RSB Forestry Residue Guidance approved at RSB’s Formal Assembly of Delegates
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The RSB’s Assembly of Delegates has approved the RSB Guidance on the Harvesting of Forestry Residues for a pilot period, marking a significant step toward sustainable resource utilisation in the forestry sector. This new guidance establishes a clear framework for managing forestry residues in a way that balances environmental conservation with economic viability.
As RSB’s highest decision-making body, the Assembly of Delegates brings together representatives from its five membership chambers to deliberate on governance and sustainability standards. The pilot implementation of this guidance aims to support sustainable forest management practices by ensuring sufficient residues are left to promote soil carbon accumulation and maintain soil health. Following the pilot phase, the guidance will be reviewed to evaluate its effectiveness and impact.
What is the RSB Guidance on the Harvesting of Forestry Residues?
The RSB Forestry Residue Guidance specifies the normative requirements for certifying the harvesting of forestry residues under the RSB certification system. Developed as Section 3 of the RSB Woody Biomass Standard Amendment [RSB-SA-01], it complements existing sustainability requirements by addressing the critical need for sustainable soil carbon management.
Forestry residues, such as branches, bark, and wood chips, are often underutilised or managed unsustainably, leading to wasted resources or environmental degradation. This guidance establishes best practices to collect and utilise residues without compromising forest health, biodiversity, or soil stability. It also ensures that carbon extracted from forests is accounted for effectively, supporting ecosystem services like carbon sinks and watershed protection.
The guidance was developed through RSB’s inclusive and extensive multi-stakeholder engagement process to provide clarity on sustainable forestry residue harvesting. It enables operators to balance economic benefits with sustainability objectives, while also meeting requirements under the EU Market Access Standard and the RSB ICAO CORSIA scheme.
The approval of the Forestry Residue Guidance continues to build momentum and practical guidance on sustainable practices in the bioeconomy, setting a precedent for innovative, equitable, and environmentally sound resource management.
“The approval of the Forestry Residue Guidance represents a significant achievement in our mission to ensure sustainable resource management. By providing clear and actionable standards, this guidance empowers operators to balance economic needs with environmental stewardship, fostering healthier ecosystems and supporting global sustainability goals.” – Amparo Arellano, RSB’s Standards & Certifications Director
The 2024 Formal Assembly of Delegates, hosted at RSB’s headquarters in Geneva, focused on critical updates to RSB’s sustainability framework. In addition to the Forestry Residue Guidance, the agenda included the approval of the Impact Indicator Methodology for soil and water and discussions on broader governance matters. Together, these items reflect RSB’s commitment to evolving its framework in response to emerging sustainability challenges and opportunities.
In addition, RSB’s delegates discussed topics related to RSB’s Greenhouse Gas threshold, its book and claim system, and collaboration with other certification schemes, as well as reviewing the 2025 Standards Workplan and hearing from RSB’s oversight body.
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