J. For. Sci., 2023, 69(6):266-276 | DOI: 10.17221/193/2022-JFS


Analysis of the propensity of Italian and German forest owners towards forest certification for ecosystem servicesOriginal Paper

Emanuela Lombardo
Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy

This study analyses the perception of the relationship between forest certification and the production of ecosystem services by Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) sustainable forest management (SFM) certification holders. In addition, the psychological constructs that govern the use of certification for ecosystem services are investigated. Specifically, online questionnaire surveys were submitted to a sample of Italian and German forest owners and managers to study reasons for and against and global motives to adopt certification for ecosystem services through the application of Behavioural Reasoning Theory (BRT). Results show that respondents believe that certification can better support ecosystem services related to 'regulation and maintenance' and the conservation of biodiversity. On the other hand, the application of BRT has only been partially useful in explaining the psychological factors towards the adoption of ecosystem services certifications. In any case, attitudes and reasons for certainly had a significant influence on the intention to adopt certifications. Apart from the scientific implications, these results have practical applications for policymakers who can focus on the dissemination of the certification of ecosystem services by trying to support through eco-policies, the attitudes and reasons for expressed by forest owners.

Keywords: behavioural reasoning theory; forest ecosystem services' certification; Forest Stewardship Council (FSC); Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC); sustainable forest management

Accepted: May 29, 2023; Published: June 30, 2023  Show citation

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Lombardo E.
Analysis of the propensity of Italian and German forest owners towards forest certification for ecosystem services. J. For. Sci. 2023;69(6):266-276. doi: 10.17221/193/2022-JFS.
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