Public consultation: Lithuanian forest certification system

12 June 2024 PEFC system news

Stakeholders from around the world are invited to give feedback on the Lithuanian Forest Certification System. Deadline for comments is 10 August.

This is the first time the Center of Sustainable Forest Management (CSFM), the PEFC national member for Lithuania, has submitted its national system to PEFC for endorsement. 

See all system assessment details

After developing the national system in line with PEFC requirements, CSFM submitted the system to PEFC for endorsement. The national system is now undergoing the PEFC assessment process, carried out by an independent PEFC Registered Assessor. It must pass this process and be approved by the PEFC General Assembly before it can achieve endorsement.

An important aspect of the assessment process is the public consultation. Over the sixty-day consultation, stakeholders from around the world can give their comments and provide feedback on any aspect of the system. The Registered Assessor will use the information received from this consultation in their assessment of the system.

Need more information?

To provide you with additional information about this new system, we held a webinar on 11 June at 9:00 CEST. Watch the webinar recording:

PEFC in Lithuania

"The Forest Owners Association of Lithuania (FOAL) initiated the process of developing a PEFC certification standard for Lithuania in 2022. In July 2023, a working group was formed comprising key stakeholder groups," remembers Alfredas Galauné, National Secretary for Lithuania.

"After six meetings, a draft version of the standard was completed, and the publication process was announced. Meanwhile, the Center of Sustainable Forest Management was established in 2023 and became the PEFC national member for Lithuania in January 2024," he continues.

"The preparation of the PEFC certification system was finalized, and the necessary documentation for assessment and endorsement was submitted to the PEFC Council in early May 2024. We received methodological support from PEFC International throughout the standard development process."

Maintaining endorsements

For a national system to maintain its endorsement, it must meet a series of endorsement milestones. These milestones are linked to the national periodic review of the system and the sustainable forest management standard.

National systems go through a periodic review five years after their national approval (first endorsement milestone). The periodic review includes a gap analysis, public consultation and consideration of feedback received while the standard is in force.

National approval of the Lithuanian forest certification standard: 23 May 2024

Find out more about PEFC ensures national standards continue to meet expectations.