Velojić: Important discussions at the GA on harmonizing the protection of biodiversity and the binding and deposition of carbon

He talked with us on the importance of the FSC General Assembly, some of the most interesting discussions and shared his impressions from his visit in Panama. 

''Panamazing”. In one word this is how Miljan Velojić describes his experience at the General Assembly of the Forest Stewardship Council held in Panama. He has been a member of FSC International since 2011, as an individual member of the Southern Hemisphere Economic Chamber. 

His obligations as an individual member of FSC International have been and will be to follow developments at the global level in terms of the growth and development of FSC and the changes that arise in this regard. 

‘Participation in the FSC General Assembly 2025 first involved my travel to the destination, familiarization with the materials prepared and offered in advance, attendance at all sessions, especially the ones of the Economic Chamber, discussion and voting on certain proposals of FSC members (motions) and filling out the event quality form, along with accompanying events (Side Meetings, Open Houses, Poster Exhibition) and celebrations (Welcome Reception, Closing party). Given that this was my first participation in an FSC General Assembly, the mentioned activities can also be used to conclude my impressions of the importance of such a gathering, which I will describe in just one word: "Panamazing"’, says Velojić. 

FSC GA - event of global importance

He says that even though this global event doesn't have direct meaning to the smaller regions like the Adria Balkans region, still the FSC General Assembly is an event of global importance. There were also important discussions at the GA on harmonizing the protection of biodiversity and the binding and deposition of carbon. 

''One of the most important influences for the introduction of the FSC standard in the Public Enterprise "Vojvodinašume" Petrovaradin was the pressure of nature conservation, because about 70% of the forest area managed by the company is protected by various protection regimes. For example, respecting the FSC standard in the protection regime of level III allowed sustainable forest management without any restrictions. 

The wood processing sector, which was conditioned by the FSC standard by the international market, had no less influence. 

However, what is most important to emphasize here, and what was also discussed at the FSC General Assembly, is how to harmonize the protection of biodiversity and the carbon sequestration as one of the most important ecosystem services in the future. For example, the extremely low forest cover in the AP Vojvodina point to the extraordinary importance and role of existing forests for environmental conservation, including the importance of highly professional management of these forests, because in this way the productive function of forests is equated with the ecological function, which until recently was the subject of criticism by nature conservationists”, adds Velojić. 

Challenges for the future

With his large expertise in forest certification and environment, he mentions some of the biggest challenges for preserving forestry in Vojvodina. 

''The public enterprise "Vojvodinašume" Petrovaradin manages lowland forests in the floodplains of large rivers in Serbia, which are also protected areas. The overlap of forest and protected areas leads in itself to greater requirements in forest certification, which, together with the increasingly present changing climate impacts and the presence of increasingly frequent accident situations in the field, pose challenges in the future”, adds Velojić. 

He says that even though he is maybe not the most pro active member of FSC, he considers himself a very loyal one, and sees himself continuing his membership even after retirement.