Sustainable Forest Management in Victoria

Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management in Victoria

• Victoria's State forests are essential for the environment, providing natural values, scenic landscapes, and habitat for plants and animals.
• The Sustainable Forests (Timber) Act 2004 and Sustainability Charter for Victoria's State forests demonstrate the government's commitment to sustainable forest management.
• The Department of Sustainability and Environment, with input from experts and the community, has developed criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management.
• The indicators provide a framework for monitoring and reporting on the state forest activities and complement other sustainability initiatives in Victoria and Australia.
• The guidance document includes criteria for conservation of biological diversity, maintenance of forest ecosystems' productive capacity, ecosystem health and vitality, conservation and maintenance of soil and water resources, and maintenance of forest contribution to global carbon cycles.
• It also includes criteria for the maintenance and enhancement of long-term socio-economic benefits, including production and consumption, investment in the forest sector, recreation and tourism, and Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultural, social, and spiritual needs and values.
• Specific indicators are provided for each criterion, such as ecosystem diversity, species diversity, genetic diversity, wood production, non-wood forest products, soil and water conservation, and forest contribution to global carbon cycles.
• The document also includes indicators for the socio-economic benefits of forest management, such as investment in research and development, recreation and tourism, and employment and community needs.
• The guidance document aims to provide scientifically robust and transparent information about Victoria's State forests to the community and industry.
• The indicators will be used to monitor and report on the activities undertaken by the Department of Sustainability and Environment in the State forests.
• The document acknowledges the importance of Indigenous cultural heritage and recognizes the rights of Indigenous people to access and protect their cultural values within the forests.
• The guidance document emphasizes the importance of sustainable forest management in meeting the needs of societies and contributing to regional employment and the Victorian community's well-being.