard N).

Protected species are listed in Annex 2 of the Species Protection Ordinance. Species-specific compilations on a county level for N and n species beyond birds have been produced by the country administrative boards.

6.4.6 When harvesting during the bird breeding season, considerations are made for important breeding habitats for birds. Management activities in stratified forests dominated by broad-leaf trees are conducted outside of the bird breeding season.

6.5 The Organization* shall* identify and protect representative sample areas of native ecosystems* and/or restore* them to more natural conditions*. Where representative sample areas* do not exist or are insufficient, The Organization* shall* restore* a proportion of the Management Unit* to more natural conditions*. The size of the areas and


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the measures taken for their protection or restoration, including within plantations, shall* be proportionate to the conservation* status and value of the ecosystems* at the landscape* level, and the scale, intensity and risk* of management activities.

6.5.1 A selection of the productive forest land area is set aside and exempt from measures other than management to maintain and promote biodiversity conditioned by natural processes or traditional land use practices. The selection of areas:

a) covers a minimum of 5 % of the productive forest land area,

b) is based on forest biodiversity values and landscape representativeness, and is carried out in relation to biodiversity.

INSTRUCTIONS 6.5.1: The following are examples of areas that can be counted:

• Woodland Key Habitats,

• Natural, conspicuously uneven-aged and stratified forests,

• The portion of the landholding that is formally protected (nature reserves, habitat protection areas) after a reduction equivalent to the area for which compensation has been provided,

• Nature conservation agreements that are valid for more than 25 years, unless a shorter agreement can be justified for nature conservation reasons,

• Protection zones along conservation set-asides with high conservation values,

• Established/restored forest wetlands,

• The share of jointly owned productive forest land for which there is a long-term nature conservation objective,

• Other woodlands with a crown closure of at least 25 %, where the intensity of forest grazing or hay-making is sufficient to provide favourable conditions for condition-created flora/fauna.

Care-demanding patches and transition zones that are normally demarcated during felling cannot be counted.

When previously voluntarily set aside forest land is formally protected, new areas shall be set aside where this is necessary to reach up to 5 % set aside areas. The landowner may, however, count the proportion of formally protected land on previously voluntarily set aside land that exceeds 1 % of the landholding.

When previously voluntarily set aside forest land is formally protected, one alternative to setting aside land exclusively with nature conservation objectives is to use alternative methods that combine production and nature conservation objectives in suitable areas. The area requirement shall in these cases be adjusted to the extent of the nature conservation objective. For example, an adaptation of management methods with a 25 % nature conservation objective is counted four to one on an area basis; for instance, requirements for 10 ha of new nature conservation set aside areas may be exchanged for 40 ha with combined objectives.

Landholdings above the nature conservation boundary (see instructions for 9.3.3) are exempted from the requirements in 6.5.1.

Measures to promote landscape values in set asides can be carried out, so long as it is not detrimental to the conservation values.

Set aside areas are documented in the ecological landscape plan or the forest management plan.


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GUIDANCE 6.5.1: An acceptable justification is given, based on high conservation values and representativeness, for areas above the nature conservation boundary to be counted. The justification is based on the plan/strategy for the selection of set aside areas for the whole certified landholding.

6.5.2 At least 5 % of the productive forest land area is managed with a focus on long-term conservation and development of conservation values and/or social values. The following can be included, alone or in a combination:

a) further areas set aside to maintain and promote biodiversity conditioned by natural processes or traditional land use practices, beyond the 5 % that is set aside according to 6.5.1,

b) areas with enhanced nature consideration and specific nature conservation measures,

c) areas with long-term management in the form of continuous cover forestry or group felling with natural regeneration,

d) areas with enhanced considerations for landscape values and/or the local economy,

e) areas with enhanced considerations for reindeer husbandry.

INSTRUCTIONS 6.5.2: High conservation values and sufficient conservation value potential, based on assessments/analyses of conservation values and landscape ecology, determine the selection of areas (category a-c). The selection of areas and choice of consideration measures are normally done in conjunction with landscape planning and/or forest management planning. The selection and documentation of areas in categories a-d can also be done on a continual basis and be verified through management plans with regular monitoring.

The same terms apply for setting aside areas according to category a as for set asides according to 6.5.1.

For areas set aside according to categories b-e, at least 50 % of the original volume shall be left after measures to strengthen the future conservation and/or social values in the long term, unless it is apparent in the description of objectives that the conservation/development of these values requires higher volumes to be removed.

The selection of areas and enhanced consideration measures for category e occurs after collaborative planning with affected Sami villages and is based on the values in the area.

The area that is set aside is demarcated on a map, and a description of management objectives, including specific environmental/social objectives and suggestions for measures, is documented for the area/stand.

“Specific nature conservation measures” relates to measures that are beneficial for the forest biodiversity and that clearly deviate from the more general measures that are implemented according to other indicators in the standard in terms of extent and qualitative focus. Measures/efforts can be carried out during different parts of the rotation cycle, but preferentially in conjunction with thinning or final felling.

“Enhanced nature consideration” and “enhanced consideration for landscape values/reindeer husbandry” implies that a larger proportion of the area on a stand level is managed for considerations, in comparison with more general considerations that are carried out during forest management. This can be planned/carried out with management classifications as combined goals (Sw: Kombinerade mål (K)) or production with enhanced consideration (Sw: Produktion med förstärkt hänsyn (PF)).

All successions are included – not just older forest; e.g. burnings, deciduous tree successions.


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GUIDANCE 6.5.2: The purpose of the indicator is to identify forest areas where the forest manager has other objectives than management for traditional forest production.

The function of the entire area is documented according to the instructions. Smaller low-productive forest patches that occur within the identified and delimited areas may be included in the delimited area as long as they comprise a natural, smaller part of the delimited area and contribute to strengthening the defined values.

Forest management planning may be equivalent to large forest owners’ planning routines, as well as establishment/revision of a smallholder’s forest management plan.

Management classification is often used in forest management as a tool to classify the objectives for how different sites should be managed. The classification is based on a gap analysis of the deficiencies in the landscape.

Examples of measures/areas can be:

• Areas important for local tourism,

• Areas that are important for the local economy in other ways,

• Special considerations for threatened species,

• Areas with a large proportion of trees with high biodiversity values,

• Areas with enhanced nature considerations adapted to the landscape (e.g. based on High Value Forest Landscapes, action plans for threatened species or other landscape values),

• Land mosaics with cultural impacts, such as forest grazing lands, pasture lands, hay meadows,

• Areas where structures/substrates are actively and extensively created, e.g. in the form of dead wood, stratification, restoration of hydrology, et cetera,

• Areas with a large proportion of buffer zones and care-demanding patches,

• Burned areas of different ages, deciduous tree successions,

• Forests with an abundance of arboreal lichens.

6.5.3 Areas that are set aside are quality assured and, where necessary, the selection and delimitation of set aside areas is revised.

INSTRUCTIONS 6.5.3: Revisions of set aside areas are documented.

GUIDANCE 6.5.3: The purpose of revision and quality assurance is to increase the benefit of nature conservation. In conjunction with the revision of forest management plans and ecological landscape plans, and when new knowledge about specific areas is received, a review of the selection, nature conservation quality of the set aside areas, and their delimitation is carried out. The frequency of the revision of set aside areas depends on the size of the landholding and on the scale, intensity and risk of the management activities, as well as the state of knowledge about conservation values.

6.5.4 Long-term nature conservation objectives are identified for set aside areas, with the purpose of maintaining or strengthening biodiversity. Areas set aside for nature conservation that require active interventions are managed in accordance with general defined and documented nature conservation objectives. Implemented measures are registered.


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INSTRUCTIONS 6.5.4: Large forest owners shall consider action plans for threatened species and habitats (Sw: åtgärdsprogram för hotade arter och naturtyper) when forming strategies for nature conservation management. Action plans for threatened species can be found on the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency’s website.

GUIDANCE 6.5.4: For more detailed guidance on nature conservation management, see e.g. ”Naturvårdande skötsel av skog och andra trädbärande marker.” J. Nitare (2014) Skogsstyrelsen (in Swedish).

6.5.5 Implemented measures are monitored based on the objectives of nature conservation management. The documentation and extent of monitoring is based on the focus of the measure, the size of the landholding and other circumstances.

GUIDANCE 6.5.5: Monitoring can be focused on changes in tree species composition, desired structures (e.g. dead wood), or species, and can be carried out through inventories and random samples, or through external collaborations, e.g. by hosting student dissertations or research projects, et cetera.

6.6 The Organization* shall* effectively maintain the continued existence of naturally occurring native species* and genotypes*, and prevent losses of biological diversity*, especially through habitat* management in the Management Unit*. The Organization* shall* demonstrate that effective measures are in place to manage and control hunting, fishing, trapping and collecting.

6.6.1 Trees with high biodiversity values are retained and safeguarded as a part of forest management activities. Trees with high biodiversity values are:

a) aberrant, particularly large and/or old trees,

b) large trees with notably wide girth and thick-branched and/or flat crowns,

c) large, previously solitary growing spruces on pasture land,

d) large aspens and alders,

e) arborescent goat willow, mountain ash, whitebeam, maple, lime, bird cherry, and wild cherry,

f) large hazel and junipers,

g) trees with open bole fire scars,

h) hollow trees and trees with stick nests of birds of prey,

i) trees with evident features of cultural importance,

j) valuable broad-leaf trees in boreal forests north of Limes Norrlandicus.

INSTRUCTIONS 6.6.1: Trees that are part of the regular silvicultural program are not counted as trees with high biodiversity values, such as saw-timber stands, shelter trees, seed trees where regeneration is younger than 25 years, or main stems in stands of valuable broad-leaf trees.

