Concern over the spread of tree monocultures and their certification is at the centre of this book. Affected local communities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are increasingly worried about Forest Stewardship
Council (FSC) certification of large-scale monoculture tree plantations. Millions of hectares have already been certified and it appears that many more will follow unless changes occur within the FSC itself.

The book provides detailed information gathered from two case studies: one in Brazil and one in Thailand. The two cases offer interesting contrasts.

Yet both studies reach similar conclusions. First, FSC certification of plantations is undermining efforts for environmental and social improvement and closing the door to community-based forest management.

Second, the certification process is characterized by inadequate information, participation, consultation, transparency and basic social, political, cultural, economic and environmental research. Both case studies reveal major, well-documented failures in complying with FSC principles and criteria - failures which, disturbingly, have not prevented the plantation operations from receiving and maintaining FSC certification.

Non Governmental Organizations and Indigenous Peoples Organizations can ask for a free copy of the book. To do so, please contact WRM International Secretariat at: bookswrm@wrm.org.uy and send your postal address (please include detailed information).

For other organizations or institutions its cost is US$ 10 (shipment included). You can either send a cheque (against a U.S bank) payable to: "Fundación Movimiento Mundial por los Bosques Tropicales" to the following address:

Maldonado 1858, CP 11200
Montevideo - URUGUAY (South America)

or transfer the money to the following bank account:

Name of the Bank : Bank Boston, Sucursal URUGUAY
Address: Zabala 1463, Montevideo, Uruguay
Account number: 6020517
Account in name of: Fundación Movimiento Mundial por los Bosques Tropicales - Agencia Bulevar España
Swift Code: FN BB UY MM