Cerflor Forest Certification Programme: Brazil

Cerflor (Certificação Florestal) is a forest certification program specific to Brazil. It was developed by the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (ABNT) in collaboration with various stakeholders, including the forest sector, environmental organizations, and government entities. Cerflor provides a framework for the certification of sustainable forest management practices in Brazil.

Here are key points about the Cerflor Forest Certification Program:

Sustainable Forest Management: The main objective of Cerflor is to promote and certify sustainable forest management practices in Brazil. It sets criteria and guidelines that focus on environmental, social, and economic aspects of forest management.

Certification Standards: Cerflor is based on the internationally recognized principles and criteria for sustainable forest management, such as those established by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The program ensures compliance with these standards through independent audits conducted by accredited certification bodies.

Forest Operations: Cerflor covers various aspects of forest operations, including planning, harvesting, transportation, and reforestation. It promotes responsible practices that minimize negative impacts on biodiversity, soil, water resources, and local communities.

Legal Compliance: One of the key requirements of Cerflor certification is compliance with Brazilian forestry legislation. Certified forest managers must demonstrate adherence to legal requirements related to land tenure, environmental licensing, worker rights, and other applicable laws and regulations.

Chain of Custody: In addition to forest management certification, Cerflor also offers a Chain of Custody (CoC) certification. CoC certification ensures traceability and integrity of certified products throughout the supply chain, from the forest to the final consumer.

Cerflor certification provides assurance to consumers and stakeholders that forest products from Brazil are sourced from sustainably managed forests. It promotes responsible forest management practices, helps protect biodiversity and ecosystem services, and supports the social and economic well-being of local communities. By choosing Cerflor-certified products, consumers can contribute to the conservation of Brazilian forests and encourage sustainable development in the country's forestry sector.