Eyes on Australian Standard for Sustainable Forest Management

The first public comment phase of the revision process of the Australian Standard for Sustainable Forest Management (AS 4708) is underway, according to Australian Forestry Standard Limited (AFS Ltd).
The draft revised Standard has been sent to stakeholders in forest management seeking their comments.
The Australian Standard AS4708-2007 is five years old and is due for its periodic review.
The Committee is also seeking public comment on the draft standard.
The first public comment period is from 19 March 2012 to 18 May 2012. The second public comment period will be based on a revised draft and is currently scheduled to be undertaken from June to August 2012.
Chairman of the Standard Review Committee, Dr Paul Biggs, said: “The Australian Forestry Standard is recognised as a world class standard and regular review and improvement is required to maintain this recognition. “The Committee is made up of a broad range of interested and affected stakeholders and they are keen to get public feedback on the draft Standard to compare with their own views on how the Standard can be further improved.”
The review process is to be undertaken in accordance with Standards Australia procedures.
AFS Ltd is accredited as a Standards Development Organisation and can develop and review Australian Standards provided the necessary procedures are followed.
The Australian Forest Certification Scheme, of which AS4708 is a key component, is also accredited by the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).
PEFC is the world’s largest certification system for sustainable forest management. PEFC requirements have also continued to evolve in recent years and the Standard Review Committee has sought to ensure that the revised Australian Standard (AS4708) continues to be consistent with PEFC requirements.
The public participation plan for the project is expected to engage stakeholders, other groups and interested parties within and connected to sustainable forestry and the supply chain of wood and wood products. “Couple this with rigorous adherence to international processes and guidelines, as well as an emphasis on science and evidence, this review project will ensure that this internationally recognised Australian Standard continues to be regarded as the most credible and robust forest certification tool,” AFS stated in a press release.
The draft revision of the Standard and a submission form can be downloaded from the AFS Ltd website at www.forestrystandard.org.au.
To access the draft revised standard and the Stakeholder Feedback Form go to the following links:
http://www.forestrystandard.org.au/16StandardsRevision.asp
Completed feedback forms can be submitted to PO Box 7031, Yarralumla, ACT 2603 or emailed to [email protected] .
For more information about the revision of the Australian Standard for Sustainable Forest Management contact: Richard Stanton (National Secretary – AFS Ltd) on 02 6122 9000, or email [email protected]