Trees with high biodiversity values may be removed in exceptional cases:

• Where there is a risk for harm to people or buildings, in conjunction with road construction or adjacent to electric cables,

• With the purpose of promoting other prioritised trees with high biodiversity values,


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• If they risk destroying archaeological monuments and cultural remains,

• Large aspens and alders where such trees occur in abundance in coniferous stands, assuming that a sufficient number are retained for nature conservation,

• If they prevent access in connection with felling.

GUIDANCE 6.6.1: The indicator specifies features, tree species and qualities that are associated with high cultural or conservation values that are characteristic of trees with high biodiversity values. These trees shall be visually distinguishable from other trees in the forest stand. This enables the practical management, and simultaneously creates a desirable clarity for what is required of certified forest owners. The example “old trees” describes trees that, because of their age, have developed particular conservation values. This could concern easily recognisable features such as the size of the stem or branches, the appearance of the tree crown, the structure of the bark, and stem hollows, but also features that can be more difficult to assess, such as slow growth. The intention is to retain all old trees that show features that clearly deviate from other trees in the stand.

The identification of trees with high biodiversity values is normally done through an assessment of the appearance of the tree, sometimes in combination with a determination of age. Those that survey and single out trees with high biodiversity values should be calibrated to recognise trees with high biodiversity values in the relevant region. In areas with an abundance of trees with high biodiversity values over a larger area, the delimitation of the whole or parts of the stand as a care-demanding patch, within the framework of general consideration measures in 6.6.4, or setting them aside according to 6.5.1 or 6.5.2, should be considered.

A practical boundary for what can be considered as “arborescent” has been set at 7 cm DBH (diameter at breast height).

An example of a map of an adapted border for Limes Norrlandicus can be found on FSC Sweden’s website.

6.6.2 During regeneration felling, at least 10 trees per hectare are retained on average across the felled area.

INSTRUCTIONS 6.6.2: The purpose of the indicator is that the retained trees will develop into larger trees with high biodiversity values in the new forest stand. Wind resistant trees are selected on the basis of their significance for biodiversity on the stand or landscape level. The thickness shall be representative for the current tree species in the stand, or thicker. The trees are retained as solitary trees or in smaller tree groups. Exceptions can be made for spruce in pure spruce stands, and for pine, birch and spruce with surface-level root systems in moss cultures and managed swamp forests.

Trees retained in care-demanding patches/buffer zones may be counted in felling areas that are smaller than 4 ha south of Limes Norrlandicus, or in felling areas that are smaller than 10 ha north of Limes Norrlandicus. Trees with high biodiversity values that have been retained may be counted.

6.6.3 Care-demanding patches, buffer zones, groups of trees and single wind resistant coarse trees are retained in conjunction with regeneration felling so as to avoid large treeless areas.

INSTRUCTIONS 6.6.3: The trees are placed so that the impression of clearcutting is broken. The trees can be retained as single, wind resistant, more coarse trees, or in smaller tree groups.

In areas of significance for outdoor activities and recreation, specific adjustments are made to minimise the impression of clearcutting, e.g. through the formation and size of the felling as well as the placement of nature consideration.


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Instructions for avoiding large treeless areas shall be available and the maximum size of the treeless area shall be stated.

On felling areas that are larger than 4 ha south of Limes Norrlandicus, or on felling areas that are larger than 10 ha north of Limes Norrlandicus, the distance from each point in the felling area to the nearest consideration patch, object or forest edge shall not exceed 70 m.

6.6.4 Conservation values in care-demanding patches are maintained or developed in conjunction with management.

INSTRUCTIONS 6.6.4: The forestry sector’s ”Targets for environmental considerations” (Sw: Målbilder för god miljöhänsyn) regarding care-demanding patches are followed. The targets are available on the Swedish Forest Agency’s website.

6.6.5 In conjunction with clearing and thinning, buffer zones and care-demanding patches are maintained/created.

INSTRUCTIONS 6.6.5: Buffer zones with an abundance of broad-leaf trees are recreated where possible. The forestry sector’s “Targets for environmental considerations” (Sw: Målbilder för god miljöhänsyn) regarding considerations for water when clearing and thinning are followed. See the Swedish Forest Agency’s website.

6.6.6 Management activities (primarily clearing and thinning) are planned and implemented so that, wherever natural conditions permit, at least 10 % of the stems in conifer-dominated stands constitute broad-leaf trees.

INSTRUCTIONS 6.6.6: The retained stems shall be dominant or co-dominant. All broad-leaf trees are retained if there are too few broad-leaf stems to reach the indicated level, with the exception of stems that are removed for accessibility, visibility, or to increase the nature conservation benefit.

GUIDANCE 6.6.6: ”Wherever natural conditions permit” refers to the fact that in certain stands, the regeneration of broad-leafs is missing or limited because of factors such as, for instance, a low site index, dry soil and/or high browsing pressure by game. Here, the objectives are lower and the natural conditions that exist may be used to increase the proportion of broad-leaf trees over time.

6.6.7 In conjunction with thinning, at least 5 existing broad-leaf trees, on average per hectare, are given favourable conditions to develop into trees with high conservation values in the future. Valuable broad-leaf trees, aspen, goat willow, and rowan are given priority.

INSTRUCTIONS 6.6.7: In areas with risk of Melampsora rust, other broad-leaf trees may be prioritised over aspen.

6.6.8 To increase the number of trees favoured for browsing (aspen, mountain ash, goat willow, willow, valuable broad-leaf trees, juniper and wild apple), these are retained to a great extent during clearing.

6.6.9 Measures are implemented to limit damage to forests caused by ungulates, with the purpose of promoting mountain ash, aspen, goat willow and oak. The extent of measures is based on the size and conditions of the landholding, the extent of damage, and the best available knowledge.

GUIDANCE 6.6.9: Examples of measures can be active participation in Moose management areas (Sw: Älgskötselområde), monitoring of browsing damage and game populations over time, facilitating hunting and, when necessary, the active use of joint hunting quotas.


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Joint hunting quotas (Sw: avlysningsjakt) implies that the remaining moose that shall be shot within a Moose management area or concession area can be shot by any hunting team in the area. When a set number or type of individuals are shot, the hunting ceases.

6.6.10 All snags, windthrows and other trees that have been dead for more than one year are retained. Forest management is carried out so that damage to dead wood is minimised.

INSTRUCTIONS 6.6.10: Windthrows mean fallen dead wood with a diameter that, at 1.3 m (diameter at breast height) from the largest end, normally exceeds 15 cm.

6.6.11 Wood that has been dead for less than one year is retained and considerations are taken during management activities in the following cases:

a) when dead wood originates from trees with high biodiversity values and other trees previously retained for nature conservation purposes,

b) in areas set aside for nature conservation, including care-demanding patches,

c) on low-productive forest land with an annual increment of less than 1 cubic meter per hectare.

INSTRUCTIONS 6.6.10 AND 6.6.11: Exceptions can be made in the following cases:

a) If dead wood constitutes a safety hazard for those working in the forest, or for the public within e.g. demarcated paths or resting areas in forests near urban areas,

b) If dead wood is blocking frequently used paths and roads,

c) After extreme storms that have felled large volumes of wood that, due to a lack of resources, have not been processed,

d) If necessary, larger, cohesive areas with dead wood in stands that will not be prioritised for set asides may be managed with enhanced consideration measures, through the moving and removal of dead wood to an extent that is required to comply with the regeneration requirements of the Forestry Act,

e) Applies only to 6.6.11: Where there is a documented risk of mass reproduction of insects that threaten the survival of the stand, for instance after extensive windthrows from a storm and where the Swedish Forest Agency issues special provisions to utilise fresh coniferous wood within an established area for pest management. Trees with high biodiversity values are left regardless.

6.6.12 The amount of new dead wood of different tree species is increased during regeneration fellings and second thinnings by:

a) on average, creating at least three high stumps or girdled trees per hectare of harvested area,

b) crosscutting the high stumps at the maximum height that is considered as safe,

c) selecting thickness based on what is representative in the stand and striving for an overrepresentation of high stumps of broad-leaf trees.

INSTRUCTIONS 6.6.12: In cases where it is justified from a nature conservation perspective, specific tree species can be prioritised. High stumps of broad-leaf trees are avoided where these occur very sparsely.

GUIDANCE 6.6.12: “The maximum height that is considered as safe” implies that the tree is normally crosscut at above 3 meters.


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6.6.13 When harvesting in stands of oak and beech, dead wood is created so that when the old stand is dismantled, there are on average at least two girdled trees or high stumps of the primary tree species per hectare across the managed stand.

6.6.14 When harvesting windthrown seed or shelter trees, at least two coarse new windthrows per hectare, on average, are retained.

INSTRUCTIONS 6.6.14: The requirement does not apply in the case of repeated windthrows within the same stand.

6.6.15 The biodiversity that is conditioned by former traditional management practices in the spontaneously overgrowing cultural landscape, and/or cultural values associated with trees and shrubs, are promoted in forest management.

6.6.16 In conjunction with forest management activities, forest edge zones with variable tree and shrub layers are maintained or recreated adjacent to agricultural landscapes.

6.6.17 Trees with high biodiversity values are promoted in previously sun-exposed forest islets on arable land, forest edges and other small habitats that occur in a forest stand and that are not adjacent to a managed field. This is carried out as a part of forest management within or adjacent to these habitats.

6.7 The Organization* shall* protect* or restore* natural watercourses, water bodies*, riparian zones* and their connectivity*. The Organization* shall* avoid negative impacts on water quality and quantity and mitigate and remedy those that occur.

6.7.1 Ecologically effective buffer zones are maintained or recreated, where necessary, along watercourses and open water bodies. The shape and width of the buffer zone is planned and adapted based on the conservation value and sensitivity of the aquatic habitat as well as the forest conservation values of the buffer zone.

INSTRUCTIONS 6.7.1: Regarding the shape and width of the buffer zones, the forestry sector’s “Targets for environmental considerations” (Sw: Målbilder för god miljöhänsyn) regarding buffer zones along water bodies and watercourses is followed. The targets are available on the Swedish Forest Agency’s website.

