In the South African Forestry Industry, responsible pesticide use goes beyond simply choosing the right chemical. It requires a thorough understanding of the potential environmental and social risks associated with pesticide application, especially for certified plantations when using products that are considered Highly Hazardous by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This is why FSC in their updated Pesticide Policy (FSC-POL-30-001 V3-0 EN) introduced the concept of Environmental and Social Risk Assessments (ESRAs).

ESRAs are formal, science-based assessments used to evaluate the risks linked to pesticide use. They are a requirement under FSC’s Pesticide Policy and are specifically focused on identifying and managing potential harm to people, wildlife, water sources, soil and non-target species.

These assessments help forestry companies answer vital questions: Is the pesticide necessary? Can the pest be managed in another, safer way? If the pesticide must be used, what mitigation measures must be implemented to reduce harm?

The role of an ESRA:

1. Ensures FSC Compliance: Under FSC standards, certificate holders must conduct ESRAs before using any pesticide. Failure to do so can jeopardise certification.
2. Promotes Informed Decision-Making: ESRAs help environmental managers and applicators weigh the risks and determine if pesticide use is justified, and under what conditions it can be applied safely.
3. Protects People and the Environment: ESRAs identify vulnerable ecosystems, nearby communities, water bodies and sensitive species that could be affected by pesticide use. This allows for targeted risk mitigation.
4. Supports Transparency and Accountability: Conducting and documenting ESRAs demonstrates a certificate holder’s commitment to ethical and responsible land management.

The TIPWG has developed a comprehensive ESRA framework tailored to the South African forestry context. The TIPWG ESRA system helps industry professionals:

• Access pesticide-specific ESRAs for all approved pesticide list (APL)-listed products
• Use decision-making tools and mitigation measures
• Understand the FSC justification process for restricted products
• Stay compliant with both FSC and national legislation

Access the TIPWG ESRA Portal

TIPWG has made ESRAs accessible and easy to use through its website: www.tipwg.co.za/esra. The portal includes:

• Guidance documents for site-specific assessments
• Risk mitigation strategies and best practice SOPs
• Links to relevant legislation and FSC requirements

For Forestry South Africa members, TIPWG has developed pre-completed, national level ESRAs that FSA members can adapt and apply to their operations. This is available in the FSA member section of the website, for more information about this please contact: info@tipwg.co.za

For FSC certified plantations, ESRAs are now an integral component of all pest management operations using chemical control methods. They need to be seen as more than just a paperwork exercise, as they are a critical safeguard ensuring that pesticide use in forestry is as safe, ethical and sustainable as possible.

By using the TIPWG ESRA framework, forestry professionals can manage risk effectively, maintain certification and uphold their commitment to the people and environments that surround their plantations.