Australian & Canadian Sustainable Forest Management Standards: A Comparative Analysis of AS 4708 (Int) – 2003 and CAN/CSA Z809-02.
This report compared the Australian Forestry Standard and the Canadian National Sustainable Forest Management Standard. The report also highlights the standards development process used for the Canadian standard (primarily used for forests on public land) and describes issues related to a balanced technical committee including Environmental Non-governmental organisations and Aboriginal representation. In comparison, the AFS Standard was intended for both public and private forests so its public participation requirements are not as comprehensive.
Both the AFS and CSA standards for sustainably managed forests are consistent with the Montreal Process criteria, which are internationally recognized.
In summary, there is a high level of conformity between the two Standards in all key requirements areas and where differences do exist, they are often an expression of different operating contexts and/or tenure types.
Reference Number:
PN04.4008