GUIDANCE 6.7.1: “Ecologically effective buffer zones” means buffer zones that:

• preserve important chemical processes in the soil,

• prevent the discharge of particles in watercourses,

• contribute food for aquatic organisms through falling leaves and small insects,

• provide shade,

• contribute dead wood,

• conserve biodiversity.

An ecologically effective buffer zone is often stratified, and often harbours several tree species, standing dead wood and ground vegetation. Wider buffer zones are required, for example, on wet/damp soils, areas sensitive to erosion, as well as in connection with watercourses with high conservation values and/or high sensitivity. For further description of the functions and consideration measures for buffer zones, see the forestry sector’s “Targets


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for environmental considerations” (Sw: Målbilder för god miljöhänsyn) regarding buffer zones along water bodies and watercourses. The targets are available on the Swedish Forest Agency’s website.

6.7.2 Natural buffer zones are maintained, or effective buffer zones are created, adjacent to wetlands.

INSTRUCTIONS 6.7.2: The forestry sector’s ”Targets for environmental considerations” (Sw: Målbilder för god miljöhänsyn) regarding buffer zones along wetlands are followed. The targets are available on the Swedish Forest Agency´s website.

6.7.3 Soil damage caused by vehicles does not occur in buffer zones.

6.7.4 Management activities are adapted so that wetland and aquatic habitats with high conservation values are not negatively impacted.

GUIDANCE 6.7.4: Information about wetland and aquatic habitats with high conservation values is available from the following sources, among others:

• The Swedish national wetland inventory (VMI),

• The Swedish swamp forest inventory (Sw: Sumpskogsinventeringen),

• Records of water environments of national and particular national value.

6.7.5 Large forest owners: Wetland and water environments are recreated, taking into account the conditions, needs and benefit in a landscape perspective.

6.7.6 Soil damage caused by vehicles is prevented through the use of appropriate methods when management activities are carried out.

6.7.7 Soil damage caused by vehicles is remedied, so long as this does not risk worsening the damage that has occurred.

6.7.8 New ditches for soil drainage are not established on land which has not previously been ditched.

INSTRUCTIONS 6.7.9 AND 6.7.10: The possibility of avoiding ditch maintenance or protective ditching through selection of silvicultural methods and/or tree species is considered in the planning.

6.7.9 Existing ditches are only maintained when it is necessary to ensure that the conditions for productivity are not significantly impaired.

6.7.10 Protective ditching may only be applied where it is necessary to comply with the regeneration requirements of the Forestry Act.

6.7.11 Previously established ditches on peat land with low forest production are not maintained.

INSTRUCTIONS 6.7.11: Exceptions are allowed for the maintenance of outlet ditches from other, previously ditched stands of a more productive nature.

6.7.12 When maintaining ditches, managers shall be provided with information through site-specific management instructions or the equivalent that describe:

a) which sections of the ditch shall be cleaned,

b) which protection measures and considerations shall be implemented to prevent damage to wetlands and downstream aquatic habitats.


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6.7.13 The best available method and technique are applied to minimise the transport of particles into watercourses, lakes, and valuable wetlands.

6.8 The Organization* shall* manage the landscape* in the Management Unit* to maintain and/or restore* a varying mosaic of species, sizes, ages, spatial scales* and regeneration cycles appropriate for the landscape values* in that region, and for enhancing environmental and economic resilience*.

6.8.1 Large forest owners: A landscape ecology perspective is applied in planning, taking account of the spatial consideration of the landholding and other local circumstances.

INSTRUCTIONS 6.8.1: Ecological landscape plans are produced through the systematic collection of information and analysis in accordance with relevant indicators in the standard. Among other elements, the plan includes:

• The division of landscapes, with justification,

• Prioritisation of voluntary nature conservation set aside areas,

• Objectives for nature conservation management and the restoration of biologically valuable forests,

• The area of exotic tree species.

When selecting areas, the extent of protection of different forest types within legally protected areas and voluntary set aside areas, as well as the conservation priorities of authorities, are considered. The ecological landscape plan is regularly updated, at least every five years, on the basis of monitoring of achievements related to the objectives.

GUIDANCE 6.8.1: An ecological landscape plan should be designed in a way that contributes to creating a green infrastructure in the landscape, and the content should reflect:

• Overall conservation values in the landscape (6.1.1),

• The gap analysis regarding habitats in the landscape (6.3.1),

• The analysis of the occurrence of red-listed species (6.4.2) from a landscape perspective,

• Habitats that are set aside for nature conservation purposes, with the reasons for setting them aside (6.4.1, 6.5.1, 6.5.2, 6.5.3),

• Traditionally managed habitats (6.6.16, 6.6.17),

• Need and benefit of recreating wetland and aquatic habitats in a watershed perspective (6.7.5),

• The landscape division, with justification (instructions for 6.8.1),

• High Value Forest Landscapes and regionally relevant action plans for threatened species and habitats (Sw: åtgärdsprogram för hotade arter och naturtyper) identified by authorities, or the equivalent (6.8.2),

• At least 2 % older forest stands in each landscape (6.8.4),

• Burning an area equivalent to at least 5 % of the regeneration area on dry and mesic forest land over a five year period (6.8.5),

• At least 5 % of the total area of mesic and moist forest land carries deciduous-rich stands (6.8.6),


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• Converted area, as well as area of exotic tree species (6.9.1, 6.9.1, 6.10.1),

• Compensated area (6.9.1, 6.9.2, 6.10.2),

• Occurrence of areas with High Conservation Values (See Principle 9),

• The establishment of new areas of exotic tree species, and their management (10.3.7),

• Exotic tree species are not established in the majority of landscapes that contain no or a low proportion of exotic tree species (10.3.8).

6.8.2 In conjunction with ecological landscape planning or the planning of forest management, the High Value Forest Landscapes identified by authorities and regionally applicable action plans for threatened species and habitats (Sw: åtgärdsprogram för hotade arter och naturtyper) are taken into account.

6.8.3 Large forest owners: Ecological landscape plans are documented and relevant information is publicly available.

INSTRUCTIONS 6.8.3: See instructions for 7.5.1.

6.8.4 Large forest owners: The presence or creation of an area of at least 2 % of older forest stands in each landscape is ensured.

INSTRUCTIONS 6.8.4: “Older forest stands” means stands on productive forest land, that are or will be older than 140 years in northern Sweden, and 120 years in southern Sweden, and that are larger than 0.5 ha. Older production stands, voluntary set asides, and larger care-demanding patches can be counted. In landscapes with a lower proportion of older forests, a plan is in place to reach 2 % older forests. This occurs as a part of the ecological landscape planning.

6.8.5 Large forest owners: All reasonable measures are taken to burn an area equivalent to at least 5 % of the regeneration area on dry and mesic forest land over a five year period. Felling is adapted and burning is carried out with the goal of promoting species favored by fire.

INSTRUCTIONS 6.8.5:

1. Land that has previously been affected by fire is primarily chosen, aside from lichen areas of importance for reindeer husbandry. Exceptions are granted for regions where natural fires have been of less importance. This includes subalpine forests, and the regions of Halland, Skåne, and southern Blekinge. Exceptions are also granted for forests near urban areas, and for Öland and Gotland. Natural regeneration is used where the conditions permit it.

2. Before calculating the 5 % burning area, the gross area for final felling on dry-mesic forest land can be reduced based on special consideration measures, such as e.g. considerations for forests in urban areas, distance to neighbours, and general prohibitions against burning forest land. The reasons for reductions in the gross area are documented, and the burning area (5 %) is calculated based on the net final felling area.

3. The landowner shall have a plan for burning and carry out all reasonable measures to fulfil the plan, assuming that the burning can be securely carried out when taking into account the weather and technical circumstances for burning. Justifications for not being able to carry out the burning shall be documented. Examples of reasonable justifications can be that emergency services do not give consent for the burning, or that natural fires have occurred on the property to such an extent that the burning quota has been reached.


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Verifiable targets: documentation (minutes from consultation, communication with emergency services), plan for burning.

4. When burning, the actual burned area is considered (both planned and unplanned burned area). Actual burned area means the area of forest land that has actually burned, i.e. the parts of the object that have not been affected by the fire may not be counted.

5. The actual burned area can be multiplied by an upward adjustment factor according to the table below. Any retained volume is considered as a nature consideration and may not be removed at a later time.

When burning in areas that the landowner has set aside for nature conservation purposes, the planning of any felling and burning measures occurs exclusively in the form of nature conservation management with clearly defined nature conservation objectives for the area in question, and is intended to maintain or recreate conservation values. Such areas are documented in planning documentation and forest registers, such as e.g. ecological landscape plans. Decisions about setting aside burnt or fire-ravaged areas can be made after the fire.

6. Burning measures are documented in planning documentation/forest registers.

Upward adjustment factor

Burning in areas classed as production forests 1

Burned, wooded low-productive lands that lie within burned productive forest land sites

Burned land that is allowed to naturally regenerate without site preparation

1

1.2

On average, at least 15 % of the volume has been retained as nature consideration that can be burned, excluding nature considerations in wet/moist care-demanding patches or buffer zones that are difficult to burn

1.5

On average, at least 30 % of the volume has been retained as nature consideration that can be burned, excluding nature considerations in wet/moist care-demanding patches or buffer zones that are difficult to burn

2

Burning in areas set aside for nature conservation purposes according to 6.5.1

3

GUIDANCE 6.8.5: The burning area according to point 2 in the instructions should be calculated so that the total burning area can be secured in the long term, and to ensure that possible burning sites do not run out before any previously burned land can be burned again. To meet the burning requirements when taking weather conditions and other circumstances into account, the landowner should plan for a significantly larger area to be burned than what is required per year.

6.8.6 The landholding is planned and managed so that an area equivalent to at least 5 % of the total area of mesic and moist forest land carries deciduous-rich stands dominated by broad-leaf trees during the major part of the rotation period.

