The UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) outlines the context for forestry in the UK. It is the reference standard for sustainable forest management across the UK, and sets out the approach of the UK governments to sustainable forest management by defining requirements and guidelines, and providing a basis for regulation and monitoring - including national and international reporting. It applies to all woodland, regardless of who owns or manages it. The standard also ensures that international agreements and conventions on areas such as sustainable forest management, climate change, biodiversity and the protection of water resources are applied in the UK (specifically those related to the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development). The Standard covers key different elements of sustainable forest management including biodiversity, climate change, historic environment landscape, people, soil and water. The Forestry Commission in England and Scotland, Natural Resources Wales and the Northern Ireland Forest Service are the main bodies responsible for implementing the UKFS. These bodies assess forestry proposals against the UKFS before giving approval and carry out checks to ensure woodland owners and managers comply with forestry regulations. The precise arrangements for implementing and monitoring the standard will vary between the England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Standard, in respect of previous versions: Updates relevant legislation and other regulatory requirements; updates organisational details and mandates of the forestry authorities; reflects key policy changes arising from the increased devolution of forestry; incorporates recent developments in international agreements, and the way forestry activity is monitored and reported; incorporates recent advances in the scientific understanding of forestry; further strengthens the role of forest planning.
Reino Unido de Gran Bretaña e Irlanda del Norte · 2017-01-01