ADVANTAGES TO TGFDC BY FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL FOREST MANAGEMENT (FSC FM) CERTIFICATION

As of 30-07-2024, the entire area managed by the Telangana Forest Development Corporation Limited (TGFDCL) has been brought under the Forest Stewardship Council Forest Management Chain of Custody (FSC FM COC) Certification. TGFDCL operates through (7) divisions, with division areas detailed below:

Unit no.	Name of Division	Unit ref.	Area in Ha	Products
PRD 134286	Kothagudem	F-01	7,414.68	W1.1 Roundwood (logs) N5.1 Natural bamboo N9.1 Nuts
PRD 134287	Paloncha	F-02	5,946.61	W1.1 Roundwood (logs) N5.1 Natural bamboo N9.1 Nuts
PRD 134288	Sathupally	F-03	5,573.71	W1.1 Roundwood (logs) N5.1 Natural bamboo N9.1 Nuts
PRD 158321	Kaghaznagar	F-04	4,713.79	W1.1 Roundwood (logs) N5.1 Natural bamboo N9.1 Nuts
PRD 158322	Warangal	F-05	2,965.59	W1.1 Roundwood (logs) N5.1 Natural bamboo N9.1 Nuts
PRD 158323	Medak	F-06	2,141.27	W1.1 Roundwood (logs) N5.1 Natural bamboo N9.1 Nuts
PRD 158324	Ranga Reddy	F-07	4,195.74	W1.1 Roundwood (logs) N5.1 Natural bamboo N9.1 Nuts
Total:			32,951.39

FSC certification guarantees that TGFDCL adheres to responsible plantation forestry practices. This certification affirms that the plantations are managed sustainably, preserving the natural ecosystem, supporting the livelihoods of local communities and workers, and ensuring economic viability.

FSC Chain of Custody certification assure customers that their company only uses legal sourced, legally harvested materials from responsibly managed forest plantations for its material. FSC is considered as the most rigorous forest certification system.

The products that are manufactured from responsibly harvested forest plantations are identified with the FSC logo, which is considered the “gold standard” of forest certification by major environmental groups.

FSC certification ensures that products come from responsibly managed plantations that provide environmental, social and economic benefits.

FSC certification enhances market access and helps to satisfy demands for legal and responsible forest plantations products.

It provides an excellent basis for branding and risk management.

A product certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which means it meets the "gold standard" ethical production. The wood is harvested from forest plantations that are responsibly managed, socially beneficial, environmentally conscious, and economically viable.

FSC certification acts as a catalyst for improving standards in forest plantation management. It brings economic benefits by opening up new markets and helps ensure social benefits to workers and local people, and facilitates environmental benefits for biodiversity and ecosystems.

FSC tick-tree logo is a key part of the FSC labels, which can be found on number of products and items of packaging around the world.

FSC protects rare old-growth and other High Conservation Value Forests: Rare old-growth forests are conserved, as are other forests of high conservation value.

FSC restricts the use of Highly Hazardous Chemicals: FSC tightly restricts the use of highly hazardous pesticides, many of which are commonly used in India.

FSC protects water quality: Forests naturally filter much of the world’s fresh water. FSC protects rivers, lakes and wetlands where laws or industry based guidelines are often inadequate.

FSC protects indigenous peoples’ rights: FSC recognizes and upholds the legal and customary rights of indigenous peoples’ as well as protecting areas of cultural significance.

FSC limits clearcut size to protect forest ecology: FSC certified forest managers follow nature’s lead in how they harvest to ensure forests remain healthy.

FSC limits clearcut size to protect forest ecology: FSC certified forest managers follow nature’s lead in how they harvest to ensure forests remain healthy.

FSC protect Rare, Threatened and Endangered species: This protection extends to species at risk of becoming threatened or endangered.

FSC certification ensures adequate working knowledge of Management and workers on the National / State laws and regulations related to the Health and Safety of the employees.

Once FSC certified products are purchased a direct message is sent to market place that “I want to protect forests.”

FSC Forest Management Operations are planned for / to:

• Efficient use of Forests multiple products and services to ensure economic viability and a wide range of environmental and social benefits.
• Optimal use and local processing of Forests diversity of products.
• Minimize waste associated with harvesting and on-site processing operations and avoid damage to other forest resources.
• The rate of harvest of forest products shall not exceed levels that can be permanently sustained.
• Conserve Biological Diversity and its associated values, Water Resources, Soils and Fragile Eco Systems and landscapes there by maintaining the ecological functions and integrity of the forests.
• Control soil erosion, adopt soil moisture conservation activities, minimize forest damage during harvesting, Road construction and all other Mechanical disturbances and to protect water sources.
• Promote the development and adoption of environmentally friendly non-chemical methods of pest management and strive to avoid the use of chemical pesticides.
• Monitor, minimize and document the use of biological control agents strictly.
• Impart training to forest workers for supervision for proper implementation of Management Plan.
• Adopt measures to maintain or improve soil structure, fertility and biological activity.
• Adopt measures to prevent and minimize outbreak of pests, diseases, fire and weed plants spreading.

Monetary Benefit:

With FSC FM Certification, TGFDC charges a premium of ₹100 per metric ton (MT) for the supply of debarked eucalyptus pulpwood and ₹500 per permit for the transportation of Natural Bamboo, Nuts, and Eucalyptus Faggot Wood.