Our program places a strong emphasis on forest certification as one unique and potentially revolutionary policy approach that harnesses the power of the marketplace to encourage compliance with environmental and socially responsible standards.

Forest certification programs are distinctive because they are, for the most part, developed in the private sector by non-governmental business, landowner and environmental organizations and because they attempt to harness the power of the private market to encourage compliance with rules. Companies are certified as to whether their management practices follow specified rules regarding environmental, social and business functions of the forests, thus expanding the traditional stick approach by offering carrots as well. Our program is devoted to understanding the role forest certification may be able to play in achieving sustainable forestry across the globe.

This website provides comprehensive information about forest certification to those conducting research in the topic or who are curious for additional information. See our Frequently Asked Questions About Forest Certification section for detailed information covering a range of topics, from where to purchase certified wood to how certification standards are developed.

WHERE CAN I
PURCHASE CERTIFIED WOOD?

FAQ ON FOREST CERTIFICATION

NEW BOOK!
Confronting Sustainability: Forest Certification in Developing and Transitioning Countries
released July 2006

CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED BOOK!
Governing through Markets: Forest Certification and the Emergence of Non-State Authority
released October 2004

INTERVIEW ABOUT FOREST CERTIFICATION
with Faculty Director
Professor Ben Cashore