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Ghana's
tropical rainforests – what does their future have
to do with us?
Task
3
Use
the text items and the logo below to find out about the
work of the Forest Stewardship Council. Discuss in small
groups or with a partner how you might be able to help.
Describe how you can help conserve tropical forests by
acting locally.
The
Forest Stewardship Council
[Source:
Forest Stewardship Council Web site:
http://www.fsc-uk.demon.co.uk
]
The
Forest Stewardship Council is an international non-profit
organization founded in 1993 to support management of
the world's forests that:
-
is environmentally appropriate
-
provides social benefits
-
is economically viable.
Its
members are a diverse group including people from the
timber trade, forestry profession, local people's organizations,
environmental and social groups and community forestry
groups.
The
Forest Stewardship Council was set up because of the huge
public concern about the destruction of the world's forests.
More and more people demand products from well-managed
forests. This demand has led to many different labels
on forest products, making claims such as 'for every tree
felled at least two are planted.' Many of these claims
are irrelevant or misleading. A study by WWF found that
of a sample of 80 different environmental claims found
on wood and paper products, only three could even by partly
confirmed.
The
Forest Stewardship Council aims to clear up the confusion
by introducing a labelling scheme for forest products
from well-managed forests. These products will carry the
Forest Stewardship Council logo. The logo provides the
consumer with a guarantee that the products have come
from a forest which has been evaluated and certified as
being managed according to agreed social, economically
viable and environmental standards.
Source:
Forest Stewardship Council Web site: http://www.fsc-uk.demon.co.uk
| The
Forest Stewardship Council logo
|
 |
You can help by looking out for FSC's logo. When you see
it you can be confident that the labelled product comes
from a well managed forest. By buying these products you
are supporting good forest stewardship and providing the
incentive to encourage forest owners to improve their
management.
If you cannot find the Forest Stewardship Council logo
on the products you need, ask the shop to stock them.
The more customers who request products from well managed
forests, the greater is the incentive for forest owners
to provide them. In this way individuals, companies and
organizations can have a direct and powerful influence
to improve stewardship of the world's forests.
If there isn't a supplier near you why not provide local
stores with information about FSC.
Source:
Forest Stewardship Council Web site: http://www.fsc-uk.demon.co.uk
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on to Task 4
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