ASSOCIATION FORESTIÈRE DE L’ABITIBI-TÉMISCAMINGUE

Forest Literacy and Education on Forest Certification Standards: A Case Study with SFI

Enhancing wetland conservation and engaging communities by providing sustainable forest management training packages.

Why this Project Matters

SFI-certified forests and products are powerful tools to achieve shared goals such as mitigating climate, reducing waste, conserving biodiversity, educating future generations, and sustainable economic development. But all too often, members of the public have a limited understanding of the benefits offered by the sustainable forest management requirements mandated by SFI and other forest certification standards. Enhancing forest literacy and encouraging a better understanding of forest certification will help spread practical, scalable solutions for markets and communities working to pursue a growing commitment to a sustainable planet.

How the Project Is Enhancing Forest Literacy and an Understanding of Forest Certification Standards

The project is creating and facilitating talks promoting sustainable forest management and why forest certification offers assurance of good practices. Five workshops are also planned and a certified forests component with interactive activities will be available for high school programs.

SFI’s Contribution

The SFI Community Grant Program is supporting this project. SFI will also provide technical assistance to ensure certification standards are interpreted and presented correctly.

How this Project Builds SFI Community Engagement

High schools and community groups will be directly engaged by this project. The public will be reached through the region’s network of more than 90 libraries.

Partners

This partnership includes conservationists, government officials, and SFI‑certified organizations.

• Project lead: Association forestière de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue
• Sustainable forestry Initiative
• Quebec SFI Implementation Committee
• Norbord La Sarre (SFI-certified company)
• Resolute Forest Products (SFI-certified company)
• Eacom Val-d’Or (SFI-certified company)
• Emploi Québec

Related Information

Table Forêt Laurentides—Growing Forest Education in Québec by Building a Forest Ambassador Network

Association Forestiére Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean—Helping Youth Rediscover Quebec’s Forestry Culture

Maine Tree Foundation—Educating Maine’s Guidance Counselors about Forests and Green Career Pathways

About Association forestière de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue (AFAT)

AFAT is a non-profit organization with about 600 members, comprising 200 companies and organizations, as well as 400 individuals. AFAT represents the many faces of the forest sector. The association is governed by a 15-person board of directors. AFAT has a team of five full-time staff. Each year, six to eight school leaders are hired to deliver the AFAT school educational program and to welcome the general public during their visits to Parc-Aventure Joannès. Learn more (French only).