PEFC certification aims at producing wood while preserving the environmental, economic and social functions of forests. The PEFC mark offers a reference point for responsible consumption by guaranteeing that the wood or paper product is made from sustainable sources and that the consumer, business or local government, by purchasing that item, is contributing to sustainable forest management. Upstream, PEFC certification relies on commitments made by member forest owners and managers to implement sustainable forest management practices by applying a bill of specifications that applies, inter alia, to the protection of water resources, soils, the fauna and flora. Downstream, PEFC-certified businesses set up a chain-of-custody and are audited for compliance with certification standards. PEFC is the leading world forest certification system in terms of surface area. It is also the leading source of certified wood in the world.