The adventures of global standards in Russia: the implementation of FSC certification in the Russian forestry sector through the concept of global legal pluralism

Abstract

This study considers the process involved in the implementation of the global system of forest certification for the conduct of forestry business in Russia. The main focus is on the confrontation that has arisen between the State and non-governmental systems of regulation. The causes of conflict and the strategies undertaken for its resolution are analyzed in the article through the prism of the concept of global legal pluralism. Special attention is paid to the consequences of the coexistence of global and national regulations in the same space for the construction of legal authority. Based on empirical materials, the author demonstrates how the implementation of global standards in the Russian forestry sector leads to the emergence of different practices that vary in their degree of compliance with the various legal and quasi-legal constructs, and changes the relationship between those who regulate and those who are regulated.

Development and validation of a scale to measure the benefits of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification

“…2018). Certification confidence arises through interpersonal relationships between the local community and the company in question (Tulaeva 2013).…”

“…Opening a positive dialogue between those involved can promote greater benefits for all (Kulyasova 2013, Tricallotis et al 2018. Certification confidence arises through interpersonal relationships between the local community and the company in question (Tulaeva 2013).…”

Private Forest Governance, Public Policy Impacts: The Forest Stewardship Council in Russia and Brazil

“…Therefore, they must find a compromise with the demands of foresters, who might be backwards in terms of international best practices of forest management" (Trushevskii 2014). These conflicts can force a dialogue among state and private actors, with FSC representatives contributing to the discussion directly or indirectly [55]. In some circumstances, these conflicts may result in greater awareness of FSC standards and informal or formal compromise.…”

“…Regions in the Northwest of Russia have been more likely than others to seek accommodation with FSC rules [55] (pp. 348-349).…”

“…Critics charge that alternative certification schemes often have lower sustainability and community engagement standards [19,49], [50] (pp. [55][56][57][58]. Nevertheless, the development of a rival certification process signifies the state's recognition that some form of certification is necessary to gain market access globally.…”