This project is a two-year (2007-2009) study funded by the Sustainable Forest Management Network for Excellence. The project analyzes the amount of change induced by forest certification on social, economic and environmental aspects of forest management. A second research aim is to investigate perceptions of various stakeholders (forest industry, governments, consumers, wholesalers) with respect to forest certification effectiveness.

The study pursues the following objectives:

• Reviewing trends in forest certification and its effects on forest operations, economic situation and social issues (aboriginal and non-aboriginal). This objective will be achieved through a literature synthesis. Aboriginal perspectives will be sought through a targeted survey.
• Investigating the extent of behavioural change prompted by forest certification in forest managing entities, individual consumers and large retailers (wholesalers, brokers, etc.). A series of surveys addressed to different audiences (industry, retailers, governments) will assess changes in forest management. Case studies will provide in-depth analysis of the effects of forest certification.
• Identifying other possible drivers for change in forest management besides forest certification. A comparison between regulatory, other soft-law initiatives and certification requirements will serve this purpose.
• Comparing the degree of behavioural change that has occurred in certified and non-certified forest managing entities. This will be performed through quantitative and qualitative analyses of surveys and case studies.

Click here for detailed project methods.

Click to contact Dr. Bruce Larson (Principal Investigator)