ABOUT THE FSC The FSC - Forest Stewardship Council is the result of an initiative in environmental preservation and sustainable development of the most important forests worldwide. It was established in the 90's and involves environmentalists, researchers, forest engineers, business and industrial community of forest-based products, workforce, indigenous communities and other people from the forest, as well as certifying bodies from 34 countries. Consultation lasted two years. The non-governmental organization was officially established in 1993 in Mexico and is currently headquartered in Germany, having over 600 affiliated members (individuals and legal entities) from 71 countries. The Brazilian initiative to promote FSC in the country began in 1994 and a workgroup with three boards was officially established in 1996 under the coordination of WWF-Brazil. In September 2001 the Brazilian Forest Stewardship Council was established in the capital city of Brasília (FSC - Brazil), with the support of FSC International. FSC's objective is to promote appropriate forestry management according to Principles and Criteria that combine ecologic protection with social benefits and economic viability, and it is the same worldwide. This might be the reason why the FSC label is the most acknowledged trademark worldwide, present in all continents. There are approximately 47 million hectares of certified forests on the planet and over 20 thousand products that carry the FSC trademark. Over 650 certificates of forestry management have been granted and more than 3,400 chain of custody certificates. FSC International develops the principles and criteria (universal) for certification, as well as certifies and monitors specialized and independent certifying organizations. Another one of FSC's tasks is to support the development of national and regional standards for forest management, which may be used to guide the application of the principles and criteria, as well as to adapt them to reality of a specific type of forest. The national and regional standards as well as the national organizations need to be acknowledged by FSC International in order for them to be valid. The FSC trademark is a guarantee of origin. It certifies that the wood (or other forestry raw-material) used in a product is derived from a forest that is managed in an ecologically friendly, socially beneficial and economically viable manner, and that abide with laws and regulations in effect. The trademark helps to orient the environmentally aware consumer to choose a product that does not degrade the environment and contributes towards social and economic development. It assures that the forest, jobs and profits derived from it are obtained in a sustainable manner. The trademark also helps the wholesale or retail buyer to choose a differentiated product that has an added value, which is able to meet the standards of a more demanding public, and consequently, expose the product to new markets. FSC BENEFITS: FOR BUSINESS COMMUNITY: Allows stock control and creates a future market - the owner knows exactly how many trees and what species he possesses and when each one of them will be ready for harvest. Creates competitive advantage - adds value and optimizes operation Favors access to new markets - the trademark is a passport for new niches and better clients. Develops and improves the company's public image and employee team spirit. Guarantees sustainability in wood offer. FOR WORKFORCE AND INHABITANTS OF THE FOREST: Guarantees the respect of workers' legal rights. Eliminates forced and child labor. Promotes indigenous people and local community rights. Helps reduce occupational accidents as a result of the adoption of standards and safety equipment and prevention. Improves working conditions. Educates and trains workforce. Fosters participation of the workforce and forest inhabitants in determining standards and monitoring of certified operations. FOR SOCIETY: Fights against illegal and predatory origin wood trade. Guarantees the collection of taxes and other contributions, thus generating resources for the public sector at the local, regional and federal level. Promotes responsible commerce. Encourages sustainable forestry management and eliminates predatory practices. Contributes towards conservation of biodiversity, water, soil, landscapes and eco-system resources as well as climate stability. Upholds ecological conservation and maintains the forests wholeness intact. Protects threatened or endangered species and their habitats. Guarantees fulfillment of laws and regulations in effect. Promotes job sustainability.