Forests are among the most endangered ecosystems on our planet. Scientists estimate that only about a fifth of the original forest area remains in its more or less original, undisturbed state. Every year we lose an area of forests about the size of the Czech Republic, where thousands of species of plants and animals live. Illegal mining is a very serious problem. Even Czech and European forest management often does not avoid unscrupulous forestry practices.
The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) is an international certification system for forest management. Ten globally valid principles guarantee that wood and paper products with the standard seal come from responsibly managed forests. The regime stipulates that all of the ecological functions of a forest must be preserved when managing forest. The standard also protects flora and fauna within the cultivated areas and safeguards the rights of any indigenous people and of employees.
