SGEC Standards and Indicators for Forest Management Certification, and
JAFTA Elaborations.
STNDARD #1: Identification of Forests and their Management Policies
Concrete contents (location, ownership and use rights, legal restrictions, areas andvolumes by forest management type etc.) of subject forests to be certified shall beclearly defined, and also forest management plans of the forests be established basedon basic management policies provided by forest owners themselves.
1.1 Owners and/or managers of forest resources, lands and the like should beclearly defineda. Copies of land register, such drawings and specifications as forest stand registers
and planning maps, are provided.
b. Situation of the establishment of land-use rights in addition to ownership , surface
rights and the like, are filed.
c. Relations between rights can be clearly identified at random sites.
1.2 Forest registers indicating areas and location of subject forests, forest types
related to planting (plantation or natural forest), tree species or forest covertypes, stand age and growing stock, should be available at any time.
a.

Forest stand registers that clearly meet the requirements of Indicator 1.2 in every
forest division (e.g. sub-compartment), is provided.

b.

Data are renewed every five years.

1.3 The locations of subject forests should be clear both on sites and on maps.
a.

Maps on a scale of about one to five thousand (1/5,000) that show forest
compartments, are provided.

b.

Locations on maps and registers correspond to actual sites.

c.

Boundaries can be clearly identified.

1.4 Forest management plans based on the Planning System 1 or equivalentmanagement plans should be established. In the plans, the basic policies forsustainable forest management should be provided by forest owners’ own will.

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The planning system is defined by the Forest Law and the plans in the system are formulated by national,
prefectural and municipal authorities and private forest owners.

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In case that Forest Management Plans have been approved by municipal heads:a.

approved forest management plans are available at anytime.

b.

forest operations are appropriately conducted based on the Plans.

In case that Forest Management Plans have not been approved:
a . the policies of forest management for subjective forests are documented (plansetc.).
b. long-term approaches for forest management are provided at every forest divisionin the policies mentioned above.
note : forest division is classified from the viewpoint of the functions of forests such as forests for cyclic use,water and land conservation and symbiosis of forests and people etc..

c.

long-term cut volumes calculated based on the same way as that of approved
Forest Management Plans, are fixed (by final cutting and thinning).

d.

forest operations are appropriately conducted based on the policies.

1.5 Appropriate management plans paying attention to regional characteristics
should be established not only for plantations but also for natural forests.
a.

Management policies are provided due to the type of natural forests.
note : type can be classified by natural and secondary forests etc., or by the functions of forests

STANDARD #2: Conservation of Biological Diversity
Management plans on conservation of biodiversity shall be established from at thelevel of landscape to at the level of representative ecosystem type, and precious naturalvegetation, if any, shall be protected in addition to rare, threatened and endangered
species.
2.1 Plans for the conservation of biodiversity involve the management policies atlandscape level as well as the management policies on major forest types atforest stand level.
[Plans for biodiversity conservation]
In the case of large scale forest management:a.

the basic policy for the conservation of biodiversity is provided.

b.

the policy refers to biodiversity at the level of landscapes, ecosystems, species andgenetics, and also includes the idea of biodiversity conservation at the landscapelevel.

c.

operational guidelines for typical forest types are developed in terms of biodiversity.

2note : “forest types” mean the classification of forests due to the combination of tree species and regeneration
methods, e.g. a plantation of sugi (Cryptomeria japoniva), a mixed plantation with sugi and hinoki(Chamaecyparis obtuse), a natural forest of hinoki and an evergreen broad-leaved forest etc..

d.

the management is implemented in compliance with the basic policy and theoperational guidelines.

In the case of small scale forest management:a.

it is desirable to provide the basic policy for the conservation of biodiversity.

b.

operational guidelines for typical forest types are developed in terms of biodiversity.

c.

the management is implemented in compliance with the basic policy and theoperational guidelines.

[Conservation of natural forests]
In the case of large scale forest management:
a. protection measures for natural forests and/or semi-natural forests inclusive of
surrounding buffer zones are established.
b. protection is carried out in compliance with the measures
In the case of small scale forest management:
a. protection of natural forests and/or semi-natural forests is carried out.
2.2 Important components (virgin forests, natural forests, countryside forests,
grasslands, marshlands, swamps, farmlands etc.) to ensure biodiversity insubject forests should be clarified on maps and management policies for themshould be provided.
[Conservation of important components]
In the case of large scale forest management:a.

the importance of components is confirmed (by literatures or intellectuals etc.) andthe locations of them are shown on mapsb.

the measures to protect and manage the confirmed components are developed.

In the case of small scale forest management:a.

the components designated as memorials etc. by administration are conserved inplace.

[Conservation of riparian forests]
Management plans for the conservation of riparian forests are established andimplemented3

2.3 Protection of rare, threatened and endangered species (RTE species)and theirhabitats should be ensured.
[Protection of rare species etc.]a.