INSTRUCTIONS 6.8.6: Large forest owners that have not yet reached the target establish action plans to reach the target. For other forest owners, an equivalent action plan is normally established in the forest management plan, e.g. by specifying management objectives for


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relevant stands. The action plans are monitored on a regular basis and evaluated. Deciduous-rich stands that are set aside according to 6.5.1 or 6.5.2 may be counted north of Limes Norrlandicus. For a suggestion of a practical border for Limes Norrlandicus, see guidance for 6.6.1.

Subalpine forests at altitudes above the nature conservation boundary (see 9.3.3) are exempt from the calculation of the area according to the requirements in 6.8.6.

6.8.7 Biodiversity associated with broad-leaf trees shall be particularly promoted when managing stands that already are or will become dominated by broad-leaf trees as per 6.8.6.

GUIDANCE 6.8.7: Nature consideration measures to promote biodiversity associated with broad-leaf trees are, for example, the retention and promotion of many broad-leaved retention trees, the active creation of deciduous dead wood, clearing and thinning that promotes particular tree and shrub species, pollarding of trees, and active measures to promote the regeneration of tree species that are sensitive to browsing.

6.9 The Organization* shall* not convert natural forest* to plantations*, nor natural forests* or plantations* on sites directly converted from natural forest* to non-forest* land use, except when the conversion:

a) Affects a very limited portion* of the area of the Management Unit*, and

b) Will produce clear, substantial, additional, secure long-term conservation* benefits in the Management Unit*, and

c) Does not damage or threaten High Conservation Values*, nor any sites or resources necessary to maintain or enhance those High Conservation Values*.

6.9.1 For an area that has been converted from natural forest to a plantation or from forest to another land use to remain within the certificate, the following requirements apply:

a) The conversion affects maximum 5 % of the certified area and maximum 0.5 % of the certified area per year (see instructions for 6.9.2 for exemptions from the 0.5 % limit),

b) When conversion occurs, extra measures shall be carried out to strengthen considerations for important social, biodiversity and environmental values on the landscape level,

c) The conversion does not damage or threaten High Conservation Values, nor any other sites or resources necessary to maintain or enhance those High Conservation Values.

INSTRUCTIONS 6.9.1: When converting forests to other land uses, the Organization attempts to minimise the negative effects on social values and conservation values. Land conversion is documented.

GUIDANCE 6.9.1: The following are examples of land conversion that can be carried out without additional measures, as these can either be considered to be a part of the forest management, or because they normally occur on a small scale:

• All establishments directly associated with forest management, such as forest roads and catchments for road-building material,

• Establishment of game fields, enclosures or ponds,


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• Establishment of grazing lands or agricultural lands,

• Establishments with the purpose of improving conditions for recreation and outdoor activities,

• Cultural resource management,

• Trainings and other operations under the supervision of a recognised research institution,

• Exploitation for building on single plots,

• Establishment of mobile towers,

• Establishment of single wind turbines.

When converting forests to other land uses at a larger scale, compensation can be required to fulfil 6.9.1b:

• Commercial quarrying that is not directly associated with forest management,

• Establishment of wind farms (see 6.9.2),

• Conversion of natural forests to plantations (see indicators under 10.3 and 6.10).

For the conversion of forests to other land uses that can be considered to be of a more permanent character, FSC’s Policy on the Excision of Areas from the Scope of Certification, FSC-POL-20-003 2004, should be applied.

Examples of such areas:

• Mining,

• Exploitation for building that requires planning.

6.9.2 Instructions for wind turbine establishment are followed when establishing wind turbines.

INSTRUCTIONS 6.9.2: The instructions for wind turbine establishment on FSC certified land in Sweden consist of two parts: instructions for land conversion for wind power, and instructions for early engagement. The instructions for land conversion apply for all FSC certified land where wind turbine establishment is planned or where wind turbines are already established. The instructions for early engagement apply for all contracts signed with wind turbine developers after 4th April 2014. The FSC requirements apply in addition to the statutory process that is carried out when establishing wind turbines on forest land.

1. REQUIREMENTS FOR LAND CONVERSION FOR WIND TURBINES: The following applies for wind turbine establishment on FSC certified land:

a) The wind turbine establishment, including other types of land conversion, may not affect more than 5 % of the landholding in total.

b) The area used to calculate the area for land conversion is set to 1 hectare per wind turbine. This corresponds to the physical conversion, i.e. the total area for one wind turbine including related power lines and road construction.

c) An area of one ha productive forest land is set aside per wind turbine. Areas shall be selected and delimited according to their significance for biodiversity and landscape representativeness (according to 6.5.1), and/or consideration for areas important for landscape values and for local economy (according to 4.5.1). The area is documented separately from the areas that are set aside according to 6.5.1. Only management necessary to maintain and promote biodiversity conditioned by natural processes or traditional land use practices, or considerations for areas important for landscape values or local economy, shall occur in the set aside area. Landowners


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with landholdings that are smaller than 20 ha are exempt from this requirement of setting aside land.

d) Wind turbines may not be established in Woodland Key Habitats, or damage or threaten High Conservation Values (HCV) according to 9.1.1. The forest manager shall inform the wind turbine developer if there are High Conservation Values in the area.

e) The wind turbine developer is informed of known values; Woodland Key Habitats (6.4.1), other forests set aside for nature conservation purposes (6.5.1), and areas important for landscape values and for the local economy (4.5.1) that have been identified within the area for wind turbine establishment.

f) When establishing wind turbines within the reindeer herding area, affected Sami villages are contacted to obtain information about establishments and other important objects for reindeer husbandry. Respect is shown and considerations are made for old settlements and other Sami cultural remains, migration routes, natural gathering places, overnight resting places (grazing areas), difficult passages, particularly important arboreal lichen areas, work corrals and calving land as well as culturally important paths and sacrificial places.

g) When planning wind turbine establishment, it is ensured that the wind turbine developer compiles and considers the information from the forest manager regarding points d-f above, and that the information is presented as part of the statutory public consultation and in the permit application to the legal authority.

h) The forest manager compiles documentation of how the wind turbine project contributes to supporting the long-term social and economic well-being of the local community, at the latest before the wind turbine becomes operational. The turbine construction and installation phases cannot be counted as support to the local community. This applies to all wind turbines that are put in operation after this standard becomes effective. Examples for how the local community can be supported in different ways have been compiled by FSC Sweden.

2. INSTRUCTIONS FOR EARLY ENGAGEMENT WHEN ESTABLISHING WIND TURBINES: The instructions for early engagement apply for forest managers with landholdings of more than 1 000 ha productive forest land.

The purpose of early engagement is to enable affected stakeholders, such as neighbouring residents and affected Sami villages, to obtain information about potential wind turbine establishment and to raise their viewpoints early in the planning, i.e. prior to the initiation of the statutory permit process for wind turbine establishment. At this early stage of the process, the planning is still very schematic, but at this stage the forest manager still has full control of the landholding.

a) The forest manager shall publicly present: Wind areas, i.e. areas with potential for wind turbine projection. Projection may start no earlier than 3 months after new wind areas have been presented; as well as Projection areas, areas where projection is ongoing; and who has been contracted as wind turbine developers. This is done e.g. on a website. The release of the information on the website is advertised in the local press. Affected Sami villages are informed through established contacts. Notification of new or substantially updated information on wind areas or projection areas on the website shall be given to stakeholders through a channel that suits them, e.g. e-mail or SMS.

b) It shall be possible for affected stakeholders to give feedback to the forest manager before the projection of a wind area starts. A physical meeting can take place if requested by any of the stakeholders and at the initiative of the stakeholder. The manager shall offer a physical meeting if the plans lead to actual projection of wind turbines, before the projection begins. Representatives for affected local stakeholders may be identified, for example, through the local or regional level of the organization Rural Sweden (Sw: Hela Sverige Ska Leva).

c) The projection is considered as initiated when a contract to use the area for wind turbine projection is signed between the forest manager and the wind turbine


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developer. When the projection is performed by the landowner itself or by the company group that the manager is part of, the projection is considered as intitated when the statutory public consultation takes place.

d) The identified stakeholders are contacted and invited to a discussion or a meeting. The plans are presented and the viewpoints of the stakeholders are received. Within the reindeer herding area, information is obtained about fixed establishments and other objects of substantial importance for reindeer husbandry so that considerations can be taken. Information about how a wind turbine establishment can affect the long-term social and economic well-being of the local communities is also collected, to enable considerations to be taken. Information is provided about models for partnership and local refund for wind turbine establishment. The viewpoints and assessments for each area are compiled.

e) After early engagement, the compilation is submitted to the wind turbine developer if the projection is initiated. The forest manager ensures that the wind turbine developer treats the viewpoints and assessments in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) when the projection is initiated.

f) Early engagement is not required if a forest manager becomes involved in an ongoing wind turbine project that has already reached the phase of the statutory public consultation, and where the forest manager’s landholding only covers a minor part of the total area for wind turbine establishment. In such cases, the statutory permit process is sufficient. A minor part means maximum five wind turbines, and no more than 35 % of the wind farm.

GUIDANCE 6.9.2.2d: A model for partnership and local refund has been developed by the organization Rural Sweden.

6.10 Management Units* containing plantations* that were established on areas converted from natural forest* after November 1994 shall* not qualify for certification, except where:

a) Clear and sufficient evidence is provided that The Organization* was not directly or indirectly responsible for the conversion, or

b) The conversion affected a very limited portion* of the area of the Management Unit* and is producing clear, substantial, additional, secure long-term conservation* benefits in the Management Unit*.

6.10.1 The use of exotic tree species is limited so that the total area of newly established stands with exotic tree species after 1994 constitutes a maximum of 5 % of the land area in the certified holding.

INSTRUCTIONS 6.10.1: Reforestation with exotic tree species on land that has previously been dominated by exotic tree species is not subject to this indicator and its area limit.

