This competition was designed to create elements of a consumer call-to-action campaign to buy FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council) products as a means of protecting forests around the world. Founded in 1993, FSC is an international NGO certification and labeling system that promotes the responsible management of the world’s working forests. It is supported by social-welfare and workers’ rights groups, timber industry representatives, and the environmental and conservation community. Conservationists promote FSC certification as a means of safeguarding working forests – those that are managed to supply wood – which often surround and buffer national parks and other protected areas.

The problem is that consumer awareness about FSC is uneven globally. Consumer awareness translates directly into increased demand for FSC-certified forest products (e.g., building materials, paper, furniture, flooring), which, in turn, drives demand for more forests to meet FSC’s standards. But in the Netherlands, prompted consumer recognition of FSC is 67%, while in the United States – the largest consuming market of wood products in the world – public awareness of and, therefore, demand for FSC is negligible. Moving more forestland into FSC status will require consumers and corporations in the United States and other high-value markets, such as the EU, Australia and Japan, to be aware of and ask for FSC-certified products.

This competition is part of the DESIGN 21 series, which challenges designers of all disciplines to find solutions to social and global issues. It’s guided by UNESCO’s premise that education, science, technology, culture and communication are tools to spread knowledge and information, build awareness and foster dialogue. Total prize money of $10,000 will be allocated for this competition. Application closes on 13 January 2009 at 6:00 pm UTC. For the brief, design competition rules, objects that must be included and other information, visit the site.