The lists of rare species that appears to be living in applied forests are prepared.

b.

Consideration is paid to rare species etc at the time of tree felling and road
construction.

c.

Identified habitats are conserved in place[Conservation of trees with hollows etc]a.

Trees with hollows, snags and fallen trees are left in terms of biodiversity
conservation[Consideration to small animals]a. In the areas where the probability of the habitation of rare species like Amphibia
etc is pretty high, careful attention is paid to the construction of structures such as
forest roads[How to deal with exotic species]a.

Careful attention is paid to the use of exotic speciesb.

Native species to region are used for slope planting.

2.4 Efforts should be made to protect natural vegetation including undergrowth.
・Natural vegetation like natural forests is conserved.
STNDARDS #3: Conservation and Maintenance of Soil and Water Resources
Careful attention shall be paid to forestry operations such as felling, skidding, haulingand forest road constructions to prevent soil erosion and to conserve water resources,
and also consideration shall be given to protect water system against contamination bychemicals.
3.1 Appropriate shelter (or protection) tree-belts should be established along windy
ridges, drainage system and roads at the time of felling.
a.

Approaches to the establishment and maintenance of protection tree-belts areprovided.

b.

Protection tree-belts are established in due location and scale.

c.

Protection tree-belts are forest types suitable to their functions and/or measures4

leading to the suitable types are taken.
3.2 Careful consideration should be given to felling, skidding and hauling to protect
earth surface, taking into account their influence on surrounding water
resources and forest function of soil run-off and failure prevention.
[Harvesting methods]
Harvesting plans comply with laws/regulations and higher level plans.
a.

Such consideration to the conservation of forest lands and water resources as
imposing restrictions on the size of continuous cutting area, is provided.

b.

Appropriate harvesting is conducted based on the plans etc..

[Measures for cutting, skidding and hauling]a.

Matters on the protection of earth surface including soil at the time of cutting andskidding are described in operational manuals.

b.

Those operations are appropriately implemented based on the manuals mentioned
above.

3.3 Attention should be paid to fuel, oil used for forestry machines, othercontaminants and chemicals like pesticides in order for them not to flow into
water system.
a.

Manuals for handling such substances as fuel, oil and chemicals are developed.

b.

The handling is appropriately implemented based on the manuals mentioned
above.

3.4 Close attention should be paid to the construction of forest roads etc. toconserve soil and watera.

Matters on soil and water conservation are provided in the manuals for theconstruction and maintenance of forest roads inclusive of spur roads.

b.

The operations are appropriately implemented based on the manual.

STANDARD #4: Maintenance of Productivity and Health of Forest Ecosystem
Harvesting shall be conducted in an well-planned way based on the idea of sustainable
forest management, and non-clearcutting or small scale clearcutting methods shall beapplied in principle. Regeneration shall be conducted based on the principle “right tree
for right site”, relating itself to management history, and subsequent tending and5thinning be properly implemented. Appropriate measures to prevent forest fire anddamages by disease, insect and mammals shall be taken including extension work andguidance, and attention be paid to the use of such chemicals as pesticides.
4.1 ・Harvest volume should be within the range of the quantity to meet requirementsfunctionally classified in Forest Management Plan Approval Criteria2 and thevolume be properly allotted in time and place.
・Large scale clear cutting should be avoided and non-clearcutting methods beapplied wherever possible.
・ It is provided that the harvest of forest products should be done in asustainable manner.
[Harvesting plan]a.

Regarding the volume of final cutting and thinning :a) in the case of forests under approved Forest Management Plans, volume
corresponds with the planned volume.
b) in the case of non-approved forests, volume is calculated based on the ideathat Forest Management Plans require.

b.

Concrete harvesting plans are established.

[Guides for harvesting]a.

Guides for harvesting such as final cutting/regeneration methods, cutting age,thinning etc. are provided. And also the guides take into consideration soil andwater/biodiversity conservation.

[Implementation situation]
a. Harvesting is appropriately conducted based on the standards and harvestingplans
4.2 ・Areas after felling are sure to be regenerated within planned periods.
・Artificial regeneration in cut-over areas should be conducted in compliancewith the principle “right tree for right site ” based on the management
backgrounds.
[Regeneration Plan]a.

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Regarding regeneration plans:

These criteria are provided in the Forest Law and related regulations

6a) in the case of forests under approved Forest Management Plans, regeneration
quantities correspond with the planed ones.
b) in the case of non-approved forests, regeneration is appropriately planned
for final cutting areas.
b.

Concrete regeneration plans are established.

[Guides for regeneration]a.

Guides for regeneration such as regeneration methods, tree species to be planted,
planting density etc. are provided. And also the guides take into consideration theconservation of soil/water as well as biodiversity.

b.

