AEFC’s governance structure
Association governance structure
The Association for Ecological Forestry Certification ry was founded in May 2023 in Helsinki. Its main task is to develop and maintain a system that certifies and labels timber and wood products. The forestry principles of the certification are based on Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF). With the continuous cover method, forests can generate good economic returns while also taking into account biodiversity, water systems, carbon sequestration, and the socially just use of forests.
At present, an international forest standard has been approved, which includes criteria for forest management, group certification, and chain of custody. The standard is based on outcome-oriented principles, criteria, and indicators of ecologically, socially, and culturally sustainable forestry. The first national standards will be completed by the end of the year, initially in Finland, Sweden, and Estonia.
AEFC was established to bring concrete and measurable change to responsible forest management and practices. Originally launched as a Nordic-Baltic cooperation initiative, the organization brings together unique regional expertise. Through this collaboration, the aim is to redefine how forest owners can utilize their forests efficiently and economically, while upholding higher practical standards and without neglecting the intangible values of forests.
AEFC certification
The association’s key decision-making bodies and governance are
The Association’s Board of Directors
Leads the operations and is responsible for the development of the system as well as for administrative decisions.
Members of the association
Hold the highest decision-making authority regarding changes to the standard. They convene at least once a year for the General Assembly, which serves as the supreme decision-making body of the system.
The international office
Is located in Tampere. It is responsible for the administration of certification, the development of the system, and international coordination.
National representations
May be established in countries that adopt their own national standard. The approval of national standards is decided by the Association’s Board of Directors.
Thus, the members, the Board of Directors, and the Office together form the foundation on which AEFC certification is built.
Board members
Saija Kuusela
Saija Kuusela
Staffan Schartner
Staffan Schartner
Juhani Kairamo
Juhani Kairamo
Arja Alikoivisto
Arja Alikoivisto
Robbie Ekblom
Robbie Ekblom
