FSC Webinar on Intact Forest Landscapes (IFL)

10.10.2025

Join the FSC’s key webinar on the future of intact forests!

On October 13, FSC invites its members to a crucial webinar to discuss its evolving approach to Intact Forest Landscapes (IFLs). As tensions persist and reforms take shape, this session will offer a chance to explore FSC’s latest proposals, react to the recently published discussion paper, and actively prepare for the 2025 General Assembly.

A strategic issue on FSC’s agenda

IFLs remain a central yet contentious topic within the FSC system. More than a decade after Motion 65/2014 was adopted, FSC is reassessing the effectiveness of its approach — especially as certification still covers only a marginal share of these critical areas (just 0.6% of global IFLs according to Zwerts et al., 2024). Criticisms persist, particularly from Indigenous Peoples, and many challenges remain for tropical contexts where implementation proves difficult.

In this context, FSC has launched a strategic reflection process, including the publication of a discussion paper in September 2025. This document will be presented and debated during the open webinar on October 13.

Closely connected to Motions 23 (2022) and 45 (2025)

This webinar is part of a broader institutional process that ATIBT has been actively involved in for several years:

On one hand, the implementation of Motion 23/2022, supported by ATIBT since the 2022 General Assembly in Bali (notably through a pilot project in the Republic of Congo), introduced a more contextual, landscape-based approach, tailored to local realities.
On the other hand, a new policy motion – Motion 45/2025 – will be submitted to the 2025 General Assembly, to replace fixed protection thresholds with adaptive, outcome-based forest management in IFLs.

ATIBT fully supports Motion 45, which builds on and deepens the advances made through Motion 23. It reflects a desire to evolve the FSC system so that it remains relevant and applicable in tropical forests, without compromising core conservation goals.

Objectives of the webinar

This webinar will aim to:

Present the key insights and recommendations from the IFL discussion paper;
Collect feedback and proposals from FSC members;
Feed into FSC’s strategic review of IFLs, in line with the ongoing revision of FSC Principles and Criteria.

Date: October 13, 2025
Time: 5:00 – 6:45 PM (CET)
Location: Online via Zoom (link provided upon registration)
Languages: Interpretation available in English, French, and Spanish
Registration Link:

A discussion paper to shape the way forward

The discussion paper, authored by Dr. Owen Davies at FSC’s request, offers a critical analysis of the current IFL policy. It calls for a strategic repositioning of FSC — with clearer objectives, a landscape-based logic, and adaptive management practices based on measurable outcomes. This document will form the basis for the webinar discussions, as well as broader debates leading up to the 2025 General Assembly.

ATIBT encourages all its members and partners to join this webinar and contribute actively to the international dialogue on sustainable forest management and the future of FSC in high ecological and cultural value landscapes.