1 Proposals to develop National Risk Assessments and FSC National Standard for Republic of

1.1 This proposal is submitted by:

1. This proposal is submitted by: Name: Maxim Yermokhin

Signed: Position: Chair of Standard Development Group of Belarus (SDGB) Address: 220072, Belarus, , Academicheskaya, 27, of. 311 Telephone: +375 29 578 80 68 Email: [email protected]

1.2 Scope of the proposed standard, including the rational for developing an FSC Forest Stewardship Standard for this territory. Belarus has 5,4 mln ha of FSC certified forests. There are 57 FSC CoC certificates, part of them are group certificates (total 96 companies have FSC CoC certificates). 35 companies have CoC/CW certificates. By that area of FSC certified forests Belarus ranks 7th in the World. In the same time it is the country with the biggest area of FSC certified forests, which don’t have FSC national standard and National risk assessment. FSC certification is established in Belarus mainly to export market demand. The total cost of export was 133 Mln USD in 2010. 63% of forest export was directed to , 12% to Germany, also to , & Netherland. Belarus is not highly visible but very important part of supply chain of FSC certified products to Poland and from Poland later to EU. Belarus is also the area of major international investment projects. The examples of investors are Kronospan, VMG (major furniture manufacturer for IKEA), Egger and some others. These investors are oriented to FSC certification. The government owned two major forest product exporters Bellesbumpromexport and Bellesexport are also supportive to FSC, due to their exposure to EU market partner. All forest in Belarus belongs to Government and managed by state FMU’s, belonging to Ministry of forestry (86%), Presidential Administration (8%), The Ministry of Emergency Situations (2%) and some smaller institutions. The CH’s are state FMU’s, consequently they cover the costs of FSC certification. The Ministry of forestry preferred system is PEFC. Belarus has about 8 mln ha of PEFC certified forests. FSC scheme at the moment do not have enough Government support, and it is supported mainly by market driven organizations, such as forest product exporters, investors and FMU’s, which sells timber to market partners, and to some extent by academic organizations and experts. The level of forests management in Belarus is quite satisfactory, comparing and especially , due to the fact that implementation of forest legislation is ensured properly by FMU’s. In the same time there are some challenges for FSC certification there. Almost 25% of forests in Belarus were affected by Chernobyl radiation. National forestry regulations are not very “favourable” to FSC Principle 6 and 9. There are few of independent stakeholders, which may address the quality of certification. Taking into account the value of Belarus in the supply chain to Poland and EU, the area of FSC certified forests and number of CW certificates, the value for investors and the credibility issues it would be important to develop FSC National Standard for Republic of Belarus and National risk assessment. National Risk Assessments and FSC National Standard will be applicable for a whole Belarus territory and will cover all forest management activities. The Belarus Standard will be applicable to all forest types including both artificial and natural forests.

1.3 Is this proposal to develop a new FSC Forest Stewardship Standard or to revise an existing one?

Revision Go to section 1.4

New Go to section 1.5

1.4 Review and justification for revisions to an approved FSC Forest Stewardship Standard. Not applicable

1.5 Funding and resources available, and/or of potential sources of funding:

Item Resources Source Contribution Confirmed? needed

Development of 15000 USD FSC 15000 USD yes the National Risk Assessment

Development of SDG will be focused on development of NRA. We plan to start the FSC National the FSC National Standard development when new IGIs will be approved. Standard Reached a preliminary agreement with IKEA to fund the development of FSC standards and recommendations for Belarus in 2014 (estimated cost is 25 000- 30 000 euros). UNDP in Belarus interested in funding FSC process at 2015- 2016 and proposed to include the development of FSC National Standard (100 000-150 000 euros) in the application for two major projects with the topics «Forest & climate» (financed by EU), "Forest & biodiversity" (financed by GEF). FSC CIS plans to prepare the application to FSC international for additional financing FSC process in Belarus in 2015.

