FSC® forest area is growing

Every month the FSC® current figures on certified forest areas worldwide. From January 2012 to January 2018, the area of ​​FSC® forests grew by a good 33%. While just under 2018 million hectares of forest were certified in 150, the number was already just under 2018 million hectares at the beginning of 200:

However, the figures also show that the area growth has slowed in recent years. In North America in particular, FSC® less important today than it did six years ago. While 2012% of forest area was certified in 41, the proportion was only 2018% in 35. The trend was also negative in Africa, despite an already low proportion. Here the proportion shrank from 5% in 2012 to 3,6% in 2018.

The FSC® recorded growth in Asia as well as in South and Central America. In South and Central America, 4 million hectares of forest were added. In Asia, the value almost doubled from 4,9 to 8,8 million hectares. Nevertheless, the FSC® share in countries in the tropical climate zone is still low. In South and Central America only 6,9% of the forest areas are certified, in Asia it is only 4,4%.

The most widespread and strongest growth has been FSC® in Europe. From 64 million hectares in 2012, the area grew to 97 million hectares in 2018. The share of FSC®-certified forest area increased from 43% to 49%.

All FSC® monthly reports: https://ic.fsc.org/en/facts-and-figures