Regeneration is appropriately conducted based on the guides and the plans.

[Tree species for regeneration]a.

In the case of artificial regeneration, tree species appropriate to site conditions
are chosenb.

Seedlings are used within the distribution area stipulated in Forestry Seeds andSeedlings Lawc.

Careful attention is paid to the introduction of exotic species.

[Survival surveys]
a.

Survival rate surveys of planted seedlings are conducted and guides for
supplementary planting and the like are provided.

b.

Supplementary planting and the like are appropriately conducted.

c.

When death takes place in large areas, inspections into the cause of it,
examinations to improve the situation and the like are conducted.

4.3 Appropriate regeneration operations in natural forests should be conducted.
a.

When planning to fell and regenerate natural forests (secondary forests), guides forfelling and regeneration methods etc. are provided. And also in the case of
implementation, the confirmation of stand structure conditions, undergrowth(seedlings and saplings etc.), mother trees’ conditions and the like are conducted.

b.

Supplementary operations for regeneration like ground treatments etc. areconducted if necessary.

c.

Concrete implementing plans (on the location, methods and areas of felling andregeneration etc.) are established.

d.

Felling and regeneration are appropriately conducted based on the guides and the7plans.
e.

No problems on regeneration conditions have occurred.

Note : Felling and regeneration referring here are conducted in and toward secondary forests.

4.4 Tending plans should be clear and be implemented according to site conditions.
[Tending plans]a.

Concrete tending plans are established.

b.

Tending is appropriately conducted.

[Tending guides]a.

Guides for tending are provided. And also the guides take into consideration theconservation of water/lands and biodiversity.

b.

Tending is appropriately conducted based on the guides.

4.5 Thinning should be appropriately conducted depending on the situation[Thinning plans]a.

Concrete thinning plans (thinning areas, rate and volumes at each site etc.) areestablished.

b.

Thinning in the plans is consistent with that of forests to be thinned in Municipal
Forest Improvement Plans.

[Thinning guides]a.

Manuals to implement thinning are developed.

b.

The conservation of biodiversity like leaving broad-leaved trees is taken into
consideration in the manuals.

[Thinning implementation]a. Thinning is appropriately conducted based on the plans and manuals
4.6 Appropriate prevention measures for disease, insect and mammal damage aretaken and their damage control should be conducted.
a.

Appropriate measures for the prevention of disease, insect and mammal damages
have been taken.

b.

Real conditions of damages are grasped

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4.7 Appropriate prevention measures for forest fire are taken and treatments for thedamages are given.
[High hazard areas of forest fire]a.

Protection measures against forest fire like patrolling in critical season are taken.

b.

Measures against fire occurrence such as training, fire-extinguishing materials andsystems are taken.

c.

Restoration of burnt areas is conducted in a planned manner[Low hazard areas of forest fire]a.

It is desirable that prevention measures as well as fire-extinguishing measures
are taken.

4.8 The use of chemicals like pesticides should be in compliance with the laws andregulations and be a minimum necessary amount.
a.

A minimum necessary amount of chemicals are usedb.

A manual for the use of chemicals is developed in case of use.

c.

Chemicals are used according to the manual

STANDARD#5:Legal and Institutional Framework for Sustainable Forest Management
Not only related laws, ordinances and other regulations but also local communities’
customary/traditional rights shall be respected. In addition, management policies shallbe understood by trustees who are entrusted with managements and forestry workers,
and also daily consideration shall be made to employees for their livelihood, health andsafety.
5.1 All applicable national laws and international treaties and agreements to which
the nation is a signatory should be respected.
a. Laws and regulations are observed.
b. Such documents as laws/regulations and operation manuals are available.
5.2 Legal or customary use rights to properties and resources of local communities
should be respected.
a.

It is confirmed whether or not local communities have customary rights to appliedforests.

b.

The rights are appropriately secured when they are confirmed.

95.3 Appropriate training and guidance on biodiversity and labor safety/health should
be given to employees, contractors and forestry workers in implementing
management plans.
[Training and education of employees]a. Training and education on various operation guides, environment conservation etc.
are appropriately conducted for employees.
b. Manuals for labor safety are developed.
c.

Training, education and the like on labor safety are appropriately conducted for
employees.

[Guidance for contractors]
a. Guidance on operation guides, environment conservation etc. are appropriately
conducted for contractors.
b. Guidance on labor safety are appropriately conducted for contractors.
5.4 Social securities, necessary training implementation and labor safety/health for
employees should be ensured.
a.

Entry into a compulsory social security system is ensured for employees.

b.

Management systems for safety and sanitation are established and education onthem is conducted for employees.