6.10.2 When establishing new stands of exotic tree species, extra measures shall be carried out to strengthen considerations for important biodiversity and environmental values on the landscape level.

INSTRUCTIONS 6.10.2: The extent and implementation of measures when establishing new stands of exotic tree species shall be in relation to the area of newly established stands with exotic tree species. The measures are based on an analysis of important conservation and environmental values that need to be strengthened in the landscape in question (see 6.3.2). Planned and implemented measures are documented. Examples of such measures are more extensive set aside areas for nature conservation purposes, more extensive nature consideration during management activities, specific management measures for threatened species, more extensive management measures and recreation of areas with high conservation values. “More extensive” implies measures that go further than what the other indicators in this standard require.


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PRINCIPLE 7: MANAGEMENT PLANNING

The Organization* shall* have a management plan* consistent with its policies and objectives* and proportionate to scale, intensity and risks* of its management activities. The management plan* shall* be implemented and kept up to date based on monitoring information in order to promote adaptive management*. The associated planning and procedural documentation shall* be sufficient to guide staff, inform affected stakeholders* and interested stakeholders* and to justify management decisions. (P7 P&CV4)

7.1 The Organization* shall*, proportionate to scale, intensity and risk* of its management activities, set policies (visions and values) and objectives* for management, which are environmentally sound, socially beneficial and economically viable. Summaries of these policies and objectives* shall* be incorporated into the management plan*, and publicized. (C7.1a P&C V4)

7.1.1 Policies (vision and values) that contribute to meeting the requirements of this standard are defined.

7.1.2 A quality management system focusing on quality or environment is in place to meet the policies and operational management objectives, including meeting the requirements of the FSC standard. The quality management system shall be proportionate to the scale, intensity and risk of the management activities.

INSTRUCTIONS 7.1.2: The following are minimum requirements for a quality management system. A quality management system entails a systematic work procedure to arrange the governance of an operation. The quality management system is used to systematically and continuously develop and secure the quality of the operations and the fulfilling of this FSC standard. The quality management system secures the organization, governance, planning, monitoring, evaluation and improvement of the operations. For a clear quality management system, documentation regarding the vision, policys, strategies, objectives, organization chart, division of responsibility, routines, instructions, et cetera is often required.

The quality management system shall at least include:

Extent/routine

Policy and management objectives

Different policys and management objectives are communicated to customers, employees and contractors and are publicly available.

Laws and other requirements Identification of and access to laws and other requirements that relate to the forest operations.

Leadership and committments The top management shall show clear leadership and commitment by taking responsibility for the operation of the quality management system, allocate necessary resources, and lead and support staff within relevant areas of responsibility.


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Organization A description of the organization of operations is available. The organization defines and communicates roles, responsibilities and authority so this is clear within the organization.

The management supplies sufficient resources to carry out the work and to meet the requirements of the FSC standard.

Competence and training The organization establishes routines so that all employees and employed contractors with work relating to the forest operations, their implementation, and compliance with the FSC standard, have sufficient competence.

External communication Routines are in place for information and inquiries about certification status, labelling with the FSC label, and public summaries of issued auditing reports.

Routines are in place for proactive and open engagement with affected stakeholders and, on request, engagement with interested stakeholders.

Routines are in place for managing external viewpoints.

Management of documents The organization shall establish and maintain routines for identifying, maintaining and storing FSC documents for auditing. The time for archiving such documents shall be fixed and documented. Documents shall be maintained in such a way that is in line with the system and organization, in order to show that requirements in relevant standards are met.

Governance of operations The organization shall identify operations and activities of significance for ensuring compliance with FSC’s requirements. The organization shall plan these activities/operations and ensure that they are carried out in accordance with the given requirements, as well as communicate relevant requirements to suppliers, contractors and other contracted entrepreneurs.

Monitoring and surveying The organization establishes and maintains documented routines for regular monitoring and surveying of operations and activities that are of significance for complying with FSC’s requirements.

Corrective Action Requests (CARs) and corrective measures

The organization shall establish and maintain routines to:

• define responsibilities and authorities for managing and straightening out CARs,

• take actions to mitigate the impact that has been caused by the CARs, and

• initiate and implement corrective and preventative measures.

Every corrective or preventative measure that is taken to abate the causes of actual and potential CARs shall be adapted to the scale, intensity and risk of the management activities. Changes that stem from corrective and preventative measures being implemented shall be introduced and documented in the organization’s routines.


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Internal and external audits A routine is in place for annual internal audits of the function of the quality management system, and for agreements about external FSC audits.

Review of the management A routine is in place for reviewing the management. The management shall, over planned intervals, review the quality management system of the organization to ensure the continued suitability, sufficiency and effectiveness of the system.

7.1.3 A summary of the defined policies and management objectives is made publicly available.

7.2 The Organization* shall* have and implement a management plan* for the Management Unit* which is fully consistent with the policies and management objectives* as established according to Criterion* 7.1. The management plan* shall* describe the natural resources that exist in the Management Unit* and explain how the plan will meet the FSC certification requirements. The management plan* shall* cover forest* management planning and social management planning proportionate to scale*, intensity* and risk* of the planned activities. (C7.1 P&C V4)

7.2.1 The natural resources that exist in the Management Unit are documented in a management plan.

INSTRUCTIONS 7.2.1 AND 7.2.3: The documentation is intended to secure communication and governance of the operations according to the objectives. As such, what shall be documented differs between the objectives of different forest owners, and the scale, intensity and risk of the management activities. The documentation shall be adapted to the needs of each individual forest owner to be able to show that they meet the requirements in this FSC standard.

Certain requirements have to be demonstrated through documented routines and monitoring. Certain papers, e.g. the agreements reached in consultation and planned consideration measures in conjunction with regeneration felling, also have to documented (in the form of site-specific management instructions to the harvester). Other requirements can be demonstrated in the field, e.g. that three high stumps are retained per ha, that the planned consideration measures have been implemented or that the tops of broad-leaf trees are left when extracting logging residues.

7.2.2 The management plan reflects the established policies and management objectives.

7.2.3 Management actions, strategies, procedures and measures are documented and monitored in accordance with the quality management system and management plan.

7.3 The management plan* shall* include verifiable targets* by which progress towards each of the prescribed management objectives* can be assessed. (new)

7.3.1 Verifiable targets are established with the purpose of achieving the overall management objectives.

7.4 The Organization* shall* update and revise periodically the management planning and procedural documentation to incorporate the results of monitoring and evaluation, stakeholder engagement* or new scientific and technical information, as well as to respond to changing environmental, social and economic circumstances. (C7.2 P&C V4)


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7.4.1 The management plan is revised and updated periodically to incorporate:

a) Results from monitoring and evaluation, including results of certification audits,

b) Stakeholder engagement results,

c) New scientific and technical information, and

d) Changing environmental, social, or economic circumstances.

7.5 The Organization* shall* make publicly available* a summary of the management plan* free of charge. Excluding confidential information*, other relevant components of the management plan* shall* be made available to affected stakeholders* on request, and at cost of reproduction and handling. (C7.4 P&C V4)

7.5.1 A summary of the management plan, including maps and excluding confidential information, is made publicly available at no cost and in an easily accessible format.

INSTRUCTIONS 7.5.1:

1. For landowners with landholdings of more than 5 000 ha forest land, the following information is made available on a website. For landowners with landholdings between 5 000 to 50 000 ha, this information can be made available upon request, digitally or in paper format.

1) An overall description of the ecological landscape plan, including:

a) A map of voluntary set asides and Woodland Key Habitats,

b) A description of how the division of landscapes is done,

c) The size of the landscapes,

d) Areas prioritised for nature conservation within landscapes, including considerations taken for High Conservation Values (HCV).

2) Objectives and outcomes within the landholding, regarding areas of:

a) Enhanced consideration,

b) Continuous cover forestry,

c) Proportion of older forest,

d) Burned forest land,

e) Exotic tree species,

f) Forest land that has been converted to another land use as well as compensatory nature conservation measures for this conversion.

More detailed information regarding specific ecological landscape plans can be acquired upon request.

3) General information about the Organization (for group-certified organizations, see below):

a) The policy against corruption,

b) The long-term commitment to follow the Swedish FSC standard and related national and international guidelines,

c) General policys and management objectives that contribute to meeting the requirements of the FSC standard,

d) Contact details for the Organization for inquiries, viewpoints and grievances,


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e) The general description of how viewpoints and grievances are handled.

2. For landowners with landholdings of up to 5 000 ha forest land, the following information is available upon request, digitally or in paper format. The information can also be provided through the group entity that the landowner is a member of.

a) The long-term commitment to follow the Swedish FSC standard and related national and international guidelines,

b) Voluntary set-asides, divided into nature conservation “untouched” (Sw: naturvård orört, NO) and nature conservation “managed” (Sw: naturvård skötsel, NS),

c) Woodland Key Habitats,

d) Considerations taken for High Conservation Values (HCV),

e) Areas with enhanced considerations,

f) Areas with continuous cover forestry,

g) Proportion of deciduous-rich stands.

3. For group entities, the following information is available on a website or other format, in addition to information in point 2 above for individual landowners. The group entity’s:

a) Policy against corruption,

b) Long-term commitment to follow the Swedish FSC standard and related national and international guidelines,

c) Contact details for inquiries, viewpoints and grievances,

d) General description of how viewpoints and grievances are handled,

e) Description of the work with affiliated landowners to achieve a functional nature conservation in relevant landscapes.

7.5.2 Relevant components of the management plan, excluding confidential information, are available to affected stakeholders on request at the actual costs of reproduction and handling or through a visit to a relevant office.

INSTRUCTIONS 7.5.2: The Organization can refrain from providing information if they deem that the request is not relevant or to protect FSC as a certification system. Refusal to provide information is documented, and the justification is communicated to the affected stakeholder.

