Spotlight on Sustainable Forest Certification
The 2024 Gottstein Forest Science Course in South East Queensland brought together a diverse range of forest industry professionals around Australia to explore the essence of sustainable forestry. Among the highlights was a panel discussion featuring Jonathan Tibbits from Responsible Wood, Ross Garsden from BSI, and Suzette Weeding from Sustainable Timber Tasmania.
The certification session offered participants an overview of certification’s role in improving forest management and building consumer confidence in sustainable products.
Exploring Sustainable Certification
Ross Garsden emphasised the importance of independent third-party certification, explaining that audits uphold the credibility of certification schemes like PEFC and Responsible Wood. He outlined how independent audits are the backbone of sustainable forest management, focusing on how auditor competency ensures transparency across the supply chain.
Suzette Weeding, whose team manages Tasmania’s state-owned forests, shared success stories demonstrating how certification has strengthened forest health and conservation efforts. She highlighted how certification has improved biodiversity outcomes and provided a platform for sustainable forest management.
Ross Garsden, of BSI, provides an overview of forest management certification.
The Importance of Certification Labels
Jonathan Tibbits emphasised that certification promotes multi-generational, healthy forests and building trust in the marketplace. Jonathan illustrated how Responsible Wood and PEFC labels ensure consumers can confidently buy timber products, knowing their purchases contribute to sustainable forest use and help combat deforestation.
The course also included field trips to native forests, softwood plantations, and research sites, offering a practical view of sustainable forest management. Participants gained insights into the regeneration and conservation of native species while visiting cutting-edge genetic research facilities.
Jonathan Tibbits, of Responsible Wood, provides an overview of forest management certification.
A Commitment to Sustainable Forestry
The Gottstein Trust was established to promote education and research in forestry and forest products across Australia. Scholarships, fellowships, and industry courses like the annual Gottstein Forest Science Course provide opportunities for professionals to gain deeper insights into sustainable forest management, technological advancements, and industry trends. The Trust’s mission is to foster innovation, knowledge-sharing, and leadership development, ensuring the long-term growth and sustainability of the forestry sector. The 2024 Gottstein Forest Science Course once again demonstrated the critical role of forest certification in ensuring environmental responsibility, market transparency, and consumer trust. As the demand for sustainably sourced products grows, initiatives like these will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the forestry industry’s future.
Apply Now for Gottstein Grants
The Gottstein Trust’s annual round of capacity building grants are open for applications until midnight Wednesday 16th October 2024.
Their purpose is firmly aimed at further advancing the forest and forest products industry across Australia. The range of grants are awarded to individuals who seek to grow their ability to contribute in positive ways.