STANDARD #6: Maintenance and Promotion of Social and Economic Benefits
Efforts not only to provide more opportunity for citizens to come in contact with forests
but also to give environmental education to visitors and take safety measures for them,shall be made. Upon managing forests, landscape and outdoor recreation shall be taken
into consideration, and culturally and historically valuable forests shall be protected.
In addition, efforts not only to enhance carbon sink function of certified forests but also
to separate certified forest products from others and utilize them effectively in various
ways with a view to supplying properly forest products produced in certified forests
with consumers, shall be made.
6.1 ・ Efforts should be made to give opportunities/places for citizens to contact
with nature
・ Forests should be open to local residents as much as possible and10

convenience be offered to thema.

It is desirable that concrete activities are conducted or planned, but this is notnecessarily required

6.2 Environmental education and safety guidance/measures for visitors should be
developed.
[Applicable to forests where there are many visitors]a.

Measures for explanation and enlightenment for visitors, using brochures,information boards etc. are taken.

b.

Sign boards warning such dangerous spots as operation sites are installed.

c.

Visitors are encouraged to bring back their wastes

6.3 Appropriate measures should be taken for forests where forest managements
paying attention to forest recreation and maintenance of landscape arenecessary.
[Forest management consonant with forest recreation and landscape conservation]
In the case of large scale forest management where a considerable quantities ofdemand for forest recreation can be expected :a.

existence of forests which it is necessary to manage taking into consideration forest
recreation and maintenance of landscapes, are confirmedb.

management plans are established and zoning of the forests in the plans is ensured
in case of need.

c.

Appropriate management is conducted.

In the case of small scale forest management where a certain amount of demand forforest recreation can be expected.
a.

it is desirable that appropriate managements are conducted for forests where it isnecessary to take into consideration forest recreation and landscape maintenance.

[Forest management consonant with the conservation of forests for living environment
protection etc.]a.

Forests of which the managements are restricted by laws, ordinances and/or public
plans/systems, are managed in compliance with them.

[Facilities for forest recreation]
In the case of large scale forest management:a. they are planned and installed based on the demand trends of users.

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b. they are planned and installed in meeting the criteria for Forest-land Development
Permission System.
c. they are in conformity with approved forest management plans.
In the case of small scale forest management:a.

they are planned and installed in meeting the criteria for Forest-land Development Permission System.

b. they are in conformity with Forest Management Plans
6.4 Important cultural and/or historical remains, and high value forests that are
significant from the viewpoint of society and resources should be conserved.
a.

Forest areas which are important from cultural and historical viewpoints aredemarcated on-site and shown on maps, and management methods for the areas
are developed* cultural assets designated by a nation, prefectures and municipalities.
* sacred areas for local residents

6.5 Efforts should be made to clearly separate certified forest products in order toproperly supply consumers with them produced in certified forests, so that theobjectives of “Sustainable Green Ecosystem” can be attained.
a.

Forest products are physically separated in order not to be mixed with
non-certified forest products and the quantities of certified products areappropriately recognized.

b.

Certified products are encouraged to be used for various facilities in the appliedforests

6.6 Efforts should be made in order that the management and improvement ofcertified forests could have positive effects on the prevention of global warming,
i.e. work as a carbon sink.
a.

The conservation and increase of forest growing stock are planned and ensured.

b.

Large scale disturbances have not taken place on ground surfaces.

STNDARD #7: Monitoring and Disclosure of Information
Forest conditions and management situation shall be periodically monitored for
effective reviewing or updating of management plans, and the summary of monitoring
results shall be open to the public in principle.

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In addition, observation records as well as management records for subject forests to becertified shall be kept as much as possible, and there shall be a readiness to cooperatewith local governments and the like in wide-ranging monitoring of plants and animals
by them.
7.1 ・ Monitoring to evaluate the implementation of management plans and its effects
should be properly conducted
・ Monitoring results should be incorporated into the implementation and nextscheduled update of management plans, and the revision of them ifnecessary.
a.

Monitoring items are providedb.

Monitoring items include the followings:* the conservation of biodiversity: plant and animal species* the conservation and maintenance of soil and water resources: landslide (forest
lands and road slopes)* the maintenance of forest ecosystem productivity and soundness: growing stock,
growth rate, harvest and regeneration.

c.

Monitoring is conducted in placed.

Monitoring results are incorporated, if necessary, into the revisions of management
plans, various manuals and the like.

7.2 When local governments are monitoring bioindicators to infer biodiversity as awhole, a cooperation system for the monitoring survey should be developed andexist.
a. Cooperation in the survey done by the third parties like local governments are
conducted
7.3 ・Various kinds of information records on subject certified forests should be kept
as much as possible.
・Management records by operation, fiscal year and location should be kept
when the management are exercised.
a.

Historical records on management are filedb.

Outlines of various damages to forests are recorded

7.4 Management and monitoring results should be open to the public in principle.
a. Demands of outsiders for information disclosure are met.

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