THEMATIC THIRD-PARTY CERTIFICATION UNDER THE SFI URBAN AND COMMUNITY FOREST SUSTAINABILITY STANDARD

Therefore, we have developed a thematic certification option though which a city, community, or organization can achieve third-party certification to a subset of the objectives in the full Standard that represent a certain theme. The themes and objectives are described below. Third-party certification by a certification body that has been accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board or the Standards Council of Canada is still required.

The thematic certification is an important means of increasing accessibility and engagement with the urban and community forestry sector. By recognizing organizations that meet a subset of the Standard, we will be able to broaden the SFI Community and help achieve our diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging goals, including Priority 9 in the SFI 2020-2024 strategic plan: “Grow meaningful relationships with Indigenous, Black, urban, and underrepresented communities to advance social, economic, and environmental opportunities.”

The four themes are:

Community Well-Being and Human Health
(a total of 30 indicators)

• Objective 1. Community, People, and Indigenous Rights
• Objective 2. Human Health and Well-Being
• Objective 13. Communications
• Objective 15. Legal and Regulatory Compliance, and
• Objective 16. Reporting

Environmental and Conservation Leadership
(38 indicators)

• Objective 3. Protection and Conservation of Biodiversity
• Objective 4. Stewardship of Natural Resources
• Objective 5. Forest and Tree Health and Vitality
• Objective 6. Special Sites including Natural Areas
• Objective 15. Legal and Regulatory Compliance, and
• Objective 16. Reporting

Climate and Disaster Resilience
(37 indicators)

• Objective 7. Climate Smart Management
• Objective 10. Disaster Readiness, Response, and Recovery
• Objective 12. Urban Wood Utilization
• Objective 14. Research, Science, and Technology
• Objective 15. Legal and Regulatory Compliance, and
• Objective 16. Reporting

Urban Forest Improvement
(44 indicators)

• Objective 8. Urban Forest Planning
• Objective 9. Management and Care of Urban Forests and Trees
• Objective 10. Disaster Readiness, Response, and Recovery
• Objective 11. Capacity Building
• Objective 15. Legal and Regulatory Compliance, and
• Objective 16. Reporting