Indonesian Forestry Certification Co-operation (IFCC) has achieved PEFC endorsement. PEFC is the world's largest forest certification system.
With more than 50% of Indonesia’s land area forested, the country’s rainforest is the third-largest in the world. It is considered one of the five most species-rich countries globally, home to about ten percent of all known species of plants, mammals and birds. It is estimated that 80 million Indonesians rely on forests for their livelihood. Responsible management of the country’s forest resources are also important from an economic point of view: Smallholders and industrial forestry operators, along with pulp and paper producers, depend on forests, and contribute approximately $21 billion to the economy – around 3.5% of Indonesia’s GDP. More than 4 million people are employed by this industry.
The endorsement of IFCC by PEFC follows the most rigorous assessment process existing globally for national forest certification systems seeking international recognition. PEFC requires all standards to be developed through comprehensive, multi-stakeholder and consensus-based processes at national level with all standard requirements meeting or exceeding the environmental, social and economic requirements of PEFC’s Sustainability Benchmarks.
All standards are subjected to an independent third-party evaluation, global public consultation, a review by the Panel of Experts, and consideration by the PEFC Board of Directors before PEFC members decide about the endorsement of a particular national system. The entire assessment documentation is made publicly available to ensure full transparency of the process.
