ABOUT US
Network for Certification and Conservation of Forests
The Network for Certification and Conservation of Forests (NCCF) is a pioneering organization dedicated to developing sustainability standards tailored for India while aligning with globally recognized benchmarks. As a registered society comprising experts, professionals, and stakeholders in natural resource management, NCCF champions responsible forest management, ecosystem conservation, and sustainable development through certification, policy advocacy, and capacity building.
A Global Presence with an Indian Vision
NCCF is India’s representative in the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) Alliance, a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and a part of the Global Evergreening Alliance (GEA). Additionally, it holds Observer Status with key international climate bodies, UNCCD and UNFCCC, reinforcing its commitment to global sustainability efforts.
Pioneering Certification Standards
NCCF has been at the forefront of sustainability certification in India, developing India’s first-ever Forest Management Certification Standard, which has been internationally endorsed by PEFC. This certification is now widely adopted across various states for sustainable forest management.
Expanding its footprint, NCCF has also launched the Trees Outside Forests (ToF) Certification Scheme, a first-of-its-kind initiative promoting responsible tree-based agroforestry, currently in the process of PEFC endorsement. Additionally, NCCF has developed SafeBoard Standards for low-formaldehyde emission products, ensuring safer and greener alternatives in the wood-based industry.
Several other innovative certification programs are in advanced stages, including:
- Ecotourism Standard and Certification Scheme – Enhancing responsible tourism practices.
- Non-Wood Forest Resources Certification – Promoting sustainable harvesting of forest produce.
- Quality Planting Material Certification – Ensuring high-quality seedlings and planting materials.
- Protected Areas and Wetlands Certification – Strengthening biodiversity conservation efforts.
Accreditation and Recognition
The NCCF-PEFC Forest Management (FM) Certification Scheme has been formally recognized by the National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB), a division of the Quality Council of India (QCI) under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). This accreditation ensures the credibility of certification bodies (CBs) implementing the scheme, further reinforcing its authenticity and global acceptability.
Leading the Carbon Market in India
NCCF is at the forefront of climate action through the Carbon Registry-India (CR-I), a pioneering platform designed for tracking and trading verified net Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission reductions and removals. CR-I facilitates:
Project Listing & Carbon Credit Issuance – Ensuring transparency and credibility.
Micro-Scale Project Support – Providing small landholder farmers access to carbon markets.
Alignment with India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) – Contributing to India’s climate goals.
Through its unwavering commitment to sustainability, NCCF is redefining conservation and certification, enabling responsible resource management while fostering global collaboration. Join us in shaping a greener, more sustainable future for India and the world.