7.6 The Organization* shall*, proportionate to scale, intensity and risk* of management activities, proactively and transparently engage affected stakeholders* in its management planning and monitoring processes, and shall* engage interested stakeholders* on request. (C4.4 P&C V4)

7.6.1 Procedures are in place for proactive and transparent engagement with affected stakeholders, and for engagement with interested stakeholders on request.

7.6.2 Engagement is adapted proportionate to the scale, intensity and risk of the management activities.


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PRINCIPLE 8: MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT

The Organization* shall* demonstrate that, progress towards achieving the management objectives*, the impacts of management activities and the condition of the Management Unit*, are monitored* and evaluated proportionate to the scale, intensity and risk* of management activities, in order to implement adaptive management*. (P8 P&C V4)

8.1 The Organization* shall* monitor* the implementation of its Management Plan*, including its policies and management objectives*, its progress with the activities planned, and the achievement of its verifiable targets*. (new)

8.1.1 Policies and management objectives are monitored and evaluated in accordance with the existing quality management system.

8.2 The Organization* shall* monitor* and evaluate the environmental and social impacts of the activities carried out in the Management Unit*, and changes in its environmental condition. (C8.2 P&C V4)

8.2.1 Strategies, procedures and management actions are monitored and evaluated in accordance with the requirements for internal audits in the existing quality management system.

8.2.2 The social and environmental impacts of management activities are monitored in proportion to the scale, intensity and risk of the management activities.

8.3 The Organization* shall* analyze the results of monitoring and evaluation and feed the outcomes of this analysis back into the planning process. (C8.4 P&C V4)

8.3.1 The results of monitoring and evaluation are periodically analysed based on the scale, intensity and risk of the management activities.

8.3.2 The management plan, instructions and management activities are adapted on the basis of the analysis according to 8.3.1.

8.3.3 Current, updated instructions for management activities are made known by workers.

8.4 The Organization* shall* make publicly available* a summary of the results of monitoring free of charge, excluding confidential information*. (C8.5 P&C V4)

8.4.1 A summary of the results of monitoring and evaluation, excluding confidential information, is publicly available at no cost and in an easily accessible format.

8.5 The Organization* shall* have and implement a tracking and tracing system proportionate to scale, intensity and risk* of its management activities, for demonstrating the source and volume in proportion to projected output for each year, of all products from the Management Unit* that are marketed as FSC certified. (C8.3 P&C V4)

8.5.1 A system is in place to demonstrate the source and volume that has been sold as FSC certified per year. The scope of the system is


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proportionate to the scale, intensity and risk of the management activities.


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PRINCIPLE 9: HIGH CONSERVATION VALUES*

The Organization* shall* maintain and/or enhance the High Conservation Values* in the Management Unit* through applying the precautionary approach*. (P9 P&C V4)

9.1 The Organization*, through engagement* with affected stakeholders*, interested stakeholders* and other means and sources, shall* assess and record the presence and status of the following High Conservation Values* in the Management Unit*, proportionate to the scale, intensity and risk* of impacts of management activities, and likelihood of the occurrence of the High Conservation Values*:

HCV 1 – Species diversity. Concentrations of biological diversity* including endemic species, and rare*, threatened* or endangered species, that are significant* at global, regional or national levels.

HCV 2 – Landscape*-level ecosystems* and mosaics. Intact forest landscapes and large landscape*-level ecosystems* and ecosystem* mosaics that are significant* at global, regional or national levels, and that contain viable populations of the great majority of the naturally occurring species in natural patterns of distribution and abundance.

HCV 3 – Ecosystems* and habitats*. Rare*, threatened*, or endangered ecosystems*, habitats* or refugia*.

HCV 4 – Critical* ecosystem services*. Basic ecosystem services* in critical* situations, including protection* of water catchments and control of erosion of vulnerable soils and slopes.

HCV 5 – Community needs. Sites and resources fundamental for satisfying the basic necessities of local communities* or Indigenous Peoples* (for livelihoods, health, nutrition, water, etc.), identified through engagement* with these communities or Indigenous Peoples.

HCV 6 – Cultural values. Sites, resources, habitats* and landscapes* of global or national cultural, archaeological or historical significance, and/or of critical* cultural, ecological, economic or religious/sacred importance for the traditional cultures of local communities* or Indigenous Peoples, identified through engagement* with these local communities* or Indigenous Peoples. (C9.1 P&C V4 and Motion 2014#7)

9.1.1 The occurrence and status of the following High Conservation Values within the landholding are identified and documented:

a) Forest areas of national interest for nature conservation or forest areas of recognised nation-wide significance:

1. with a concentration of Woodland Key Habitats, and/or

2. with a concentration of threatened species (VU, CR, EN) (HCV 1, HCV 3).

b) Subalpine forests of category 1 and 2, at altitudes above the nature conservation boundary, see 9.3.3, as well as Intact Forest Landscapes (IFL) (HCV 2).

c) Defined protection areas for sources of water supply (HCV 4, HCV 5).


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d) Wetlands of national and international significance (class 1 areas from the Swedish national wetland inventory, the Swedish Mire Protection Plan, and Ramsar sites) (HCV 1, HCV 2, HCV 3).

e) Water environments of particular national value (HCV 1, HCV 3).

f) Natura 2000 areas, nature reserves, and cultural reserves (HCV 1, HCV 2).

g) Sites of special significance for the Sami people, such as old settlements and other Sami cultural remains, work corrals, as well as culturally important paths (HCV 5, HCV 6).

h) Registered archaeological monuments and cultural remains of nation-wide interest (HCV 6).

INSTRUCTIONS 9.1.1:

9.1.1b: Intact Forest Landscapes (IFLs) in Sweden are identified according to a map available on FSC Sweden’s website.

9.1.1g: Sites of special significance for the Sami people are identified in engagement with the Sami villages. This can occur as a part of the collaborative planning process as per 3.2.2.

GUIDANCE 9.1.1: Maps are available on the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency’s map tool “Skyddad Natur”. Other important data sources and references for identifying areas include:

9.1.1a: Contact with the Swedish Forest Agency or county administrative boards can occur to identify areas that are of national interest. The division of High Value Forest Landscapes, action plans and the county administrative board’s model for prioritising areas for formal protection can be used. A map of areas of national interest for nature conservation is available on FSC Sweden’s website.

9.1.1a2: “A concentration of threatened species” means:

• Important populations of individual species that are dependent on the specific area for their survival on a national level, or

• Several different species that, together, comprise a species diversity that is significant from a national perspective.

9.1.1c: The authority that defined a particular water protection area is contacted to find applicable maps, materials and provisions for defined water protection areas. The authority may vary between counties. It is often the municipality in question, but can also be the county administrative board for the county that the forest lies within.

9.1.1d: Information abour Ramsar sites in Sweden is available on the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency’s website. For the Swedish national wetland inventory and the Swedish Mire Protection Plan, see the following publications (in Swedish with English summaries): Våtmarksinventeringen - resultat från 25 års inventering. Nationell slutrapport för våtmarksinventeringen (VMI) i Sverige. Rapport 5925. Naturvårdsverket 2009.

Myrskyddsplan för Sverige – Huvudrapport över revidering 2006. Rapport 5667. Naturvårdsverket 2007.

9.1.1e: Water environments of particular national value are water environments with high values for nature, culture and fish/fishing. These water environments are prioritised by authorities for formal protection. An up-to-date map, available in the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency’s map tool “Skyddad Natur” is used. Dialogue with county administrative boards can occur when necessary to ensure that the map is updated.


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For more information, see the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency’s report: Nationell strategi för skydd av vattenanknutna natur- och kulturvärden – delmål 1. Levande sjöar och vattendrag. Rapport 5666. Naturvårdsverket 2007 (In Swedish with English summary).

9.1.1h: GIS-maps with known, registered archaeological monuments and other cultural remains in Sweden can be downloaded from the Swedish National Heritage Board’s database “Fornsök”. The identification of archaeological monuments or cultural remains of nation-wide interest can be done in engagement with the county administrative board.

9.1.2 Existing inventories and other available materials from relevant authorities are used when identifying High Conservation Values.

9.1.3 Engagement with relevant authorities, experts or other stakeholders is conducted if necessary when identifying High Conservation Values.

9.2 The Organization* shall* develop effective strategies that maintain and/or enhance the identified High Conservation Values*, through engagement* with affected stakeholders*, interested stakeholders* and experts. (C9.2 P&C V4)

9.2.1 Large forest owners: Strategies are in place for the long-term conservation and development of High Conservation Values in the identified areas.

GUIDANCE 9.2.1: Strategies can include:

• Ecological landscape planning,

• Adapted consideration measures in conjunction with management activities,

• Engagement with other forest owners or authorities,

• Targeted action plans or inventories,

• Research initiatives, e.g. through support or providing land for research,

• Management or conservation plans defined by authorities,

• The forest sector’s “targets for environmental considerations” (Sw: Målbilder för god miljöhänsyn).

9.2.2 Large forest owners: When formulating strategies according to 9.2.1, knowledge and opinions are obtained from relevant stakeholders and/or experts on how the identified High Conservation Values can be maintained or enhanced.

9.3 The Organization* shall* implement strategies and actions that maintain and/or enhance the identified High Conservation Values*. These strategies and actions shall* implement the precautionary approach* and be proportionate to the scale, intensity and risk* of management activities. (C9.3 P&C V4)

9.3.1 Strategies according to 9.2.1 are followed.

9.3.2 Activities that are shown to harm High Conservation Values in the landholding cease immediately and actions are taken to protect and, if possible, restore these values.

9.3.3 Forest management above the nature conservation boundary (9.1.1b) is adapted to the land use history of the stand and to existing conservation values.


