Glossary of terms Accreditation: Accreditation is the process used to ensure that those who undertake the certification audit are truly independent and professionally competent. Certification bodies conducting audits against the standard must be accredited to undertake woodland management certification by a national or international accreditation body. Appropriate Assessment: An appropriate assessment is a screening study which must be carried out to determine the likely impacts of plans or projects (normally notifiable actions) in designated areas. This is a requirement under Article 6 of the EU Habitats Directive. Auditor: A competent professional engaged by a Certification Body (qv),to conduct the assessment on which the outcome of an application for forest management certification will be determined. Biodiversity: The variety of ecosystems and living organisms (species), including genetic variation within species. Biological Control Agents: Living organisms used to eliminate or regulate the population of other living organisms. Broadleaves: Broadleaved trees are characterized by their broad leaves and most are deciduous. They produce hardwood timber. Certification Body: An organisation that is accredited by an accreditation authority to certify (by giving written assurance) that forest management conforms to the specific requirements of a forest management standard. Clearfelling: Cutting down of all or the vast majority of trees in an area of woodland. Conifers: Coniferous trees are characterised by their needle or scale like leaves and most are evergreen. They produce softwood timber. Designated Areas: Designated areas are areas statutorily designated for conservation or protection and include Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs), Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs), National Parks and Nature Reserves. Environmental Impact Assessment: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is the process and documentation associated with the statutory requirement under the EU Environmental Assessment Directive. Forest Service: The Forest Service is part of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and is the regulatory authority with regard to forestry practice in Ireland. Game: Animals, either wild or reared, managed for hunting or shot for food. IAF: International Accreditation Forum. The IAF is the world association of Conformity Assessment Accreditation Bodies and other bodies interested in conformity assessment in the fields of management systems, products, services, personnel and other similar programmes of conformity assessment. Its primary function is to develop a single worldwide program of conformity assessment which reduces risk for business and its customers by assuring them that accredited certificates may be relied upon. Accreditation assures users of the competence and impartiality of the body accredited. IAF members accredit certification or registration bodies that issue certificates attesting that an organisation's management, products or personnel comply with a specified standard (called conformity assessment).
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