Concept
It is known that forests / forest ecosystems, besides the economical role, fulfil a range of ecological, social and cultural functions offered by their characteristic structural and functional values. Where such values are deemed as exceptionally important or critical within a particular ecological, social or cultural context, the forest can be defined as High Conservation Value Forest (HCVF)
The High Conservation Value Forest concept is a new concept on the sustainable forest natural resource management, and was first published in 1999 by FSC, within the principle no. 9 of the Forest Stewardship Council certification standard (www.fsc.org).
Example
One high conservation value forest can be:
- a) a forest ecosystem which shelters in its structure some rare species
- b) a forest ecosystem located on areas with a slope > 40 degree , with superficial rock, where the forest has a critical role for the erosion control and the support of the mountain side
- c) old-growth / quasi virgin forest, an increasingly rare presence in the wild
- d) a forest with an archaeological site playing a critical role in maintaining the cultural identity of the area
- e) forests located in the vicinity of remote communities, as only feasible alternative to supply forest products necessary for the local communities.