Does certification actually help biodiversity?
The answer is mixed: certification helps some species and plants, but doesn't boost overall wildlife numbers. A 2023 global review and meta-analysis of 57 studies found that, on average, FSC certification had a neutral effect on the abundance of mammals, birds, and vascular plants [1]. However, there were important exceptions: threatened mammal species, those with lower body weight, and omnivorous animals did benefit from FSC-managed forests [1]. Also, vascular plant richness was significantly higher in certified areas, and shrubs and adult trees showed greater abundance [1]. This means certification can create pockets of benefit for specific species, but it's not a universal boost for all wildlife.
Does certification stop deforestation?
At a national level, the evidence says no. A 2025 study analyzed data from over 113 countries between 2005 and 2019 and found no significant association between the amount of FSC or PEFC certified forest area and reductions in permanent or temporary forest loss [2]. The researchers noted that the lack of high-resolution, publicly available data may hide local successes, but the overall conclusion is clear: voluntary certification alone is not enough to meet global goals like halting deforestation by 2030 [2]. This suggests that certification must be paired with stronger government regulations and enforcement to be effective.
What are the practical limits of certification?
Certification works best when it's part of a larger system, but it has real-world limits. In Romania, a 2021 study found that while forest certification added some value—like identifying additional cultural and habitat services on 1.6% of the area—the main driver of forest management was still government-mandated plans, not certification [3]. Meanwhile, in Arkansas, only 5% of nonindustrial private forestland is certified, largely because landowners are unfamiliar with certification and worry about increased paperwork and costs [4]. On the positive side, a survey of certified forest owners in Slovakia found that they see certification as a tool that improves their company's image and supports ecosystem services like erosion control and species diversity [5]. So, while certification can encourage better practices among those who adopt it, low participation and weak enforcement limit its overall impact.
Sources used in this answer
FSC forest certification effects on biodiversity: A global review and meta-analysis.
FSC certification had a neutral effect on overall wildlife abundance but significantly increased vascular plant richness and benefited threatened mammal species and certain plant traits like shrubs and adult trees.
Does forest management certification halt forest loss at country level? A global analysis
Across 113+ countries from 2005 to 2019, increased FSC and PEFC certification coverage was not significantly associated with reduced forest loss, indicating certification alone cannot halt deforestation.
Forest ecosystem services in Romania: Orchestrating regulatory and voluntary planning documents
In Romania, certification added only minor improvements (e.g., identifying additional ecosystem services on 1.6% of land) compared to the dominant regulatory forest management plans.
Improving Communications to Increase Nonindustrial Private Forest Landowner (NIPF) Participation in Forest Certification Programs: A Case Study in Arkansas, USA
Only 5% of nonindustrial private forestland in Arkansas is certified, with landowners citing low familiarity, high paperwork, and management costs as key barriers.
Assessment of Forest Certification as a Tool to Support Forest Ecosystem Services
Certified forest owners in Slovakia perceive certification as a tool that improves company image and supports ecosystem services, especially erosion control and species diversity.