1.6 Existing indicators or guidelines: At present two standards are used in FSC process in Belarus: 1) Rainforest Alliance/SmartWood Interim Standard for Assessing Forest Management in The Republic of Belarus (Version Date: 10 October 2010) 2) SGS Qualifor Forest Management Generic Standard Adopted For Belarus (Version Date: 28 August 2012)

1.7 Working language(s) for the Standards Development Group: Russian

1.8 FSC Documents related to the process:

FSC STD 01 001 V5 EN FSC Principles and Criteria FSC-STD-60-006 Procedure for the development of Forest Stewardship Standards FSC STD 20 002 V2 1 EN Structure and Content Forest Stewardship Standards FSC STD 01 003 V1 0 EN SLIMF Eligibility Criteria FSC STD 01 003a EN SLIMF eligibility criteria addendum 2008 02 13 FSC-GUI-60-100 Guidance on the interpretation of the FSC Principles and Criteria to take account of scale and intensity FSC-GUI-20-200 EN FSC Guidelines for Certification Bodies 2005 FSC POL 30 401 EN FSC certification and ILO Conventions 2002 FSC POL 20 002 EN Partial Certification 2000 FSC Guidance Document FSC-GUI-30-004: FSC Principles 2 and 3: Guidance on Interpretation FSC GUI 30 001 V2 0 EN FSC Pesticides Policy Guidance 2007 FSC GUI 30 001a V1 0 EN Approved derogations for use of pesticides 2008 01 21 FSC POL 30 001 EN FSC Pesticides policy 2005 FSC PRO 01 004 V2 1 EN Processing pesticide derogation applications FSC POL 30 602 EN FSC GMO Policy 2000 FSC ADV 30 602 EN Conversion of plantation to non forest land 2004 03 29 FSC ADV 30 602 EN Conversion of plantation to non forest land 2004 03 29 FSC ADV 30 901 EN Interpretation of Criterion 9 2 2003 04 28 FSC ADV 31 001 EN Interpretation of C10 9 2002 12 03

2. Timetable for the standard development process.

Item Time needed Estimated Date Formation of Standards July 15, 2013 Development Group 1st Draft National Risk 75 days October 1, 2013 Assessment Stakeholder Comments 60 days November 30, 2013 Consultation report 2nd Draft Submit application for approval to FSC Next step: Development of the 2 years The process will begin when FSC National Standard new IGIs will be approved (~2015)

3. Facilitation and Chairing:

Name Role Contact Mr. Maxim Yermokhin Chair of Standards 220072, Belarus, Minsk, Development Group of Academicheskaya, 27, of. 311 Belarus t. +375 29 578 80 68 [email protected]

Date of birth: 25.08.1975

Education and/or qualifications: Higher education - Belarusian State University of Technology, Department of Forestry, 1992-1997. Post graduate education - Institute of Experimental Botany of National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 1997-2000 Diplomas: Diploma of Forestry and Landscape engineer, Belarusian State University of Technology (1997) Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Biology, Institute of Experimental Botany of National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (2010) (Ecological & phytocenotic peculiarities of the spruce forests dynamics on the local stand disturbances in Belarus) Languages: Russian, Belarusian, English

Previous job: 2007- present Institute of Experimental Botany of National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Laboratory of Productivity & Stability of Plant Communities, senior researcher 2006-2007 UNDP, forest monitoring expert 2005-2006 APB-BirdLife Belarus, forest conservation officer 2002-2005 «MobileTeleSystems», engineer 1997-2002 Institute of Experimental Botany of National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, PhD student, junior scientific worker Areas of work: inventory and management of high conservation value forests, forest vegetation monitoring, forest certification, ecologically focused forestry, estimation of ecological damage Scientific interests: dendrochronology, forest ecology, sustainable forestry, influence of climatic and anthropogenic factors on forest/trees, climate and forest reconstruction. Author of more than 80 science or popular science articles Summary of relevant work experience: May, 2013 ASI consultant for ASI auditor related to the annual forest management surveillance audit of SmartWood at Regional Forest Board in Belarus 2013 Expert of the project "Support to the development of a comprehensive framework for international environmental cooperation in the Republic of Belarus”, EU/UNDP 2011-2012 Expert of the project “Mainstreaming Biodiversity Conservation into Territorial Planning Policies and Practices in Belarus ”, GEF/UNDP November, 2011 ASI consultant for ASI auditor related to the annual forest management surveillance audit of SGS QUALIFOR at Gomel Regional Forest Board in Belarus 2008-2010 One of the main author of the National Strategy of Forestry Adaptation to Climate Change 2008-2010 Manager of the project «Ensuring long-term conservation and biodiversity friendly management of High Conservation Value Forests by incorporating HCVF principles into standard forest management practice (Pilot projects on the territory of Pruzhany, and forest enterprises), APB-BirdLife Belarus, Ameco (Netherland), Institute of Experimental Botany July, 2007 ASI consultant for ASI auditor related to the annual forest management surveillance audit of SmartWood at Mogilev Regional Forest Board in Belarus 2005-2007 coordinator of High Conservation Value Forest Mapping project in Belarus, APB-BirdLife Belarus 1999-2013 completed more than 40 projects for designation of new reserves and national parks or their reorganization

