CONSERVATION

The SFI Conservation Pillar advances conservation objectives in our standards across forests in the United States and Canada through targeted research, leadership of critical initiatives, and partnerships that advance multiple conservation efforts.

Sustainable forest management is foundational to addressing climate change, fire risk, species and ecosystem loss, and water quality. Our work connects the SFI standards in supporting nature-based solutions and conservation outcomes across the SFI footprint, in line with the SFI 2025-2030 Strategic Direction. SFI supports and advances forest management and fiber sourcing practices that deliver positive outcomes for climate, fire resilience, biodiversity, and water.

Wildfires, water security, and biodiversity loss are increasingly recognized as significant risks to financial and economic systems. As these threats to forests gain priority, they are being addressed in government policies and investment strategies. Well-managed forests provide nature-based solutions to these challenges while delivering conservation benefits. However, there is growing scrutiny of conservation claims and rising expectations for transparency in measuring, monitoring, and reporting trends.

SFI is advancing initiatives to identify key data, metrics, tools, and best practices that support conservation outcomes while promoting awareness of SFI standards as effective nature-based solutions with:

• Increased use of data, research, and reporting that quantifies, communicates, and expands the delivery of nature-based solutions by SFI-certified organizations and
• Increased uptake of best management practices for climate, fire resiliency, biodiversity, water, and Indigenous rights recognition, in collaboration with SFI-certified organizations, SFI Implementation Committees, and partners.

Through expanded use of credible data, metrics, research, and reporting, and through partner collaborations that deliver data and tools to improve management practices, SFI contributes to long-term forest health and resiliency through climate adaptation and mitigation, fire resilience, water benefits, and species and ecosystem conservation.

Our work contributes to:

• Greater forest health and contributions to climate change adaptation and mitigation
• Increased fire resilience for forests and communities
• Maintained delivery of water benefits for nature and people
• Increased species and ecosystem conservation

We elevate nature-based solutions and conservation benefits across the SFI footprint. Sign up to learn more about our conservation programs and research-based resources increasing understanding of how SFI-certification can be used as nature-based solutions to help mitigate climate change and fire, enhance biodiversity, and ensure water conservation.