4. Safeguarding in terms of Environment and Social Aspects

Projects must submit a risk assessment that meets the requirements of NCS 3.7.

Businesses with an officially approved management plan do not need a risk assessment (including an environmental impact assessment). Certifications according to a recognised standard such as FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®) or an equivalent procedure (e.g. Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes (PEFC)) are considered evidence of the environmental and social compatibility of the project. If none of the aforementioned conditions are met, compliance with the spatial planning requirements (e.g. forest development plan in Switzerland) must be demonstrated.