• 5) Group Assessment

    5.1) Alignment of criteria on group holding or forest sourcing area 5. The compliance with the criteria for substantial contribution to climate change mitigation and with DNSH criteria may be checked: a. at the level of the forest sourcing area(47) as defined in Article 2, point (30), of Directive (EU) 2018/2001; b. at the level of a group of holdings sufficiently homogeneous to evaluate the risk of the sustainability of the forest activity, provided that all those holdings have a durable relationship between them and participate in the activity and the group of those holdings remains the same for all subsequent audits.

    SFI has three standards that address forest sustainability and therefore address climate change mitigation.

    -SFI 2022 Forest Management Standard -SFI Small Lands Group Certification Module -SFI Small Scale Forest Management Module for Indigenous Peoples and Families

    2

  • DNSH2 - Climate Adaptation

    DNSH2 - Climate Adaptation The activity complies with the criteria set out in Appendix A to this Annex The activity complies with the criteria set out in Appendix A to this Annex.

    OBJECTIVE 9. CLIMATE SMART FORESTRY

    Performance Measure 9.1 Certified Organizations shall individually and/or through cooperative efforts involving SFI Implementation Committees or other partners identify and address the climate change risks to forests and forest operations and develop appropriate adaptation objectives and strategies. Strategies are based on best scientific information.

    1

  • DNSH3 - Water

    DNSH3 - Water The activity complies with the criteria set out in Appendix B to this Annex The activity complies with the criteria set out in Appendix B to this Annex. Detailed information referred to in point 1.2. (i) includes provisions to comply with the criteria set out in Appendix B to this Annex.

    OBJECTIVE 3. PROTECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF WATER RESOURCES

    Performance Measure 3.1. Certified Organizations shall meet or exceed all applicable federal, provincial, state and local water quality laws and meet or exceed best management practices.

    Performance Measure 3.2. Certified Organizations shall implement water, wetland, and riparian protection programs based on climate, soil type, terrain, vegetation, ecological function, harvesting system, state best management practices (BMPs), provincial guidelines and other applicable factors.

    2

  • DNSH5 (1) - Pollution Prevention

    DNSH5 (1) - Pollution Prevention The activity does not use pesticides or fertilizers, pollution of water and soil is prevented and cleaning up measures are undertaken, avoidance of active ingredients; The activity minimized the use of fertilizers and does not use manure. The activity complies with Regulation (EU) 2019/1009* or national rules on fertilizers or soil improvers for agricultural use.

    The use of pesticides is reduced and alternative approaches or techniques, which may include non-chemical alternatives to pesticides, are favored, in accordance with Directive 2009/128/EC, with exception of occasions where the use of pesticides is needed to control outbreaks of pests and of diseases. The activity minimized the use of fertilizers and does not use manure. The activity complies with Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 or national rules on fertilizers or soil improvers for agricultural use.

    OBJECTIVE 2. FOREST HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY

    Performance Measure 2.2. Certified Organizations shall have a program to minimize chemical use required to achieve management objectives while protecting employees, neighbors, the public and the environment, including wildlife and aquatic habitats.

    2

  • DNSH5 (3) - Pollution Prevention

    DNSH5 (3) - Pollution Prevention Pollution of water and soil is prevented and cleaning up measures are undertaken when pollution occurs. Pollution of water and soil is prevented and cleaning up measures are undertaken when pollution occurs.

    OBJECTIVE 2. FOREST HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY

    OBJECTIVE 3. PROTECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF WATER RESOURCES

    OBJECTIVE 11. LEGAL AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

    Performance Measure 2.2. Certified Organizations shall have a program to minimize chemical use required to achieve management objectives while protecting employees, neighbors, the public and the environment, including wildlife and aquatic habitats.

    Indicator 8: Use of management practices appropriate to the situation, such as: i. use of spill response plans and chemical spill kits

    Performance Measure 3.1. Certified Organizations shall meet or exceed all applicable federal, provincial, state and local water quality laws and meet or exceed best management practices.

    Performance Measure 3.2. Certified Organizations shall implement water, wetland, and riparian protection programs based on climate, soil type, terrain, vegetation, ecological function, harvesting system, state best management practices (BMPs), provincial guidelines and other applicable factors.

    Performance Measure 11.1. Certified Organizations shall comply with applicable federal, provincial, state, and local forestry and environmental laws and regulations.

    2

  • Minimum Safeguard

    Minimum Safeguard UN Guiding Principles, OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises 1. The minimum safeguards referred to in point (c) of Article 3 shall be procedures implemented by an undertaking that is carrying out an economic activity to ensure the alignment with the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, including the principles and rights set out in the eight fundamental conventions identified in the Declaration of the International Labour Organization on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and the International Bill of Human Rights.

    2. When implementing the procedures referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article, undertakings shall adhere to the principle of ‘do no significant harm’ referred to in point (17) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2019/2088.The forest management plan or the equivalent instrument covers a period of 10 years or more, and is continuously updated.

    OBJECTIVE 11. LEGAL AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

    Performance Measure 11.2. Certified Organizations shall comply with all applicable social laws at the federal, provincial, state, and local levels in the country in which the Certified Organization operates.

    1