The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international non-profit organization dedicated to promoting responsible forest management worldwide. Established in 1993, the FSC sets rigorous standards for forest products, ensuring they are sourced in an environmentally sustainable , socially beneficial, and economically viable manner. These standards cover a wide range of practices, including the preservation of biodiversity, the protection of water resources, and the maintenance of the rights and well-being of indigenous communities and workers involved in forestry. Products that meet these criteria can carry the FSC certification label, providing consumers with assurance that the wood, paper, or other forest products they purchase come from responsibly managed sources.

The FSC certification process involves thorough assessments of forests and supply chains by independent third-party auditors. These assessments verify that forest operations comply with FSC principles and criteria, such as minimizing environmental impact, preventing illegal logging, and conserving natural ecosystems. FSC certification is available for both forests and the companies involved in processing and trading forest products. For companies, obtaining FSC Chain of Custody certification ensures that FSC-certified material is tracked from the forest through every stage of production to the final product. This traceability allows consumers and businesses to support sustainable forestry practices by choosing FSC-certified products, such as lumber, paper, and furniture.

The impact of the FSC extends beyond environmental conservation; it also plays a significant role in promoting ethical and sustainable economic development. By providing a market-driven incentive for responsible forestry, the FSC encourages forest owners and companies to adopt practices that are not only environmentally sound but also fair and economically feasible. This approach helps protect forest ecosystems, supports the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities, and fosters a global market that values sustainability. As a widely recognized and respected certification system, the FSC empowers consumers, retailers, and manufacturers to make environmentally and socially conscious choices, contributing to the long-term health and viability of the world's forests.