The Global Impact of SmartWood Certification

This study finds that independent, third-party certification for environmentally and socially sustainable management of timberlands can lead to measurable improvements in the protection of forests, wildlife, and stakeholder rights worldwide as well as to the long-term economic viability of forestry operations. Impacts include better protection of aquatic and riparian areas, sensitive and high conservation value areas, and threatened and endangered species as well as improvements in worker safety, training, communication, and conflict resolution with stakeholders. The report also finds that certification promotes economic sustainability, including improved understanding of profitability and efficiency, greater accountability, transparency, and compliance with laws, and better management planning, monitoring, and chain-of-custody practices.

The July 2005 study was compiled by SmartWood, a forestry certification program of the nonprofit Rainforest Alliance.