Biodiversity Metrics in Sustainable Forestry Certification Programs

Abstract

We reviewed sustainable forestry certification programs and the literature to identify metrics relevant to biodiversity considerations. Two certification approaches emerged, one based on an organization's management processes and one based on measurements of forest components against desired outcomes. However, there was little documentation of why certain metrics were chosen for either approach. A common theme in the literature was concern with the criteria for selecting metrics rather than recommendations of specific metrics. Biodiversity conservation plans and metrics should reflect landowner goals and address societal concerns as well as ecological considerations.