The forestry industry plays a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance and the sustainability of natural resources. As global challenges such as climate change, deforestation, and land degradation become increasingly essential, forestry certification standards are becoming increasingly essential. One internationally recognized standard is the Indonesian Forestry Certification Cooperation (IFCC).
What is IFCC?
IFCC is a sustainable forestry certification scheme focused on responsible forest management in Indonesia. Established with the aim of supporting sustainable forest management practices in line with conservation, social, and economic principles, IFCC is pivotal in promoting responsible forestry in the country.
IFCC collaborates with the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), an international organization that endorses forestry certification schemes worldwide. Through this partnership, wood products certified by IFCC are globally recognized, adding value to the forestry industry players in Indonesia.
Benefits of IFCC Certification
Global Market Access: IFCC certification opens up opportunities for Indonesian forestry companies to penetrate international markets that increasingly demand certified products.
Consumer Confidence: This certification enhances consumer confidence in wood products, assuring them that these products come from sustainably managed sources.
Regulatory Compliance: IFCC helps companies meet legal and regulatory requirements related to forest management in Indonesia and export markets.
Environmental Sustainability: The IFCC standard ensures that forest management practices do not sustain natural resources and affect biodiversity and wildlife habitats.
Positive Social Impact: By adhering to the IFCC standard, companies contribute to local community empowerment and respect the rights of workers and indigenous communities.
IFCC Compliance with Indonesian Forestry Laws and Regulations
As a sustainable forestry certification scheme, IFCC is designed to comply with various regulations and laws in Indonesia, including those related to forest management, environmental protection, and forestry. Some of the relevant regulations followed by the IFCC standard include:
Law No. 41 of 1999 on Forestry
IFCC ensures that certified forest management adheres to the principles set out in Law No. 41/1999, which includes provisions on sustainable forest management, natural resource conservation, and community empowerment around forests.
Government Regulation No. 6 of 2007 on Forest Planning and Forest Management Plan Preparation
The IFCC standard complies with Government Regulation No. 6/2007, which governs forest planning and the preparation of forest management plans, including long-term and short-term plans that forest utilization permit holders must develop.
Minister of Environment and Forestry Regulation No. P.32/MENLHK/SETJEN/SET.1/3/2016 on Forest Areas with Special Purposes Management
IFCC supports the management of forest areas with special purposes, such as conservation, education, and research, in accordance with this regulation.
Minister of Environment and Forestry Regulation No. P.77/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/11/2019 on Timber Legality Verification System (SVLK) Guidelines
The IFCC standard is compatible with the Timber Legality Verification System (SVLK), one of the recognized timber legality systems in Indonesia, as part of its regulatory compliance.
Government Regulation No. 27 of 2012 on Environmental Permits
The IFCC standard requires certificate holders to comply with environmental permit requirements, including those stipulated in Government Regulation No. 27/2012, ensuring that all forest management activities do not harm the environment and meet the requirements set out in the Environmental Impact Analysis (AMDAL).
By adhering to these regulations, the IFCC standard helps ensure that certified forest management aligns with international standards and fully complies with applicable regulations and laws in Indonesia. As a sustainability consultant, Peterson Indonesia can assist companies in understanding and meeting these requirements to ensure a smooth and compliant certification process.
The IFCC Certification Process
The IFCC certification process involves several stages, from preparation to post-certification monitoring. Here are the key steps in the certification process:
Initial Preparation: Companies must conduct an internal audit to ensure readiness to meet IFCC standards.
Application Submission: Companies can submit a certification application to an IFCC-recognized certification body once ready.
Field Audit: The certification body will conduct a field audit to assess the compliance of forest management practices with IFCC standards.
Certificate Issuance: If all requirements are met, the certification body will issue an IFCC certificate valid for five years, with annual audits to ensure ongoing compliance.
Monitoring and Supervision: During the certification period, companies must continuously monitor forest management practices and be prepared for re-audits as scheduled.
Peterson Indonesia’s Role in IFCC Certification
As a sustainability consultant, Peterson Indonesia has the experience and expertise to assist forestry companies in the IFCC certification process. Our consultancy services include:
Initial Evaluation and Preparation: Assisting companies in conducting internal audits and identifying areas for improvement to meet IFCC standards.
Training and Capacity Building: Providing training to company staff to understand and apply IFCC principles in daily operations.
Certification Process Support: Guiding companies through the certification process, from application submission to field audits.
Ongoing Monitoring and Continuous Improvement: Helping companies maintain compliance with IFCC standards through regular monitoring and recommendations for improvement.
Conclusion
IFCC certification is vital for forestry companies looking to ensure responsible and sustainable forest management practices. With support from Peterson Indonesia, companies can navigate the certification process more smoothly and effectively, ensuring they meet legal and market requirements and contribute positively to the environment and society.
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