To preserve our forests, we need to recognize their multiple values and develop financial instruments that include the true total value of forest systems. WWF is working across its offices with forest managers who see more than wood in their forests.

By verifying the additional positive impacts forests provide, Ecosystem Services certification aims to facilitate payments for ecosystem services and provide access to other benefits. This aims to ensure that those who responsibly manage forests and those who take action to preserve forest ecosystem services get the increased business value they deserve.

For example, an FSC-certified forest concession can also provide biodiversity protection and emission reductions – but how can these services be brought to market? In the Republic of Congo, WWF is working with a forest concessionaire, Interholco, through its signature corporate engagement programme for forests, Forests Forward, to diversify its streams of income underpinning the sustainable management of its FSC-certified forests. Interholco was recently granted FSC Ecosystem Services certification for biodiversity based on vast populations of great apes and forest elephants effectively protected within the concession, and maintaining forest integrity. Now, the company is seeking sponsors to increase biodiversity protection measures.

Interholco’s forest concession is also being managed according to reduced impact logging principles and emission reductions are being assessed. The company aims to generate credits on the basis of the reductions realized and bring those to market. Payments for these services combined with the traditional business model (timber) will help companies such as these to serve as new models for multifunctional forest management.

Read the full article - featured in WWF's Forest Pathways Report