4. Standards Development Group:

Environmental Economic Social

Name: Mr. Vladimir Usenia Name: Mr. Bui Andrei Ms. Tatjana Slobodnik E-mail: E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]

Organization: Forest Institute Organization: Forestry Forest Certification company of the National Academy of Board "Belgiproles" Sciences of Belarus

Resume: Was born in 1958 in Resume: Born in 1971 in Ostovets, Belarus. Resume: Head of Department of the Starodorozhsky Area Head of Forestry Department. Speciality: Forest Certification company (, the Republic forest engineer (Diploma Engineer of "Belgiproles" Speciality: forest of Belarus). Graduated from Forestry, 1993). Mr. Bui is Ph.D. in Forestry engineer (Diploma Engineer of the Kirov Byelorussian (1997). Basic scientific interests and Forestry, 1986). Participated: Technological Institute in activities: Forest and timber measurement; In the development of standards for 1980. Speciality: forest forest inventory and forest management; sustainable forest management, engineer. He is deputy simulation and optimization models regulating reproduction, protection director of research and head development; software development and conservation of forests, timber of the Laboratory of Forest (Microsoft Windows PC and Pocket PC harvesting and other forest Regeneration and Protection. platforms). He is author of lecture and resources, taking into account the An author of more than 200 practical courses “Forest measurement and requirements of the international scientific works (including five inventory” for teaching skilled workman in criteria and indicators for sustainable monographs and a manual college. Developing courses “Guide for forest management. “Forest Pyrology” intended planning forest cutting” for training foresters In the pilot forest FSC certification for lecturers and students of and forest masters (2009-2010). Taking project (financed by WWF) in institutions of higher part in preliminary study timber and residue Smorgon forestry enterprise. Audit education) dedicated to materiel classification and accounting as was conducted by Woodmark Soil problems of sylvics, part of business plan development for joint Association. sylviculture, regeneration, Sweden-Belarus enterprise in Volcovysk In the preparation of 45 forestry reforestation and forest fire (Forest harvesting and wooden chips enterprises to audit by the FSC protection. Doctor of production, 2007-2008). Developing scheme by Woodmark Soil Agriculture, Professor. proposal for improvement national forest Association and SGS (2001-2008). measurement regulations, including issues As a technical expert in the conduct for biodiversity conservation and adoption of the audit firm SGS "Poland" work to international forest certification schemes for forest FSC certification 20 forest (2004-2010). Taking part like contact enterprises under the Ministry of person of Grodno Region Forestry Board in Forestry of the Republic of Belarus Baltic Sea Region Program 2007-2013 for (2008-2010). promoting bio-energy (GRFB and It is freely versed in the all issues of Volcovysk take part in Bio-energy forest management related to social, Promotion Project like partners along with economic and ecological features. 33 participants). Forestry expert from Ministry of Forestry Republic Belarus in Forest Europe process and legally binding agreement development for European forests (since 2010). Expert work in Belarus FLEG. It was proposed analyze of existing timber accounting systems in neighbors countries, North America, Belarus and proposals for improvement national timber accounting system. Result of work was published in report “Ways for improving timber accounting system in Belarus in the base of international experience” (2011). Contact person and expert work with World Bank for developing draft “Strategic National Forestry Development Plan for Belarus” (section National Policy and Legislation, 2012). Environmental Economic Social

