Which of the following describes the role of the Forest Stewardship Council?

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international non-profit organization that plays a critical role in ensuring sustainable forest management practices worldwide. Its primary mission is to promote environmentally sound, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world's forests. The FSC develops and maintains standards for responsible forest management, which help to preserve biodiversity, protect ecosystems, and respect the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities.

By setting these standards and providing certification, the FSC helps consumers and businesses make informed choices about the wood and paper products they purchase, ensuring that these products come from responsibly managed forests. This not only contributes to sustainable forestry but also supports sustainable development and combats deforestation.

The emphasis is specifically on forests and their management, distinguishing the role of the FSC from other environmental concerns such as ocean biodiversity, synthetic materials, or industrial waste management. These other areas are important in their own right, but they fall outside the primary focus of the FSC’s mission and activities.