Framework and Guidance for Economic Viability Tool

This guide provides a comprehensive framework and guidance for the Economic Viability Tool (EVT) designed for Community and Family Forests. The EVT is a voluntary market tool that aims to empower stakeholders managing community and family forests to make informed, data-driven decisions that enhance their well-being and benefits. The document outlines the EVT's purpose, methodology, and implementation processes, which include outreach to users, socio-economic data collection, analysis of results, and collective decision-making. It emphasizes the importance of integrating traditional practices and the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) principle, particularly for Indigenous Peoples. The guide details the cyclical nature of the EVT implementation, involving workshops and collaborative analysis to ensure that forest management decisions are reflective of community needs. Additionally, it discusses the tool's alignment with FSC certification processes and its role in demonstrating the socio-economic impacts of forest management activities.