Forest certification scheme launched, origin of tree-based products can be verified by green-conscious consumers
New Delhi: To encourage sustainable forest management and agroforestry practices in the country, the Environment Ministry recently launched the Indian Forest and wood certification scheme It will provide an environmental label that will inform domestic and international consumers about the origin and source of forest and tree-based products.
Since the scheme will address the concerns of such green-conscious consumers on deforestation and illegal timber trade through certification, it will increase the export potential of India’s wood-based products.
“Certified products will be sold in competitive domestic and global markets and thus encourage consumers towards green products,” the Environment Secretary said. Leena Nandan,
“Certification under the scheme is available to individual farmers, groups of farmers, institutions, or industries engaged in agroforestry, wood-based industries, or any unit involved in the wood value chain,” he said.
The scheme provides a certification logo, under the brand name PRAMAAN, which can be placed and used on certified wood products or processed goods. This includes forest management certification for both timber and non-timber forest produce, trees outside forest management certification and chain of custody certification from origin to market.
The scheme will be implemented by the Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal, which will provide operational support and facilitate certification processes and procedures.
“The certification process will be conducted by impartial, competent and independent certification bodies. These bodies will handle applications, conduct independent audits based on the criteria and indicators outlined in the certification standards adopted by the Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme, the Secretary said.
Under the National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies Indian Quality Council The certification will accredit bodies that will conduct independent audits and assess compliance with the Indian Forest Management Standard, which includes eight sustainability criteria, 69 indicators and 254 verifiers, which is an integral part of the National Action Plan Code 2023.
The code was issued last year to develop new approaches and scientific management of forests. It discusses in detail the essentials of forest management planning including the principles of sustainable management of forests. This includes the extent and condition of forest and tree cover; Maintenance, conservation and enhancement of biodiversity including wildlife, forest health and vitality, conservation and management of soil and water resources, enhancement of forest resource productivity, maintenance and enhancement of social, economic, cultural and spiritual benefits.
It also provides appropriate policy, legal and institutional framework. For the first time, the National Action Plan Code-2023 has prescribed state forest departments to engage in continuous data collection and its updating in a centralized database.
The Indian Forest Management Standards which are a part of this code take into account the diverse forest ecosystem in the country while attempting to bring uniformity in management. Based on long-term experiences of scientific forest management in India and in line with international norms and indicators, standards for sustainable forest management have been codified in the Indian Forest Management Standards.
Since the scheme will address the concerns of such green-conscious consumers on deforestation and illegal timber trade through certification, it will increase the export potential of India’s wood-based products.
“Certified products will be sold in competitive domestic and global markets and thus encourage consumers towards green products,” the Environment Secretary said. Leena Nandan,
“Certification under the scheme is available to individual farmers, groups of farmers, institutions, or industries engaged in agroforestry, wood-based industries, or any unit involved in the wood value chain,” he said.
The scheme provides a certification logo, under the brand name PRAMAAN, which can be placed and used on certified wood products or processed goods. This includes forest management certification for both timber and non-timber forest produce, trees outside forest management certification and chain of custody certification from origin to market.
The scheme will be implemented by the Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal, which will provide operational support and facilitate certification processes and procedures.
“The certification process will be conducted by impartial, competent and independent certification bodies. These bodies will handle applications, conduct independent audits based on the criteria and indicators outlined in the certification standards adopted by the Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme, the Secretary said.
Under the National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies Indian Quality Council The certification will accredit bodies that will conduct independent audits and assess compliance with the Indian Forest Management Standard, which includes eight sustainability criteria, 69 indicators and 254 verifiers, which is an integral part of the National Action Plan Code 2023.
The code was issued last year to develop new approaches and scientific management of forests. It discusses in detail the essentials of forest management planning including the principles of sustainable management of forests. This includes the extent and condition of forest and tree cover; Maintenance, conservation and enhancement of biodiversity including wildlife, forest health and vitality, conservation and management of soil and water resources, enhancement of forest resource productivity, maintenance and enhancement of social, economic, cultural and spiritual benefits.
It also provides appropriate policy, legal and institutional framework. For the first time, the National Action Plan Code-2023 has prescribed state forest departments to engage in continuous data collection and its updating in a centralized database.
The Indian Forest Management Standards which are a part of this code take into account the diverse forest ecosystem in the country while attempting to bring uniformity in management. Based on long-term experiences of scientific forest management in India and in line with international norms and indicators, standards for sustainable forest management have been codified in the Indian Forest Management Standards.
