In recent years a startling policy innovation has emerged within global and domestic environmental governance: certification systems that promote socially responsible business practices by turning to the market, rather than the state, for rule-making authority. This book documents five cases in which the Forest Stewardship Council, a forest certification program backed by leading environmental groups, has competed with industry and landowner-sponsored certification systems for legitimacy.
The authors compare the politics behind forest certification in five countries. They reflect on why there are differences regionally, discuss the impact the Forest Stewardship Council has had on other certification programs, and assess the ability of private forest certification to address global forest deterioration.

About the Author
Benjamin Cashore is associate professor of sustainable forest policy and chair, Program on Forest Certification, Global Institute of Sustainable Forestry, at Yale University's School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. Graeme Auld is a PhD student at Yale University's School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. Deanna Newsom is TREES Program Associate, Rainforest Alliance, Richmond, Vermont.

Reviews
"An excellent book that will make a significant contribution to an important emerging area of research."-Aseem Prakash, University of Washington

"A rich theoretical and empirical contribution to our understanding of private environmental governance in the forestry sector in several industrial countries. It will be of considerable interest to those involved in environmental management and governance."-David J. Vogel, University of California, Berkeley




Book Information
ISBN 9780300101096
Author Benjamin Cashore
Format Hardback
Page Count 352
Imprint Yale University Press
Publisher Yale University Press
Weight(grams) 708g