Name: Mr. Viktar Fenchuk Name: Mr. Andrey Shakuro Name: Ms. Yulia Tolkach E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

Organization: Organization: Co Ltd “Woodcraft” Organization: National Committee of APB-BirdLife Belarus the Belarusian Trade Union of Forest Workers

Resume: Born in 1975 in Resume: Director General of Co Ltd Resume: Senior legal inspector of Brest, Belarus. “Woodcraft”. He graduated from the labor of the National Committee of Conservationist, director of Belarusian State University, "Physics". He the Belarusian Trade Union of the largest Belarusian nature worked at the Belarusian State University Workers of the forest (from 2011). conservation organization - after that managed a number of commercial She graduated from the Belarusian APB-BirdLife Belarus. structures. He took part in the development State University in 2002 with a Despite long-term of programs for forest inventory in Belarus. degree in law. In 2006, she engagement with BirdLife, Mr. Andrey Shakuro is representative of the graduated from the Master of the Viktar Fenchuk started his company "Haglof" in Belarus. Co Ltd Interregional Academy of Personnel professional career as forest “Woodcraft” specializes in the supply and Management (MAUP), Kyiv, specialty researcher at Belavezhskaja sale of seedlings of coniferous and International Business and pushcha national park, the deciduous trees and shrubs and, large Marketing. In 2002-2005 she worked most renowned protected trees. At the same time Co Ltd “Woodcraft” in educational institutions, "The area in Belarus. Later he sells forest inventory equipment from Institute for Parliamentary and moved to the National "Haglof" and “Suunto” companies. entrepreneurship" as a senior academy of sciences, and lecturer of law. In 2005-2011 she then - worked for APB in worked in the manufacturing Minsk different positions, becoming State Forestry Association in the the director in 2006. His position of leading Counsel. Expert in current conservation interests existing legislation governing the include restoration of social and economic issues in the degraded peatlands (bogs forestry and wood industries and mires) and the support of wilderness, especially in forest ecosystems. Viktar is a member of a number of governmental and parastatal committees working groups in Belarus.

5. Technical Experts: (FSC-STD-60-006 section 4.5)

Name of Expert Members List of documents Team (ToR, work plan, documents produced)

Develop National Mr. Siarhei Minkevich Develop draft of the National Risk Assessments E-mail: [email protected] Risk Assessments Docent of the Forestry Faculty, Belarusian State Technological University (BSTU) (from 2008). Speciality: forest engineer. PhD Degree (Candidate of Agricultural Sciences) in Specialty Forest Mensuration and Forest Management Planning (2003). Docent degree (Ass. Prof.) in Specialty “Forestry” (2010). In 1999 – 2001 – part-time lecturer (assistent) of Forest Management Planning Department, Forestry Faculty, BSTU. In 2001 – 2008 – a senior lecturer of the Forest Management Planning Department, BSTU. In 2011-2013 participated in preparation of Controlled Wood Risk Assessment for a) state enterprises belonging to wood-processing and furniture sector of «Bellesbumprom Concern» (i.e. Joint-stock company FanDok, Gomeldrev, Borisovdrev, etc), and b) for some small enterprises (logging and primary processing of wood raw materials and elements for furniture and instruction industries (windows, doors, sections, wallboards, etc.)). In 2010-2013 participated in Controlled Wood Verification field audits as well as Forest Management and Chain of Custody audits (as an expert).

6. Consultative Forum*:

Interest Organization/ Contact details Evidence of Individual support for the process?

a) Economic interests of:

Owners/managers of large Ministry of 220048 Minsk, and medium sized forests Forestry Myasnikova, 39, +375 (17) 200-46-01 [email protected]

Owners/managers of small Not applicable forests

Owners/managers of Berezinsky 211188, Lepel district, operations where there is a Biosphere , low intensity of timber Reserve Domzheritsy, Tsentralnaya harvesting str.,3 +375 (2132) 26344 [email protected] Interest Organization/ Contact details Evidence of Individual support for the process?

