Global Drivers of Forest Certification

Due to the continued high rates of deforestation and forest degradation as well as increased pressures on habitats and forest-dependent people from climate change and population growth, there is a dire need for the implementation of effective conservation mechanisms. Numerous forest certification schemes have been created in response to deforestation, stemming particularly over concern for the deforestation and degradation of tropical forests. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is one such standard of voluntary sustainable forest management program that has gained global recognition. This study uses a multivariate regression approach to examine the underlying drivers of FSC forest certification: why has it accelerated in some countries and not others. I find that governance performance, community pressure, market demand, income, and habitat type were correlated with presence of FSC programs. The results of this study can be used to inform efforts to increase the reach of FSC forest certification, in turn spreading the responsible management of forests and the concomitant socio-economic benefits.