Home

Sustainable Forestry Initiative Standard (SFI)

Global markets are demanding proof that forest companies operate in a sustainable manner. This proof has been provided by forest companies achieving third party certification to one or more internationally recognized forestry/environmental standards such as SFI, PEFC, CSA, FSC, ISO 14001. A number of forest companies within the province of Nova Scotia have received third party certification to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Standard (SFI).

SFI is an international forestry standard that outlines a balance between the environment and sound business decisions. It includes a set of principles, objectives and performance measures, and indicators that are used to assess forest land-use practices. It includes responsibility for water quality, long-term forest productivity, wildlife habitat, protection of special sites, and the efficiency of wood utilization. SFI certified companies (program participants) require sustainable forestry practices on their own lands and other lands from which they procure fiber.

Professional foresters, conservationists, scientists, landowners, and other stakeholders created the standard which has been recognized by other certification standards.

Nova Scotia SFI Implementation Committee (NSSIC)

In 2001, the Nova Scotia SIC was formed and consists of representatives from program participants (forest companies), government agencies, private woodlot owners, and non-profit organizations. Its mission is to implement sustainable forest management practices by promoting the SFI program at the provincial level. Besides the program participants mentioned above the committee also includes several other organizations operating in Nova Scotia.

  • Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources
  • Canadian Federation of Woodlot Owners
  • Forestry Safety Society of Nova Scotia
  • Forest Products Association of Nova Scotia
  • Canadian Woodlands Forum

The NS SIC is committed to promoting sustainable forestry practices in Nova Scotia by co-operating with all companies interested in implementing recognized certification systems including ISO 14001, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). The NS SIC continues to expand its membership to include other interests.

Nova Scotia SIC Working Groups

There are three working groups functioning within the committee. They are:

A Public Inquiries Committee that is responsible for implementing a procedure that allows the public to report concerns and ask questions about forestry practices.

A Technical Curriculum Committee that is responsible for developing training programs and promoting the delivery and evaluation of the Qualified Wood Supplier (QWS) training program.

A Communication Committee that is responsible for developing contacts with landowners, government agencies, forest workers, and the public.