How Forest Stewardship Council Shapes the Future of Sustainable Forest Management

Every day, forests around the world are disappearing—threatening our environment, wildlife, and the communities that depend on them. Much of this loss stems from how forest-based products are sourced. Protecting these vital ecosystems starts with changing the way these resources are managed.

The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) is making that possible. A global leader in sustainable forest management, FSC engages with businesses, communities, and organizations to ensure that forest-based products—like furniture, paper, and even packaging—come from responsibly managed forests. This means ensuring workers’ and Indigenous Peoples’ rights are respected, wildlife and biodiversity are protected, and forests are managed with future generations in mind. 

Recognized by 56% of consumers worldwide, the FSC check-tree label appears on millions of products, ensuring they meet the highest standards for sustainability. It’s a trusted symbol that empowers people to make choices that protect the planet.

Docusign’s commitment to the planet and to sustainable communities

In 2024, the Docusign Foundation committed $1 million in grants focused on the environment and on community impact. This included $200,000 to help FSC build and sustain the Verified Impact program, which supports the staff and infrastructure needed to help FSC Certificate Holders  make measurable claims about ecosystem services such as carbon storage, biodiversity, soil health, water resources, recreation, and cultural heritage. 

Additionally, over $100,000 was allocated to the FSC Indigenous Foundation (FSC-IF), an Indigenous-led organization founded to ensure Indigenous communities have a voice in the future of the world’s forests.

Indigenous Peoples manage a quarter of the Earth’s surface, including 36% of its intact forests. Their crucial role in protecting these ecosystems underscores the importance of supporting organizations like FSC-IF.

Empowering Indigenous communities through responsible forest management

Since its inception, FSC-IF has worked closely with more than 150 Indigenous groups worldwide, ensuring that sustainable forest management standards respect Indigenous rights and traditional knowledge.

“Everyone has an equal voice,” said Zandra Martínez, Vice Chair of the FSC International Board of Directors. “It’s about working together to create a more sustainable world and make responsible use of forests."

Raised in Oaxaca, Mexico, Zandra has spent over 20 years advocating for Indigenous empowerment and human rights. As Vice Chair of the FSC Board, she has been pivotal in ensuring Indigenous communities are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and resources to protect their forests and create economic opportunities.

“I grew up in a traditional community where values of service and shared responsibility shaped my perspective,” Zandra said. These values are central to FSC’s and FSC-IF’s work.

Making an impact in Honduras

One of FSC-IF’s most impactful projects is in Honduras, where the Pech people are spearheading initiatives that promote economic self-reliance and forest protection. 

By adopting sustainable forest management practices rooted in their traditional knowledge, the Pech community is creating long-term economic opportunities while safeguarding their forests for future generations.

With the support of the Forest Stewardship Council, USAID, and Docusign, these efforts have been further strengthened, helping the community access new markets, improve local governance, and establish a rural financial cooperative to empower their economic growth.

Streamlining operations for greater efficiency

While the Indigenous Foundation’s work in communities is essential, strong internal operations are also crucial. Early on, FSC-IF faced administrative bottlenecks. 

Docusign volunteers collaborated with FSC-IF and Venture 2 Impact to identify the most pressing pain points and implement a solution to digitize payment- and travel-related workflows. 

FSC-IF estimated that hiring external consultants for similar work would have cost $50,000. The resulting solution, powered by Docusign eSignature, now saves the team 20 hours every week—time they can redirect to mission-critical work.

“Docusign has helped us streamline processes and move much faster,” said Zandra. “Tools like Docusign have shown many of us how much more effective and efficient we can be.”

Read the full success story to see how Docusign and FSC are working together to drive sustainable change and empower Indigenous communities through FSC-IF.