04.12.2025. A key motion aimed at modernizing the way Intact Forest Landscapes (IFLs) are conserved was adopted with broad support at the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) General Assembly, held in Panama City from 25 to 31 October 2025.

The adoption of Motion 45, “Moving Beyond Fixed Thresholds to Outcome-Based Conservation for Intact Forest Landscapes (IFLs),” marks a significant turning point in resolving a long-standing stalemate within FSC on how to manage IFLs—an issue that has shaped internal debate for nearly a decade. By moving toward more context-driven and adaptive management, this decision sets FSC on a new course and has the potential to reinforce its leadership in global forest conservation.

Motion 45 represents an important evolution in FSC’s conservation strategy. Instead of relying on fixed protection thresholds, the new approach shifts toward outcome-based management, designed to balance three core principles:

1. Environmental Integrity: Ensuring strong and effective conservation of forest ecosystems, protecting high conservation values, and enabling more meaningful monitoring.

2. Social Inclusion and Respect for Rights: Recognizing and upholding the rights, knowledge, and participation of Indigenous Peoples and local communities.

3. Economic Viability: Maintaining a certification system that remains practical, fair, and feasible for forest managers operating in diverse contexts.

Originally drafted by Professor Joeri Zwerts of Utrecht University (above), an individual FSC member, Motion 45 took shape through a highly collaborative, months-long process involving environmental NGOs, Indigenous Peoples’ representatives, scientists, and industry actors. 

“This journey reminded me that progress doesn’t come from publishing papers alone — it comes from listening, adapting and building trust. Every conversation, every compromise, and every late-night draft mattered,” commented Joeri Zwerts, Utrecht University, author of the motion.

Over six days, more than 800 members came together to navigate differing views and identify common ground. Interholco was represented by Head of Sustainability Tom van Loon (below, left, together with Nathalie Bouville, ATIBT), who added: “The FSC General Assembly once again proved to be a truly unique space for dialogue and collaboration. No other certification system brings together such diversity and commitment under one roof!”

Of the 34 motions debated, 15 received approval and 19 did not—reflecting a vibrant, participatory decision-making process and the dynamic nature of the FSC community.

Key approved motions included:

• Motion 30: Strengthening integrity in the Chain of Custody system, helping ensure a level playing field and reinforcing FSC’s commitment to robust assurance.

• Motion 34: Enhancing FSC’s recognition in international regulations, including the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

• Motion 38: Expanding support for communities and smallholders in tropical regions.

• Motion 45: Moving toward outcome-based conservation for IFLs to better protect high conservation values and improve monitoring.

• Motions 46 and 47: Advancing restoration and climate-related investments within the FSC system.

Motions not approved included:

• Motion 48: A landscape-level approach to certification, which may still advance through related adopted motions.

• Motion 1: Adjusting voting percentages, viewed as too substantial a change without broader consultation.

• Motion 5: Establishing an Indigenous Peoples chamber; while strong support for Indigenous Peoples’ rights was expressed, concerns were raised regarding system complexity.

• Motions 22, 25, 26 and others: Addressing biodiversity priorities, transparency, auditor oversight, remedy processes, and product-share transparency—topics that generated substantial discussion but did not reach approval.

The 2025 General Assembly was more than a formal gathering; it was a week of active engagement, constructive debate and shared commitment to the future of the world’s forests. 

The decisions made in Panama reflect both the challenges and the collective determination within the FSC membership to continue strengthening responsible forest stewardship worldwide. 

About Interholco

The valorisation of a natural forest of 1.16 million hectares in the Republic of Congo Brazzaville is our DNA here at INTERHOLCO. As an FSC^® (Forest Stewardship Council^®, FSC^® C022952) and PEFC and PAFC certified producer, INTERHOLCO is a well-established player in the trade of its edged boules, sawn timber, glue laminated scantlings, decking boards and more.

We are a leading provider of high-quality wood products ‘Made in Africa’ holding a verified environmental and health performance statement (FDES requirement in France). Our teams carefully manage the supply chain from forest to customer. Our story is fully illustrated by enabling the people living in Ngombe to access better life conditions. We make it possible to design and build a healthy living environment with bio-based, eco-friendly materials, one of the real solutions for the planet and climate. Follow us on LinkedIn

Communication contact Interholco

Tullia Baldassarri Höger von Högersthal
INTERHOLCO AG, Neuhofstr. 25, 6340 Baar, Switzerland
Tel.: +41 (0)41 767 03 82 
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