Social and environmental aspects of the forest management certification process – A discussion of social assessment components in South Africa

Abstract

This paper is a review and analysis of the experiences with FSC certification auditing in South Africa over the past three years. The author was contracted as a “social specialist” by SGS-Forestry for 4 Main Assessments (all except one were for large forestry companies) and one surveillance visit. The paper begins with an overview of the learning process the author went through in developing an approach and methodology to use during assessments. The constraints and difficulties faced are highlighted. In the next section of the paper, an analyse of the experiences through examining FSC certification in the context of an overall process aimed at ensuring adequate social standards are met and maintained within a forestry enterprise. The paper then looks at experiences under four main themes that are central to the overall study of which this is a part. Key issues pertaining to each are highlighted, and recommendations made