Effective forest management is a critical frontier in the fight against environmental degradation. Recognizing the pivotal role of advanced technology, World Forest ID is dedicated to enhancing the traceability and transparency of forest products in supply chains. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) was key to establishing World Forest ID, and in a new integrity partnership the two organizations are going further, leveraging innovative technology to promote sustainable supply chains, safeguarding forests and the communities that depend on them.

Utilizing Advanced Wood Identification Techniques

To scientifically determine the origin of timber, World Forest ID collects physical reference samples from specific locations worldwide. These samples undergo chemical tests in specialized labs, with the resulting data used to train machine learning models to predict the geographic origin of test samples.

As part of this partnership, FSC is exploring the mainstream use of chemical testing to verify the harvest location of timber used in the manufacture of processed products such as plywood, for high-risk supply chains. 

FSC is supporting World Forest ID in developing a new data platform that will ensure that reference data can integrate seamlessly with other spatial information, like FSC’s boundary maps and forest risk analysis. The partnership also aims to combine data from different tree species to gain more insights from each sample. This will strengthen FSC's ability to identify and prevent fraud in its certification system.

Expanding the Reach and Impact of FSC Certification

Currently, FSC certifies more than 150 million hectares of forests worldwide. Their logo, which appears on many household products, is easily identifiable to consumers. By integrating World Forest ID’s sophisticated technologies and systems, FSC ensures that its products remain free from illegally logged wood, building trust in the logo. Yasmin Kovacs Buttery, Programme Manager, Integrity Development at FSC, states, "We believe that this technology will be a valuable addition to our integrity toolkit and will help us detect alleged fraud in our system, as well as act as a deterrent to bad actors."

To achieve its mission of promoting sustainable forestry, FSC aims to exponentially increase its coverage. Embracing technology and data-driven approaches is key to this expansion. By utilizing advanced wood identification techniques, FSC can extend certification to more forest owners, including smallholders and indigenous communities.

The Future of Wood Identification Technology

World Forest ID's commitment to leveraging technology for forest conservation reflects a broader vision. By fostering collaborations with organizations like FSC, World Forest ID is paving the way for a future where every piece of timber can be traced back to its source, ensuring transparency, accountability, and the sustainable management of forests worldwide. Yasmin Kovacs Buttery from FSC emphasizes, "It’s FSC’s hope that this becomes a widely adopted industry practice.”