Achieving biodiversity conservation objectives, a case study of Canada's forest industry

Abstract

The purpose of the project was to focus on the biodiversity conservation efforts of Canada's major forest companies, and their certification status. The goals were to determine the effectiveness of the industries conservation polices, and to examine their commitment to biodiversity objectives. Another component of the study was to examine four major certification schemes, which many companies are implementing or considering showing and improving their commitment to sustainable forest management. These four certification systems are: (1) forest certification by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC); (2) FOREST'CARE'; (3) the Canadian Standards Association (CSA); and (4) ISO 14001 certification of environmental management systems through the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 14001). The specific objectives of the study were: to document biodiversity conservation criteria and indicators from the literature; to collect data relating to biodiversity conservation from forestry companies; to analyze and evaluate company operations in relation to biodiversity conservation criteria and indicators; and finally, to draw conclusions based on the evaluation. This study involved eight major forest companies across Canada. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)