FSC's forest management standards provide for the protection of water quality, prohibit the cutting down of old forests, prevent the loss of natural forest cover, and prohibit the use of highly toxic chemicals-all aspects of a forest's responsible management system.

FSC requires those who manage forests, whether on public or private land, to involve members of local communities in decision-making processes and to protect the rights of indigenous peoples, thereby integrating them into the certification process and ensuring that the impact of management operations is controlled and mitigated. FSC also requires that the result of certification audits be made public, even if private property is involved-this is distinctive from other types of certification.

Many of the world's largest companies favor the use of FSC-certified products. Standards on green building, such as the LEED program of the U.S. Green Building Council, provide incentives for the use of FSC-certified building materials, and there is an increasing number of customers, governments and public administrations demanding FSC-certified products. Companies that produce FSC products therefore have easier access to these markets.

FSC is an independent international organization led by its members, organized into three spheres (social, environmental and economic) with equal decision-making power. Members elect the Board of Directors and make the most strategic decisions. Anyone with a strong passion for sustainable forest management can become a member of FSC.This transparent and balanced approach is a hallmark of FSC and ensures that the multiplicity of visions and interests are represented during decision-making processes.