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INSTRUCTIONS 9.3.3: Forest management is limited in areas above the nature conservation boundary and in Intact Forest Landscapes (IFLs) on the basis of a division of forests into three categories (see below). A map of the nature conservation boundary is available on FSC Sweden’s website or in: von Sydow, Ulf. (1988) Gräns för storskaligt skogsbruk i fjällnära skogar: förslag till naturvårdsgräns. Svenska Naturskyddsföreningen. A revision of the boundary can occur upon agreement with affected stakeholders where necessary.

The condition for certification is considered to be met if a written declaration is made that one does not intend to conduct forest management above the nature conservation boundary.

With consideration for the limitations in forest management above the nature conservation boundary, the requirement for setting aside an area equivalent to 5 % (6.5.1) or the requirement for a 5 % proportion of deciduous-dominated forest (6.8.6) does not have to be met in this area.

Category 1. Areas of virgin-type forests are exempt from forest management activities. These are characterised by:

a) a continuity of old windthrows,

b) an abundance of red-listed species,

c) an abundance of coarse windthrows, often 15-20 per ha,

d) a diverse age structure and pronounced stratification,

e) an abundance of natural stumps and dead standing trees,

f) no or few felling stumps.

All other types of Woodland Key Habitats are also included in this category.

Category 1 is exempt from all activities other than those with the purpose of promoting the natural biodiversity.

Category 2. Other forests of significance for nature conservation. These forests are characterised by:

a) Sparse dead standing trees,

b) A moderate frequency of old windthrows and sparse or isolated occurrences of red-listed species,

c) Often a diverse age structure and stratification,

d) Evident signs of dimension felling.

These forests may be managed by continuous cover forestry or selective felling and intensified nature conservation measures. Other forests of significance for nature conservation that are located in strips or enclaves adjacent to areas of virgin-type forests and forming a natural integrated unit with these areas, are managed as Category 1 and are exempt from all management activities except those with the objective of promoting natural biodiversity.

Category 3. Forests that are neither of Category 1 nor 2 may be managed in accordance with other parts of the standard, with the exception of 6.5.1 and 6.8.6 (see above). Areas of this category are primarily recently managed areas or other severely affected areas with broken continuity.

9.3.4 Current regulations are followed for landholdings within established protection areas for sources of water supply (9.1.1c).

9.3.5 Regulations are followed during management activities for landholdings within Natura 2000 areas, cultural reserves and nature reserves (9.1.1f). Actual management activities are implemented in accordance with management and conservation plans for the area.

9.4 The Organization* shall* demonstrate that periodic monitoring is carried out to assess changes in the status of High Conservation Values*, and


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shall* adapt its management strategies to ensure their effective protection*. The monitoring shall* be proportionate to the scale, intensity and risk* of management activities, and shall* include engagement* with affected stakeholders*, interested stakeholders* and experts. (C9.4 P&C V4)

9.4.1 Large forest owners: Changes in areas with High Conservation Values, established strategies and any management measures are monitored. The extent of monitoring shall be proportionate to the scale, intensity and risk of the management activities. If necessary, this is done in engagement with, or through, relevant authorities, experts, or other stakeholders.

INSTRUCTIONS 9.4.1: Results of monitoring regarding changes in areas with High Conservation Values, and established strategies and any forest management measures, are documented.

9.4.2 Information from monitoring/assessments according to 9.4.1 is used when planning and implementing strategies (see 9.2.1 and 9.3.1).


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PRINCIPLE 10: IMPLEMENTATION OF MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

Management activities conducted by or for The Organization* for the Management Unit* shall* be selected and implemented consistent with The Organization*’s economic, environmental and social policies and objectives* and in compliance with the Principles* and Criteria* collectively.

10.1 After harvest or in accordance with the management plan*, The Organization* shall*, by natural or artificial regeneration methods, regenerate vegetation cover in a timely fashion to pre-harvesting or more natural conditions*.

10.1.1 Harvested sites are regenerated in a timely manner and to a sufficient extent to ensure forest production, as per the Forestry Act.

10.1.2 Regeneration is implemented in a manner that is adapted to the site with respect to regeneration methods, as well as choice of seed and plant material.

INSTRUCTIONS 10.1.2: Possibilities for natural regeneration are considered in the selection of regeneration methods.

10.2 The Organization* shall* use species for regeneration that are ecologically well adapted to the site and to the management objectives*. The Organization* shall* use native species* and local genotypes* for regeneration, unless there is clear and convincing justification for using others.

10.2.1 Regeneration is carried out using native species that are adapted to the site, with the exception of what is indicated in 10.2.2 and 10.3.1.

10.2.2 At least 50 % of the productive forest land area in the nemoral zone, including voluntary set-asides, are eventually dominated by broad-leaf trees and/or pine. Forest managers that have a lower proportion take measures at the planned pace to adapt the areas so that the goal is reached.

INSTRUCTIONS 10.2.2: The nemoral zone is defined in the report “Gränsen mellan nemorala och boreo-nemorala zonen” by Yvonne Aldetun, and can be downloaded from FSC Sweden’s website. However, other demarcations of the nemoral zone that have previously been accepted by Certification Bodies can continue to be applied.

10.2.3 The measures and timeplan for reaching the goal according to 10.2.2 is made clear in planning documentation.

10.3 The Organization* shall* only use alien species* when knowledge and/or experience have shown that any invasive impacts can be controlled and effective mitigation measures are in place.

10.3.1 An exotic tree species may only be used once it is shown through a systematic review that:

a) the tree species provides considerable production benefits or other advantages over native tree species,

b) the tree species is ecologically well adapted to the sites where it is used,


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c) the tree species does not cause substantial negative impacts on natural soil processes and long-term productivity,

d) the tree species does not cause substantial negative impacts on other ecosystems or biodiversity,

e) self-dispersal to the surroundings can be limited and removed.

INSTRUCTIONS 10.3.1: A systematic review means that the tree species has undergone a systematic analysis, based on: 1. scientific experiments or 2. proven experience and scientifically documented studies. The exotic tree species that have not undergone a systematic review are considered as untested and are treated in accordance with 10.5.5.

GUIDANCE 10.3.1d: The term ”other ecosystems” relates to the dispersal and impact on e.g. forest wetlands, alpine environments, et cetera.

10.3.2 Beeting with exotic tree species plants is only carried out in stands already dominated by exotic tree species.

10.3.3 When establishing new stands with exotic tree species, sufficient general nature considerations for native tree species are planned and left to enable sufficient and functional consideration with native tree species in the future stand in conjunction with all management activities, including regeneration felling.

GUIDANCE 10.3.3: More extensive considerations with native tree species should be left to enable the future consideration sites consisting entirely of native tree species. Native tree species are actively promoted when necessary.

10.3.4 New stands of lodgepole pine are not established within 1 km of nature reserves or national parks. Already established stands are dismantled. This also applies for other exotic tree species if the systematic analysis from 10.3.1 shows that there is significant risk for self-dispersal.

INSTRUCTIONS 10.3.4: The dismantling of already established stands occurs at the latest by the planned time of final felling.

10.3.5 The Organization shall have a program to remove the self-dispersal of exotic tree species outside of existing and planned stands of exotic tree species.

INSTRUCTIONS 10.3.5: Measures are implemented systematically and in proportion to the assessed negative impacts, with consideration for the risk of continued dispersal from self-dispersed seedlings.

Measures normally occur in conjunction with the regular management and maintenance, but can, where necessary, end up comprising additional measures.

When stands of exotic tree species are dismantled to establish new stands of native tree species, measures are implemented to counteract the establishment of previously occurring exotic tree species through self-dispersal.

Engagement to remove and/or counteract self-dispersal of exotic tree species to land outside of the property occurs in agreement with the landowner that is affected by the self-dispersal.

10.3.6 Exotic tree species are not left as a nature consideration and are actively removed from care-demanding patches and buffer zones in conjunction with management activities.

10.3.7 Large forest owners: The establishment and management of stands with exotic tree species shall be planned using a landscape perspective so as to avoid negative ecological impacts.


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10.3.8 Large forest owners: Exotic tree species are not established in the majority of landscapes that contain no or a low proportion of exotic tree species (less than 2 % proportion of tree species at the landscape level). If such landscapes are missing, a plan is in place to develop such landscapes.

GUIDANCE 10.3.8: The plan for developing landscapes with no or a low proportion of exotic tree species can be a long-term plan and can consist of replacing exotic tree species with native tree species during regeneration felling, but can also entail the earlier dismantling of stands with exotic tree species. When selecting these landscapes, considerations should also be made for the occurrence of exotic tree species on adjacent properties. Landscapes with preconditions for a low proportion of exotic tree species in the whole landscape should be selected.

10.3.9 The use of exotic tree species and actions taken are monitored and documented with respect to the risk for negative impacts on the surrounding environment, using scientific criteria.

10.4 The Organization* shall* not use genetically modified organisms* in the Management Unit*.

10.4.1 Genetically modified organisms are not used.

10.5 The Organization* shall* use silvicultural practices that are ecologically appropriate for the vegetation, species, sites and management objectives*.

10.5.1 The silvicultural practices that are implemented are adapted to the site and designed to meet the silvicultural goals.

10.5.2 When clearing prior to thinning, regeneration felling, site preparation or planting, all undergrowth that does not obstruct the following management activities is left.

10.5.3 Buffer zones and care-demanding patches are only cleared for the purpose of promoting environmental values.

10.5.4 When clearing and thinning, the shrub and tree species that were present before the measure are safeguarded.

10.5.5 The following applies when untested methods and materials are used:

a) FSC certified land can be used for research that is conducted by universities, colleges, research institutes, or governmental bodies.

b) If the Organization in their operations or in their own trials wants to use a new method or material that could entail a significant negative impact on human health or the environment, the instructions for 10.5.5 are applied.

INSTRUCTIONS 10.5.5: The Organization assesses if there is a risk for considerable

negative impacts on people and the environment from a new method or new material. The

Organization accounts for their documented decision-making material to the auditor. If the

Organization finds it difficult to assess the risk, or assesses the risk for negative impacts to be

considerable, the Organization shall ask for guidance from FSC Sweden before untested

materials or methods are put to use.

