FSC CERTIFICATION FOR NON-TIMBER FOREST PRODUCTS – UAE, OMAN, SAUDI ARABIA

As global concern for the environment continues to grow, it is becoming increasingly important to look beyond traditional industries and focus on sustainable practices for all natural resources. 

This is especially true when it comes to non-timber forest products (NTFPs) like Bamboo, Bark, Pinecones, And Seeds; Fish, Fruit, Venison, And Mushrooms; Honey, Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, And Tea; Natural Gums, Resins, Oils, And Wax; Natural Rubber, Cork, And Rattans that are harvested from forests. 

While the focus has typically been on sustainable timber practices, the reality is that NTFPs are just as crucial to the health of our forests and the communities that rely on them. That’s where FSC Certification for Non-Timber Forest Products in UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia comes in. By ensuring that NTFPs are harvested in a way that supports both the environment and the people who depend on them, FSC accreditation is playing a vital role in promoting sustainability across all aspects of forest management.

The FSC system was developed by FSC Forest Stewardship Council to promote responsible forest management worldwide. While FSC accreditation in UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia is most associated with timber, it is also available for non-timber forest products (NTFPs).

FSC for NTFPs is essential because it promotes responsible forest management practices that benefit both the environment and local communities. With FSC documentation, NTFP producers and harvesters must follow strict guidelines to ensure that their practices are sustainable, ethical, and environmentally friendly. 

These guidelines include ensuring that harvesting does not negatively impact forest ecosystems, protecting the rights of indigenous people and local communities, and ensuring that workers are treated fairly and paid a living wage.

The importance of FSC in UAE for NTFPs cannot be overstated. With the increasing demand for environmentally friendly products, consumers are looking for products that are produced sustainably and ethically. FSC certification provides a globally recognized standard that consumers can trust, giving NTFP producers and harvesters a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

1. Choosing FSC-certified NTFPs has numerous benefits for both the environment and local communities. Firstly, FSC ensures that the products are harvested sustainably, which means that they are produced in a way that does not harm the environment. This includes protecting biodiversity, conserving forests, and reducing the use of harmful chemicals.
2. Secondly, FSC ensures that the rights of local communities and indigenous people are respected. This includes protecting their cultural heritage, ensuring that they have a say in how the forest is managed, and ensuring that they receive a fair share of the benefits from the forest products.
3. Thirdly, FSC Certification in UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia ensures that workers are treated fairly and paid a living wage. This includes ensuring that workers have safe working conditions, access to healthcare and education, and the right to organize and bargain collectively.
4. Finally, choosing FSC-certified NTFPs supports sustainable economic development in local communities. By promoting sustainable forest management practices, FSC certification helps to create jobs and income opportunities for local people, reducing their dependence on unsustainable practices like slash-and-burn agriculture and illegal logging.

• Obtaining FSC Certification for Non-Timber Forest Products is a complex process that requires significant time and investment. The first step is to find an FSC-accredited certification body to conduct an audit of your harvesting or production practices. This audit will assess your compliance with the FSC standards and identify any areas for improvement.
• Once you have completed the audit, you will need to implement any necessary changes to your practices to meet the FSC standards. This may include changes to your harvesting techniques, employee training, or documentation procedures.
• After implementing the necessary changes, you will need to undergo a second audit to confirm that you are following the FSC standards. If you pass this audit, you will receive FSC accreditation in UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, which is valid for five years.
• Maintaining FSC certification requires ongoing compliance with the FSC standards and regular audits to ensure that your practices remain sustainable and ethical. However, the benefits of FSC certification are significant and can help to create a sustainable future for both the forest and the people who depend on it.

If you are interested in obtaining FSC authorization for your NTFP products, Ascent EMIRATES can help. Our team of experienced consultants can guide you through the certification process for both FSC and ISO Certification in Dubai from the initial audit to ongoing compliance monitoring.