Socioeconomic and Environmental Impact of Forest Certification in Ejidos and Communities of the State of Durango, Mexico

Abstract

HIGHLIGHTS 48 key forest certification principles, indicators and variables in the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) forest certification scheme were analyzed systematically in the field with site inspections and personal interviews to determine whether certified firms had improved in these practices. 25 principles or practices covered in forest certification are not much different at any significance level between certified and non-certified practices. Certified firms have many characteristics that can be considered better than non-certified firms. This indicates that current forest certification in Mexico largely appears to be achieving its goals of improved sustainable management. Certification is associated with better forest management practices and does help promote a better quality of life for the communities. SUMMARY A principal objective of forest certification is to ensure that forest management operations and administration provide opportunities for social, economic and environmental development. This study assessed the implementation of 48 specific forest certification practices through field interviews and site inspections in 13 forest properties certified in Durango according to the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and compared them with practices on a pooled set of matching non-certified properties. The results of field observations indicate that forest certification has prompted measurable changes in sustainable forest management practices in Mexico. For 24 identified forest management and environmental certification practices, there were four statistically significant differences at p<0.10, and 7 at p<0.25. Six of 11 forest certification practices were significantly different at p<0.10 for the social component, and 5 of 13 in the economic category. Forest certification in Mexico is related to better forest management practices and as a promoter of a better quality of life for communities. However, it still faces challenges to achieve better prices for certified forest products in the market, but has helped firms enter new market segments. .