By Denitsa Raykova | Donor Relations and Care Specialist
Lynxes can be found in deciduous and mixed forests, open wooden regions, mountainous areas, and even in the tundra. The forests are definitely where they thrive. That’s why, in order to ensure the return of the lynx in Bulgaria, we must first ensure that its preferred home – the luscious Bulgarian forest – is protected.
Recently, Bulgaria took a major step forward in its efforts for responsible forest management.
The FSC® certification system
Sustainable forest management in Bulgaria is moving to a new level. This will be possible from January 1st 2025, when the revised standard under the international certification system FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) comes into force. It was developed by a specialized expert group with the mediation of WWF Bulgaria. Our country thus became the first in the world to successfully complete the process of revising its national standard.
The standard contains specific requirements for all forest areas in Bulgaria, certified under the world's first independent labeling system for forest products. Its aim is to maintain the balance between environmental forest management and economic benefit in timber production.
‘The FSC® label ensures that the product we have obtained is not the result of exploitative and shortsighted, but of socially and environmentally oriented forest management that is also economically viable. The logo assures us that the wood harvested for the production of the respective product complies with the strict principles of FSC®’, commented Neli Doncheva, Head of the Forests Programme at WWF Bulgaria and Chair of the Expert Group for the development of the standard.
How does the FSC® standard help endangered species like the lynx?
New research shows that FSC®-certified forests in Gabon and Congo contain a greater abundance of critically endangered species than forests that are not certified. The study, led by Utrecht University with support from WWF and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WSC), provides compelling evidence that large mammals are better off in certified forests. By strategically positioning hidden cameras and meticulously documenting the number of individuals, the researchers found that certified forests harbour 2.7 times more mammals over 100 kg, such as gorillas and elephants, and 2.5 times more mammals between 30 and 100 kg, such as leopards and chimpanzees, compared to uncertified forests.
This makes us in Bulgaria hopeful that now that our forests are much better protected, amazing animals like the lynx will feel safe enough to come back, stay, and raise offspring.
The FSC® label is a guarantee that the product we have chosen is made from wood grown under extremely high levels of control. When we see this logo, we can be sure that by buying a chair, notebook, or wardrobe, we are not harming rare and endangered species, messing up the genetic diversity in the forests, violating the ecological values of an ecosystem, stepping on the rights of local communities, or encouraging corrupt practices. Let’s choose those products in our daily lives that protect forests - and those who depend on them.
Thank you for helping us in our mission to protect wild animals and their homes!
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By Denitsa Raykova | Donor Relations and Care Specialist
By Denitsa Raykova | Donor Relations and Care Specialist
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