Forest Certification Update: The Sustainable Forestry Initiative

In 2004 and 2005, Dovetail Partners released a series of reports outlining the major forest certification programs1. Since that time significant change has occurred in certification programs nationally and globally. Over the next several months, Dovetail will produce a series of reports that highlight recent changes within each program. This first report summarizes changes to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), examines how these changes enhance the program, and offers insights as to future challenges to program success. In total, recent changes have made what was a national, trade association effort into an internationally recognized, independent certification program that includes a rigorous accreditation process and chain-of-custody accountability. This evolution has been rapid and comprehensive, and the full benefits and impacts still need time to develop.