Enviro News Asia, Seoul — South Korea has introduced the FSC Interim Forest Stewardship Standard (IFSS) as a new framework to strengthen responsible forest management while enhancing the economic, social, and environmental value of its forest sector.
The FSC IFSS for South Korea will take effect on 1 May 2026 and provides a locally adapted set of standards to support sustainable forest use, increase the supply of FSC-certified timber, and meet growing domestic market demand for certified forest products.
Forests cover more than 63 percent of South Korea’s land area, with over two-thirds under private ownership and largely located in mountainous regions. Despite extensive forest resources, many areas remain underutilized due to limited incentives for sustainable management and a prevailing perception of forests solely as conservation spaces.
The new standard addresses these challenges by offering forest owners and managers a clear, practical framework for responsible forestry. It promotes transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability, while supporting the recognition of ecosystem services such as carbon storage as part of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies.
Although illegal logging is not a significant issue in South Korea, climate-related risks, including wildfires and landslides, are increasing. The FSC IFSS strengthens safeguards against these threats and aligns forest operations with internationally recognized sustainability principles.
The standard also supports national and local forest policies, including forest healing programs, eco-tourism development, biodiversity conservation, and assistance for small-scale forest owners. These efforts aim to modernize forest governance and enhance the role of forests in sustainable development.
Developed through consultations involving forest owners, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, industry representatives, and public authorities, the FSC IFSS reflects South Korea’s specific forestry conditions while maintaining global credibility.
Through the implementation of the FSC IFSS, South Korea seeks to position its forests as sustainably managed landscapes that deliver economic benefits, social value, and environmental resilience for current and future generations. (*)
