Hancock Victorian Plantations will be undergoing an audit next month for Forest Stewardship Council recertification. Source: Alpine Observer
The audit will be undertaken by California-based certification body SCS Global Services, and they are seeking stakeholder input on HVP’s forest management program and practices.
As part of the audit, SCS is seeking comments on the forest management of HVP or on other topics pertinent to an FSC certification, such as whether HVP complies with the legal, social, technical and environmental requirements of the standard or identification of high conservation vale forests within land managed by HVP.
SCS has assured the public that all comments and sources will be kept in strict confidence at the request of the commenter.
According to SCS the audit will consist of public notification, a field assessment, stakeholder consultation, the synthesis of findings, production of a draft report, peer review, finalisation of the report and a final certification decision.
HVP was the first company in Australia to secure FSC Forest Management Certification.
“HVP recognises that maintaining FSC’s rigorous standards for responsible forest management is a considerable effort year to year and HVP has continuously maintained certification for 20 years,” HVP’s acting general manager for safety, environment and risk Tim McBride said.
The FSC certification cycle is based on a five-year certificate and during that time certified companies undergo four annual surveillance audits.
FSC is a not-for-profit organisation that sets standards for the responsible management of forests.
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