New Standard Development Process for Forest Stewardship in North Macedonia

The country’s forest resources are significant, comprising 907,255 hectares of state-owned forests and 142,045 hectares of privately owned forests. Interest in FSC certification has already been expressed by the State Forest Company Makedonski Šumi, highlighting the potential impact of this initiative.

This project is part of FSC’s pilot to test the use of International Generic Indicators (IGIs) within an Interim Forest Stewardship Standard, with only minimal adaptations. It specifically targets countries where:

• there is clear demand for FSC certification from existing forest management organisations, and
• independent Standard Development Groups or Certification Body–led technical working groups are not yet in place to take on the role of standard developers.

''Minimal adaptation'' means that no more than eight generic indicators may be adjusted, while the remaining IGIs will be applied exactly as written.

Over the next 10 months, the project team will not only adapt and translate the IGIs but also ensure meaningful engagement with local stakeholders. The process will also include an international public consultation period of at least 30 days, in line with FSC’s principles of transparency, inclusion, and participation.

Finally, before submitting the standard for approval to FSC’s competent bodies, a selected Certification Body (CB) will test the feasibility of the standard through a simulated audit.

Updates on the project’s progress will be shared on our website and in future editions of our newsletter.