“What would certification mean – Experiences with other environmental certification systems”

1. “What would certification mean – Experiences with other environmental certification systems” Prof. Dr. H. Vogtmann, President of theGerman Federal AgencyforNature Conservation

2. guarantee a certain (high) quality incl. environmental quality  The aims of certification  improve quality attract new resources by a high quality image:   new visitors and guests  new customers of PA-products and services  new local entrepreneurs  new sponsors  additional public finance What does certification mean?

3.  Products and goods (incl. natural goods) Objects of certification     management systems private and public-private partnerships / decision structures production processes services What might be certified? Examples in general and for PAs German „Blue Angel“, „green“ electricity, organic food, regional products e.g. from nature parks or biosphere reserves, protected areas Organic farming, forestry according to FSC criteria „Green“ financial services, ecologically sound tourism, fundraising organisations Environmental management (i.e. ISO 14000, EMAS), quality management (i.e. ISO 9 000) European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas

4. Elements of certification Elements of a promising certification process widely acknowledged criteria independent examination acceptable certification costs active marketing

5. Forest Stewardship Council: Certification for timber and timber products Certification for sustainable tourism development Certification and PAs Two examples:

6. FSC - Certification Forest Stewardship Council : international non-profit organisation to support environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world's forests.  international labeling scheme on timber and timber products, guarantees that the product comes from a well-managed forest. independent certification of forest products as coming from forests that meet the internationally recognized FSC Principles and Criteria of Forest Stewardship (including general conservation aspects).  development of national and local standards that implement the international Principles and Criteria of Forest Stewardship at the local level.

7. Certified Forest Sites endorsed by FSC (30.08.2002) Certified Forest Sites

8. European Charter for sustainable tourism A valuable and practical tool for ensuring that tourism development in PAs is sustainable: 5-year commitment to further that cooperation and to implement agreed joint actions with their partners PA demonstrates that it is cooperating with local stakeholders and tourism partners (permanent structure) NOT: a quality label nor a conventional partnership agreement, but a combination of both Awarded by EUROPARC Federation

9. The Charter-Process Focus: Participation of all relevant stakeholders Award of the Charter Verification by the Charter Evaluation Committee 5-year-Action Plan and Strategy for sustainable tourism in the PA Assessment and evaluation of tourism in the protected area Agreement to the principles of sustainable tourism development

10. Opportunities of certification in PAs widely acknowledged criteria enhancing protection activities confidence independent examination assisting sustainable economic development acceptance active marketing financially self-supporting (partly or completely)

11. “What would certification mean – Experiences with other environmental certification systems” Up from September 9th on www.bfn.de service / links / presentations