From endemic species to sacred sites, all natural habitats – especially forests – inherit conservation values. Those biological, ecological, social or cultural values of outstanding significance are known as ‘high conservation values,’ or HCVs. 💚🌳
FSC use the HCV approach – identifying, managing and monitoring – in our certification standards (which influence FSC-certified forests or products) and more generally as a resource for conservation planning. FSC seeks to maintain, enhance and promote the importance of these values.
Paying attention to HCVs does not mean that you have to turn everything into a conservation area though. For example, some global retailers and banks have integrated HCV requirements into their procurement and investment policies.
A key part of HCVs is ensuring activity in forests does not have a negative impact on biodiversity – that is, the diversity within and between species, and the ecosystem as a whole, including forests. For FSC, maintaining and implementing management of biodiversity and HCVs goes hand in hand.
HCVs are applicable to any operation, big or small. As a small or community producer, you can ensure that your current activities are not affecting the overall biodiversity of your area, and find out how HCVs apply to you.
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