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Last Call to Save the FSC?
As FSC prepares for its 10th General Assembly, it's facing pivotal challenges. For three decades, the Forest Stewardship Council has led the charge in responsible forest management, becoming the most successful certification system to date. But as FSC prepares for its 10th General Assembly, it's facing pivotal challenges. Issues of integrity, traceability, and consumer trust threaten its survival. Meet our team of forestry experts, follow our coverage of the FSC25, and stay up to date with our objectives and reactions on this page.
Our objectives at the 2025 FSC GA
Pillar 1: Integrity
We support motions that tackle fraud and supply chain gaps. Stronger controls and transparency are essential to protect trust in FSC certification.
Pillar 2: Simplification
FSC’s complexity hinders adoption. We call for streamlined rules that cut bureaucracy while preserving core values, making the system more effective and accessible.
Pillar 3: Relevance
FSC must adapt to new sustainability challenges. Future-proofing through innovation will keep FSC meaningful, practical, and resilient.
Meet our forestry experts
Preferred by Nature will be at the FSCGA2025 with a team of forestry experts. See who they are and reach out, if you need their comments or participation in an event.
Peter Feilberg
Executive Director | Preferred by Nature
Peter Feilberg brings over 25 years of expertise in global forest certification, driving impactful change in the sector. As a respected thought leader, he contributes to international projects, advises on technical issues, and speaks at global sustainability events.
Phone: +45 40360866
Email: pf@pbn.org
Linkedin
Justinas Janulaitis
Senior Director – Forestry | Preferred by Nature
Justinas Janulaitis leads Preferred by Nature’s forestry programmes, bringing nearly 20 years of experience in certification and sustainability. With a background in biology and economics, he combines technical expertise with a strong focus on credible, efficient solutions. He also serves as Legal Entity Manager in Lithuania and is part of the organisation’s management group.
Phone: +370 6847 8729
Email: jj@pbn.org
LinkedIn
Gabe Bolton
Senior Technical Advisor – Forestry | Preferred by Nature
Based in the northeastern US, Gabe Bolton oversees technical quality and training for Preferred by Nature’s global forest management services. He manages audit processes, accreditation, and ensures consistent policy implementation across regions. Gabe also provides support to auditors and staff and leads FSC FM auditor training.
Phone: +802 598-9756
Email: gb@pbn.org
LinkedIn
Michael Jakobsen
Regional Director, West Europe & Timber Commodity Lead | Preferred by Nature
Michael Jakobsen leads Preferred by Nature’s West Europe operations, focusing on optimizing services and managing key accounts. A seasoned FSC and PEFC auditor, he handles complex certification audits and oversees sales, marketing, and LegalSource services. As Timber Commodity Lead, Michael drives sustainable timber practices and market transformation.
Phone: +45 2124 3852
Email: mj@pbn.org
LinkedIn
Sandra Razanamandranto
Regional Engagement Director & Cocoa Commodity Lead | Preferred by Nature
Sandra leads Preferred by Nature’s Regional Engagement & Communications Division, driving market strategy and expanding global activities through sales, marketing, and strategic partnerships. With over 10 years in the private sector, she brings deep expertise in forestry and agriculture certification, including FSC and RSPO. As Cocoa Commodity Lead, Sandra champions sustainable cocoa practices and market transformation.
Phone: +233 233 00 88 13
Email: sr@pbn.org
LinkedIn
Xinxin Zhang
Regional Director, Asia Pacific | Preferred by Nature
Xinxin Zhang leads Preferred by Nature’s efforts in the Asia-Pacific region, driving market development and sustainability strategies. With over 15 years in sustainability and corporate due diligence, she manages business development, sales, and regional market analysis. Xinxin is also an experienced FSC lead auditor and trainer.
Phone: +86 138 1117 8594
Email: xz@pbn.org
LinkedIn
Freddy Peña
Regional Director, Latin America & Soy Commodity Lead | Preferred by Nature
Freddy Peña leads Preferred by Nature’s assurance work and market development in South America. With 23 years in forest management certification, he is a seasoned FSC lead auditor and trainer. Freddy also manages marketing and legal activities for Bolivia and Peru and advocates sustainable practices in the soy sector.
Phone: +(591) 71655507
Email: fpe@pbn.org
LinkedIn
Edgar Bámaca
Senior Regional Manager | Preferred by Nature
Edgar Bámaca manages day-to-day forestry operations and client portfolios across the LATAM region. He oversees certification services, FSC training, and supports legality and forest management audits. Edgar ensures smooth regional administration and helps expand client outreach.
Email: eb@pbn.org
LinkedIn
José Galván
Forestry Manager | Preferred by Nature
José Galván oversees technical staff delivering FSC certification and verification services in Mexico. He supports project and operations management, ensures excellent customer service, and occasionally conducts FSC and NMX audits. José has a strong background in community forest management and holds a Master’s in Environmental Management.
Phone: +52 (618) 122 5043
Email: jg@pbn.org
LinkedIn
Hernán Zaldívar Schrader
Senior Ecosystem Restoration Specialist | Preferred by Nature
Hernán leads Preferred by Nature’s Ecosystem Restoration Programme, supporting audits and training based on the organisation’s restoration standards. He also drives market development and communications for restoration services, bringing over 15 years of experience in sustainability and multidisciplinary project management.
Phone: +51 940305823
Email: hza@pbn.org
LinkedIn
Media | Benjamin Holst
Head of Press | Preferred by Nature
Benjamin (Ben) leads Preferred by Nature’s press and media efforts, managing public engagement and communication policies. With a background as a foreign correspondent, investigative journalist, and editor, he brings extensive media expertise to the role.
Phone: +45 31771100
Email: bh@pbn.org
Media | Laura Villegas
Senior Communications Specialist – LATAM | Preferred by Nature
Laura leads regional communications for Latin America, driving visibility and outreach in support of Preferred by Nature’s mission. With 20 years of experience across Latin America, Europe, and Asia, she develops tailored strategies, manages campaigns, and supports global communications on sustainability topics.
Phone: +54 9 11 3444 0319
Email: lvi@pbn.org
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