Bulgaria joins FSC network with support from local stakeholders

Bulgaria has secured an official seat at the global forestry governance table. The Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC™) Board of Directors recently approved the Sustainable Forests Association, a Bulgarian non-profit membership association, as the country's network partner.

The approval shows a recognition of the association’s long-term dedication and its ability to bring together environmental, social, and economic interests for constructive dialogue.

This new designation gives Bulgarian stakeholders direct access to FSC services and a stronger voice within FSC International’s global governance system.

Preferred by Nature’s role

The approval caps more than a decade of groundwork by Preferred by Nature, which has supported FSC development in Bulgaria since establishing its local subsidiary, NEPCon Bulgaria EOOD, in 2011.

As an active member of the Sustainable Forests Association, Preferred by Nature has contributed to building the coalition that convinced FSC leadership to grant Bulgaria official network status.

“Having Bulgaria officially recognised as part of the FSC network is an important achievement,” said Neli Petkova, Supply Chain Specialist at Preferred by Nature. “It shows the results of long-standing cooperation between organisations and individuals committed to responsible forestry.”

Building on a strong foundation

Half of Bulgaria’s forests are already FSC certified. This ensures that wood carrying the FSC label does not come from deforested land and that forests are managed with biodiversity, workers’ rights and ethical practices in mind.

In practice, FSC certification has led to greater attention to protective gear for workers, the preservation of trees with bird nests and bat roosts, and more deadwood left untouched to support forest ecosystems. Biodiversity values are also safeguarded through the identification and protection of High Conservation Value (HCV) forests. Companies opting for FSC certification take on these responsibilities voluntarily, which reflects their commitment to sustainable forestry.

The Sustainable Forests Association unites a wide range of members, including forestry companies, industry associations, certification bodies, NGOs and individual experts. Among them are WWF Bulgaria, the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds, and the Association of Parks in Bulgaria. The association also includes industry and conservation groups, such as the Branch Chamber of Woodworking and Furniture Industry (BCWFI), Balkani Wildlife Society, Rewilding Rhodopes Foundation, and the Bulgarian Association for Alternative Tourism.

This broad coalition reflects FSC’s approach of building trust and progress through dialogue across different interests.

Looking ahead

The creation of an FSC network partner in Bulgaria marks an important step for the country’s forestry sector. For Preferred by Nature, it reaffirms our role in supporting local partnerships and advancing responsible forest management as part of a global system.