The purpose of all activities is the creation of large, sustainable, and above all new forests throughout the world by integrating and optimizing all relevant economic, ecological, and social aspects, which invariably also implies the involvement of the entire local population.
As a matter of principle, the newly created forests are to cover the whole range of all forest functions (such as climate, raw material, protection, recreation, workplace, habitat, etc.) to serve the common global public interest as best as possible.
Specifically, the following principles apply:
- Certification of the emitting companies is issued according to the applicable international top standards, and is required for supporting the project.
- Only new forest projects are planned as part of the reforestation of former forest areas or of the afforestation of suitable new forest areas.
- The objective of all activities is natural forests through forest seeding in accordance with the law of local conditions.
- The reforestation measures must be implemented according to the principle of the least possible intervention by way of optimized, environmentally sound methods which are as low-emission as possible. Here, too, eco-balances of the systems to be applied which meet the highest standards according to the current state of technology are prerequisite for applying the method.
- The new forest projects always integrate the demands of the local population as well. In particular, usage of the natural space must be diversified, and it must be ensured that the impacts in the various areas of activity are sustainable and harmless.
- Prior to any activity, a study about the potential natural flora and fauna in the area concerned must be furnished.
- A positive future development of plants, animals, and human beings, as well as of environmental conditions, must always be projected.
- No part of the activity must have a negative effect on the geology, water, climate, and other environmental factors.
- Adherence to all local laws and regulations and payment of all local taxes must be ensured.
- The legal and customary rights of the indigenous groups regarding ownership of, access to, usage and farming of land, territories, and resources must be respected and permanently secured.
- Job opportunities, trainings, and other services for the local population must be created and maintained. All tasks are designed and executed in such a way that the protection of health and against accidents is ensured.
- The areas must be protected against illegal usage, settlement, and other illegal activities.
- The provisions of the Washington Agreement on the Protection of Species, the conventions of the ILO (International Labour Agreement) and of the ITTA (International Tropical Timber Agreement) must be adhered to.
- The protection of sites of special cultural, economic, ecological, or religious value must be ensured.
- Provisions must be made to strengthen and diversify the regional economy through the planted forest and its cultivation as well as for creating areas of other types of usage.
- The preservation and increase of the biological diversity and the pertinent values, the water resources, and soils, as well as of unique and sensitive ecosystems and landscapes, and the secure preservation, improvement, or restoration of the ecological functions and the integrity of the forest are the aim of all measures taken.
- Environmentally sound, chemical-free methods of pest control are to be developed and applied. No fertilizers and chemical biocides are used.
- The planting of monocultures or energy forests is not allowed.
- Future usage of the forest will always adhere to the pertinent national standards of the FSC.
- Reconversion or deforestation of the areas is not permitted.
- Any activities which benefit individual persons at the expense of the local common welfare are prohibited in the project areas.
- As a matter of principle, the economic benefits resulting from the activities are to be reaped by the peoples (countries) owning the land.
- All activities take place in cooperation with the local institutions.
- Project development, monitoring and documentation as well as long-term supervision are conducted by involving internationally recognized organizations or institutions, such as FSC, TÜV, or DNV.
Last revised: 1 April 2009
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