TAIWAN – Taiwan has become the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to achieve 100% Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for its public forests, covering nearly 1.6 million hectares—71.5% of the country’s total forest area.

The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency introduced the FSC certification system in 2018 to promote sustainable forest management. Director Lin Hua-qing emphasized that this achievement will reduce Taiwan’s dependence on imported timber, increase self-sufficiency, and help cut carbon emissions from timber transportation.

To further support sustainability, the agency is promoting FSC-compliant practices, helping private forests gain certification, and encouraging the use of domestic wood in construction.

Other initiatives include revitalizing the bamboo industry and expanding the forest-based economy by enhancing non-timber products, like forest therapy services. Taiwan’s success sets a new regional benchmark for responsible forestry and demonstrates how sustainability can drive both environmental and economic growth.