Preliminary research or pre-audit

After the information phase an inspector visits the forest management unit and the company, that the forest management unit manages and operates.

An initial assessment is made and the certification process is discussed with the applicant.
This first evaluation comprises a review of the management and operation plan and a visit to the field.

With this information, the inspector  decides whether certification of the area is feasible and whether there are certain conditions and measures are connected to this certification. A preliminary research report is made up.

If the applicant agrees with  the proposed measures, the certifying institute  makes a final quote and contract. Sensitive company information on forest management is considered confidential and will not be disclosed. In many cases, prior to the application for certification, a study will be done by a consultant. He / she will check if certification is feasible and what improvements need to be made. This often reduces the actual certification process and reduces costs. In Suriname, such a study has been made, commissioned by WWF-Guianas and the industry.

	Summary "Assessing the Possibilities for Forest Certification in Suriname"
	Summary "Assessment of the Forest Operations of BSH and SURTIM"

A company in Suriname (Ansoe NV) has already experienced a pre-audit. It can be concluded that  following prove to be challenges for sustainable forest management.

• no or low education of  employees, thereby making reporting  difficult.
• communication with (village) communities
• short term concession
• constraints surrounding the export of timber