Overview
ISO/TS 24972:2026 – Cork - Sustainable management in cork oak (Quercus suber L.) forests is an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) technical specification. This document offers comprehensive guidance on the sustainable management of cork oak forests, primarily focusing on promoting cork production alongside forest regeneration and ensuring multiple ecosystem benefits. It serves as a valuable orientation tool for forest owners, managers, policy-makers, and anyone involved in the cork value chain.
By addressing best practices, regional policies, common threats, and sustainable silviculture, ISO/TS 24972:2026 aims to secure the long-term viability of cork oak ecosystems – vital for economic development, biodiversity, and climate change mitigation in the Mediterranean region.
Key Topics
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Sustainable Forest Management
The specification emphasizes the importance of managing cork oak forests to balance resource extraction (primarily cork) with conservation, regeneration, and ecosystem services.
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Forest Typology & Structure
It differentiates between cork oak woodlands and denser cork oak forests, detailing their characteristics and management implications.
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National and Regional Legislation
The document summarizes country-specific cork forestry regulations in Spain, Portugal, France, and Italy, including mandatory practices, restricted operations, administrative requirements, and local management plans.
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Silvicultural Treatments
Guidance includes silvicultural systems appropriate for cork oak, such as shelterwood and selection systems, along with recommendations for regeneration, thinning, pruning, disease and pest management, and appropriate cork harvesting cycles.
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Threats and Challenges
ISO/TS 24972:2026 identifies major risks, including climate change, forest aging, diseases (e.g., Phytophthora), declining workforce skills, fire hazards, and unsustainable human practices.
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Ecosystem Services
The standard highlights the crucial environmental and social roles of cork oak landscapes, such as biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, soil protection, water regulation, and cultural values.
Applications
The guidance provided by ISO/TS 24972:2026 is especially relevant for:
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Forest Managers and Landowners
Supports decision-making for sustainable cork harvest, regeneration efforts, and habitat conservation while complying with applicable regulations.
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Cork Industry Stakeholders
Enables the cork sector to align sourcing and harvesting with sustainable practices, supporting the circular economy and responsible supply chains.
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Policy Makers and Government Administrators
Provides a reference for developing or updating legal frameworks and policies on cork oak forestry and for evaluating the sustainability of various management scenarios.
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Conservation and Environmental Organizations
Offers baseline practices for ecosystem restoration, climate action, and promoting resilience of Mediterranean forests to global change.
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Rural Development Agencies
Encourages practices that bolster rural livelihoods through diverse forest products and ecosystem services while maintaining long-term forest productivity.
Related Standards
- ISO 14055-1 – Environmental management systems, providing general guidelines for sustainable land use and site management.
- FSC and PEFC Schemes – International certifications for responsible forest management widely applied to cork oak landscapes, referenced for complementary requirements.
- National Frameworks – Regional and national forest management standards in Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy, many of which are integrated or harmonized with ISO/TS 24972:2026 guidance.
Practical Value
By following ISO/TS 24972:2026, landholders, industries, and authorities contribute to:
- Maintaining productive, resilient cork oak forests.
- Strengthening the sustainability and traceability of cork production.
- Enhancing biodiversity and vital ecosystem services.
- Mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change.
- Supporting rural economies and traditional landscapes in the Mediterranean.
For optimal cork oak forest management and sustainable value chain development, ISO/TS 24972:2026 serves as a critical reference aligned with international best practices and the needs of diverse stakeholders.