10.6 The Organization* shall* minimize or avoid the use of fertilizers*. When fertilizers* are used, The Organization* shall* demonstrate that use is


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equally or more ecologically and economically beneficial than use of silvicultural systems that do not require fertilizers, and prevent, mitigate, and/or repair damage to environmental values*, including soils.

10.6.1 During fertilization, the Forestry Act’s regulations from 1 September 2014 are adhered to and the fertilization is formed according to the minimum requirements for fertilization that are specified in the Swedish Forest Agency’s recommendations.

INSTRUCTIONS 10.6.1: Basic requirements for fertilization are available in the Swedish Forest Agency’s notification no. 2, 2007: “Kvävegödsling av skogsmark” (in Swedish).

10.6.2 Routines for untested methods according to 10.5.5 are adhered to when organic fertilizers are used.

10.6.3 Large forest owners: At least 20 % of the fertilizable area is left unfertilized.

GUIDANCE 10.6.3: “The fertilizable area” means the forest areas that meet the following basic requirements in the Swedish Forest Agency’s notification no. 2, 2007: “Kvävegödsling av skogsmark”: dry and mesic soil, podzol soil, site index 16-30 m, at least 80 % of the surface area should comprise coniferous trees. Fertilizable area that is set aside in relation to 6.5.1 and 6.5.2 or that is not fertilized as a consideration for reindeer herding (3.2.2) can be counted. The calculation of 20 % can be based on existing digital registries.

10.6.4 The Swedish Forest Agency is consulted regarding all areas to be fertilized.

10.6.5 The following is documented on the stand level:

a) type of fertilizer,

b) dose of fertilizer,

c) time period of fertilization.

10.6.6 Fertilization is monitored to determine whether potential damage has occurred. In such cases, the damage is documented so that it is not repeated.

10.6.7 The Swedish Forest Agency’s recommendations are adhered to for ash recycling.

10.7 The Organization* shall* use integrated pest management and silviculture* systems which avoid, or aim at eliminating, the use of chemical pesticides*. The Organization* shall* not use any chemical pesticides* prohibited by FSC policy. When pesticides* are used, The Organization* shall* prevent, mitigate, and/or repair damage to environmental values* and human health.

10.7.1 The risks of damage caused by fungi, wind and insects is limited through compliance with § 29 of the Forestry Act.

10.7.2 Chemical pesticides classified by the Swedish Chemicals Agency as ‘very toxic’, ‘toxic’, ‘corrosive’, ‘dangerous to health’, and ‘dangerous to the environment’, are not used on forest land unless FSC has granted derogation. This also applies to chemical pesticides that are prohibited by FSC’s Pesticides Policy, POL-30-001.


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INSTRUCTIONS 10.7.2: When it comes to chemical pesticides classified by the Swedish Chemicals Agency as ‘very toxic’, ‘toxic’, ‘corrosive’, ‘dangerous to health’, and ‘dangerous to the environment’, but that are not classed as “highly hazardous pesticides”, FSC Sweden can grant derogations if there are special circumstances. The rules of any derogations for 10.7.2 are decided upon by FSC Sweden.

Derogations for using chemical pesticides that are on the list of “highly hazardous pesticides” can be granted after application to the FSC Policy and Standard Unit according to FSC-PRO-30-001 (Pesticide Derogation Procedure). For the use of such chemical pesticides in Sweden, an application for derogation is additionally required to be submitted to FSC Sweden.

Derogation is required both for the planting of seedlings that have been preliminarily treated in the nursery and for post-treatment in the field. This requirement does not apply to other chemical use in nurseries.

10.7.3 When seedlings are ordered, the plant producer is required to work systematically to reduce the use of chemical pesticides that may have negative impacts on human health and the environment in the nursery.

10.7.4 Any use of chemical pesticides occurs according to safety data sheets that fulfil the Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council (REACH) and user instructions.

10.7.5 Any use of chemical pesticides according to 10.7.2 is documented with regards to type, quantity used, period of use, location and reason for use.

INSTRUCTIONS 10.7.5: The indicator does not apply for post-treatment of pine weevil protection measures that have been handled according to 10.7.2.

10.7.6 Any use of chemical pesticides according to 10.7.2 is monitored to ensure their effective use and that damage to human health and the environment is avoided.

10.8 The Organization* shall* minimize, monitor* and strictly control the use of biological control agents* in accordance with internationally accepted scientific protocols*. When biological control agents* are used, The Organization* shall* prevent, mitigate, and/or repair damage to environmental values*.

10.8.1 The use of biological control agents is minimised.

INSTRUCTIONS 10.8.1: The use of the fungus Phlebiopsis gigantea to treat root rot may occur as necessary.

10.8.2 Only scientifically evaluated and effective biological control agents that are approved by the Swedish Chemicals Agency are used.

10.8.3 Use of biological control agents occurs with appropriate techniques and methods that comply with the terms of the Swedish Chemicals Agency.

10.8.4 The use of biological control agents where there is risk of damage to human health and the environment is documented with regards to type, quantity used, time period, location and reason for use.

10.8.5 Any use of biological control agents according to 10.8.4 is monitored to ensure their effective use and that damage to human health and the environment is avoided.


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10.9 The Organization* shall* assess risks* and implement activities that reduce potential negative impacts from natural hazards* proportionate to scale, intensity, and risk*.

10.9.1 Silviculture is adapted to reduce the risk of extensive damage from natural hazards to forests and other ecosystems.

10.9.2 Control measures against pests are implemented according to 29 § of the Forestry Act.

10.9.3 In conjunction with site preparation where there is a high risk of fire, preventative measures against fire are implemented.

10.10 The Organization* shall* manage infrastructural development*, transport activities and silviculture* so that water resources and soils are protected, and disturbance of and damage to rare and threatened species*, habitats*, ecosystems* and landscape values* are prevented, mitigated and/or repaired.

10.10.1 Site preparation is adapted to the site and is carried out using the best available methods and techniques to minimise the soil impact.

10.10.2 Site preparation is carried out so that:

a) damage to known archaeological monuments and cultural remains is prevented,

b) damage to existing nature considerations is prevented,

c) erosion and negative impacts on aquatic habitats are prevented.

10.10.3 Site-specific management instructions with planned consideration measures are produced prior to site preparation.

10.10.4 Damage as a result of site preparation according to 10.10.2 is repaired if possible, so long as this does not risk worsening the existing damage.

INSTRUCTIONS 10.10.4: If archaeological monuments are damaged, the county administrative board is contacted before any restoration measures are carried out.

10.10.5 The following is ensured when new forest roads are constructed:

a) the running of watercourses is preserved,

b) damage to aquatic habitats and associated buffer zones is prevented,

c) crossings over watercourses do not create obstacles to the migration of aquatic organisms,

d) road ditches do not discharge directly into watercourses or valuable wetlands.

10.10.6 Obstacles to the migration of aquatic organisms caused by culverts are removed in conjunction with road reparations that involve excavation.

10.10.7 When carrying out forest road reparations that involve excavation, the transport of particles into water is minimised and road ditches do not discharge directly into watercourses or valuable wetlands.


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10.10.8 Large forest owners: Action plans are developed and implemented to remove obstacles caused by road culverts to the migration of aquatic organisms in valuable watercourses.

GUIDANCE 10.10.8: Here, ”valuable watercourses” mean watercourses of national and regional value from a conservation and fishing perspective, identified by governmental authorities. The action plan is connected with the ecological landscape planning.

10.11 The Organization* shall* manage activities associated with harvesting and extraction of timber and non-timber forest products* so that environmental values* are conserved, merchantable waste is reduced, and damage to other products and services is avoided.

INSTRUCTIONS 10.11.1-10.11.4: Exceptions can be made for considerations for outdoor activities and recreation in forests near urban areas.

10.11.1 Logging residues (branches and tops) may be extracted in conifer-dominated stands where the impacts on the production capacity of the soil are limited.

10.11.2 At least 20 % of logging residues are left when logging residues are extracted.

INSTRUCTIONS 10.11.2: Logging residues of coniferous trees do not have to be left in conjunction with management for the purpose of creating deciduous-dominated stands or forest pastures/grazing pastures.

GUIDANCE 10.11.2: In regeneration fellings, piles of logging residues are preferably left in sun-exposed sites and/or in association with other retained consideration measures.

10.11.3 The extraction of logging residues of rowan, goat willow, aspen and valuable broad-leaf trees is avoided.

INSTRUCTIONS 10.11.3: In conjunction with nature conservation management or in deciduous-dominated production stands, logging residues may be extracted:

a) if the stand cannot be expected to have high values for wood-living beetles associated with broad-leaf trees,

b) if larger pieces from deciduous trees that have not been extracted as merchantable timber are left.

GUIDANCE 10.11.3: High values can be expected if the stand is situated in a region or landscape with well-known populations of rare and threatened beetles associated with wood from deciduous trees.

10.11.4 Considerations are made for wood-living beetles by adapting the storage and chipping of logging residues.

GUIDANCE 10.11.4: If stacks, particularly of valuable broad-leaf trees, have been left lying over the summer, it is important to remove and retain the topmost layer of branches during extraction. For additional guidance, see the Swedish Forest Agency’s publication: “Hänsyn vid uttag av grot” (in Swedish).

10.11.5 The removal of stumps occurs only after review by FSC Sweden.

INSTRUCTIONS 10.11.5: Exceptions from the need for review apply when the method is used at a very small scale and not as a part of the regular and commercial operations.

10.12 The Organization* shall* dispose of waste materials* in an environmentally appropriate manner.


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10.12.1 Harmful emissions of chemicals, fuel, oils and non-organic waste are minimised through preventative measures and the choice of chemical products.

10.12.2 Waste materials are returned to the supplier or deposited at an approved recycling station.

10.12.3 Dangerous goods are transported in approved packages or containers.