Adria-Balkan Certified Forest Managers Meet Again in Sarajevo

Led by FSC Adria-Balkan team members Diego Florian and Nermin Hadžić, with support from Kari Swanson (FSC International), the two-day event in Sarajevo focused on changes to FSC standards, alignment with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), and strategic communication practices.

Deep Dive into Standards and Solutions
On the technical side, evolving FSC standards and EUDR requirements remain key challenges for participating forest managers.

Lev Fedarovich from FSC Europe guided attendees through the ongoing revision of FSC’s global Principles and Criteria (P&C) and the International Generic Indicators (IGIs). He emphasised crucial themes such as biodiversity, climate change, and inclusive forest governance—topics participants acknowledged are becoming increasingly central to their work. A hands-on session on managing Corrective Action Requests (CARs) from annual audits helped translate abstract standards into concrete actions.

While most of the represented companies are not based in EU member states, their dependence on exports to the EU makes EUDR compliance essential. Wolfram Kotzurek from FSC Germany presented FSC’s approach to EUDR alignment, shedding light on key differences in terminology and geolocation reporting. Although FSC Trace offers a robust framework, participants expressed a clear need for further guidance, particularly regarding regulatory expectations.

Adding depth to the discussions, Professor Mersudin Avdibegović and Dr. Bruno Marić from the University of Sarajevo’s Faculty of Forestry—key contributors to the region’s first national standard—provided essential local context and expertise.

Communicating the Value of FSC
In response to participants’ direct request for support with outreach, Ewa Hermanowicz and Adél Strydom co-facilitated a practical workshop on how to communicate FSC certification effectively to non-technical audiences, including local communities, NGOs, and media.

Through interactive sessions, attendees explored how to develop communication plans and convey complex messages with clarity. Role-play exercises focused on confidently addressing media inquiries and explaining topics such as biodiversity and climate action.

A particularly insightful moment came when participants reflected on why their organisations first chose FSC certification more than two decades ago. While market access remains a primary motivation, FSC’s credibility, context-relevant standards, and backing by respected global conservation groups like WWF were cited as compelling factors. Participants also highlighted tangible on-the-ground benefits, including enhanced biodiversity protection (up to 24% HCVs), improved worker safety, and stronger relationships with local communities.

Looking Ahead
One key takeaway: forest managers are deeply knowledgeable about their work but often face challenges in translating that knowledge into compelling public messaging. Tools like the FSC Brand Hub offer new opportunities to access and share customisable content in local languages.

Forest managers across the Adria-Balkan region may have initially adopted FSC certification to meet client demands, but they continue because they recognise its value. The Sarajevo meeting sparked a renewed sense of shared purpose—to amplify that value through collaborative tools, confident voices, and lasting partnerships. And whether through presentations or informal conversations over dinner, the event generated meaningful insights for everyone involved.