As part of the AIN 8748 project plan, from January 9 to 10, 2025, the Thua Thien Hue Cooperative Alliance (TTHCA), in collaboration with GFA Certification GmbH, organized a conference to evaluate the maintenance of the FSC® forest certification group. Participating members of TTHCA in this maintenance evaluation included five cooperatives: Phu Bai, Thuy Duong, Thuy Phuong, Thuy Phu, and Hoa My.
Participants
The conference was attended by representatives from:
- Thua Thien Hue Cooperative Alliance,
- CCCSC,
- AIN 8748 Project Management Board,
- The advisory support team, and
- Members of the five cooperatives certified in 2024.
Scope of Maintenance Evaluation
The total area assessed for FSC® forest certification maintenance was 461.01 hectares, comprising:
- 405.27 hectares of previously certified land,
- 55.74 hectares of expanded area certified in 2024.
This included 202 plots managed by 105 households. The primary purpose of the conference was to systematically collect evidence of compliance with FSC FM standards, verify the adherence of group members and the management board to these standards, and ensure continued compliance.
Evaluation Process
The representative from GFA Certification GmbH, Ms. Cao Thi Thu Hien, led the evaluation, focusing on:
- Reviewing record-keeping systems, compliance procedures, and related documentation.
- Assessing all relevant documents and procedures.
- Selecting specific plots for on-site inspections and conducting interviews with stakeholders.
Conclusion and Findings
At the conclusion of the maintenance evaluation, Ms. Cao Thi Thu Hien identified six minor non-conformities that the FSC® forest certification group of the Thua Thien Hue Cooperative Alliance needs to address in 2025.
This evaluation ensures the group’s ongoing commitment to FSC® standards and highlights areas for improvement to maintain sustainable forest management practices.