National Park 225063, Kameneth “Belovezhskaya district, , Pushcha” Kamenyuki +375 (1631) 5-61-69 [email protected]

Forest contractors Republican 220002, Minsk, Kolasa Forest Industries 39A, 5 Association +375(29) 617-37-17 +375(17) 288-62-15 [email protected]

Timber producers Bellesexport 220073, Minsk, associations Skryganova 6, 403 +375 (17) 259-18-34 [email protected] b) Social interests of:

Forest workers Belarusian Trade 220126, Minsk, Union of Forest Pobediteley, 21-413 Workers +375 (17) 203-85-71

Indigenous Peoples Not applicable

Local communities Local councils of Minsk, Grodno, Vitebsk, deputies Mogilev, Brest, Gomel regions

Forest recreation Minsk 220101, Minsk, Malinina Recreational 41 Forest +37517 247-36-00 organisation [email protected]

Consumers Ministry of 220004 Minsk, Natural Kollektornaya 10, Resources and +375-17-200-66-91 Environmental [email protected] Protection c) Environmental interests Ministry of 220004 Minsk, relating to: Natural Kollektornaya 10, Resources and +375-17-200-66-91 Environmental [email protected] Protection

Biological diversity Institute of 220072 Minsk, Experimental Academicheskaya 27 Botany National + 375 (17) 284-18-53 Academy of [email protected] Science of Belarus Interest Organization/ Contact details Evidence of Individual support for the process?

APB-BirdLife 220114 Minsk, Belarus Parnikovaya 11-4 +375 (17) 263-06-13 [email protected]

Water Central Research 220086 Minsk, Institute for Slavinskogo 1/2, Complex Use of +375 (17) 267-05-23 Water Resources [email protected]

Soils Institute of Soil 220108 Minsk, Science and Kazintsa 62, Agricultural +375 17 2120821 Chemistry [email protected]

Ecosystems and Institute of 220072 Minsk, Landscapes Experimental Academicheskaya 27 Botany National + 375 (17) 284-18-53 Academy of [email protected] Science of Belarus

Belarusian State 220030 Minsk, University Nezavisimosti 4 +375 (017) 226-59-40 [email protected] *The list of organization can be changed

7. Communications Plan:

The National Risk Assessments and Forest Stewardship Standard shall be promoted at each stage of its development to all identified stakeholders by [email/letter/verbally] and publicized on the website www.fsc.ru.

8. Forest testing: (FSC-STD-60-006 section 9) The standard shall be tested in the following range of conditions, to include the full range of indicators by an FSC accredited certification body. These include a representative range of forest types within the specified scope.

The standard shall be tested by an FSC-accredited certification body and one representative of the Standards Development Group with technical expertise in forest management in the area of scope and appointed by the Chair of the Standard Development Group.

The tested area will be select when the second draft of National Standard will be developed.

9. Complaints and disputes: Complaints/disputes related to the content of the approved standard shall be responded to by the Facilitator, by providing an explanation of why a particular point of view was not incorporated into the final standard submitted for approval, and/or explaining how the point may be raised again in relation to future revisions of the standard.

Complaints/disputes related to procedural issues shall be responded to initially by the Facilitator. If the complainant is not satisfied with the explanation provided by the Facilitator, the complaint /dispute shall be addressed through the FSC Dispute Resolution process.

10. Record keeping: The Standards Development Group shall keep the following records:

a) Approved proposal to develop the standard;

b) names and affiliations of members of Standards Development Group and Consultative Forum, and of other stakeholders that were consulted on the standards during their development;

c) minutes of meetings held by the Standards Development Group;

d) copies of public draft standards circulated for comment;

e) copies of all comments received on public draft standards;

f) summary of comments received in response to each public draft, together with a general response to those comments;

g) copies of technical drafts;

h) the Standards Development Group report and all comments received on the Standards Development Group report;

i) a description of all departures from the specified procedures for standards development, and the actions taken in respect of those departures (see section 15); and

j) the decisions of the FSC Board of Directors, FSC Executive Director and Policy and Standards Unit in relation to the requirements of this standard