Latest news with #FSC-certified
Scoop
19-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
DOC's Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) -Only Timber Policy Excludes NZ's Small Forest Owners
The New Zealand Timber Industry Federation (NZTIF) is calling on the Department of Conservation (DOC) to revise its procurement policy requiring that all timber for key government-funded projects — such as Rākau Rangatira Phase Two located in Northland — be sourced exclusively from FSC-certified forests. While intended to ensure responsible sourcing, this requirement unfairly excludes hundreds of small forest owners, including farmers and regional woodlot managers who manage their forests sustainably but are not FSC-certified. This will result Sawmills being unable to source logs from these small scale woodlots to supply DoC projects when they may have had a strong relationship with the forest owner. According to FSC New Zealand, approximately 490,000 hectares of Forests is in the hands of small growers who are uncertified. 'FSC was originally created to combat illegal or unsustainable logging in natural forests in under-regulated regions,' said Bruce Larsen, President of NZTIF. 'That's not New Zealand. We have one of the most advanced forest management regimes in the world, with strict compliance requirements under laws like the Resource Management Act, Climate Change Response Act, and the National Environmental Standards for Plantation Forestry.' DOC's FSC-only policy imposes an unnecessary burden on small-scale forest owners, many of whom cannot justify the cost or complexity of joining an international certification system that offers little environmental or social uplift in the highly regulated New Zealand context. The Federation believes DOC's current approach runs counter to the Government's own messaging around supporting local, natural materials. 'We welcomed the Government's directive to use more New Zealand wool in public buildings. It's time for a similar commitment to wood — a 'Wood is Good' policy — that supports local timber, encourages domestic processing, and keeps the value chain within New Zealand.' Instead of creating barriers, the NZTIF urges DOC and other government departments to adopt a more inclusive and pragmatic procurement approach — one that recognises the integrity of New Zealand's laws, the reality of small-scale forestry, and the importance of supporting regional economies. 'New Zealand timber manufacturers, small forest owners, and large forest owners are all ready to contribute to a sustainable, value-added forestry future. But government policy needs to create opportunities — not shut the gate.'
Zawya
23-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
A new model of forest management emerges in the Congo Basin
In the heart of the Congo Basin, the Republic of Congo protects a globally significant rainforest, covering over 60% of the nation. This biodiversity hotspot and vital carbon sink is crucial for the livelihoods of 75 million people but faces threats from deforestation, illegal logging, agriculture, mining, and degradation. A new model of integrated forest management is emerging, led by FSC-certified Olam Agri through its subsidiary Congolaise Industrielle des Bois (CIB), in collaboration with Kamba African Rainforest Experiences and conservation NGO, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). This partnership demonstrates that conservation and economic growth can benefit from each , driving biodiversity preservation and local economic development. FSC project certification in Africa A significant milestone for this integrated forest management model was achieved in 2022 when Olam Agri became the first company in Africa to complete a Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certified project. An eco-friendly restaurant was constructed at the Bomassa base of WCS Congo within the Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park. The FSC project certification confirms that all forest-based materials used to construct the restaurant originate from responsibly managed, FSC-certified sources. This shows how FSC certification goes beyond timber to enhance responsible land use, drive sustainability, and encourage multisectoral partnerships. For Vincent Istace, Head of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability at Olam Agri, this achievement was possible thanks to a fruitful collaboration with WCS. This is in good standing with FSC's forest stewardship standard for the Republic of Congo that encourages certified forest managers to extend forest protection beyond certified areas via cooperation and partnership. 'This project reflects our long-standing partnership with WCS,' he states, 'we have been working together with WCS for over 25 years, and even before our FSC certification, we actively engaged with WCS, a crucial partner in our conservation efforts.' As Stephane Koudougnon, Administrative and Financial Director at the Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park in Bomassa, aptly describes it, 'La Grande Paillote' (common name of this FSC-certified restaurant) is a central gathering place for sharing meals, developing plans, and strategizing for wildlife and forest protection. Additionally, FSC-certified wood from Olam Agri was used to construct part of the Bomassa Government Primary School, providing modern educational facilities for 220 local children, including 116 girls and 63 Indigenous children. Protecting biodiversity and vital ecosystems FSC standards and policies mandate higher biodiversity protection, requiring certified forest managers to safeguard areas with high conservation values and critical ecosystem services. Since the establishment of the Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park in 1993, Olam Agri has partnered with WCS and the Ministry of Forest Economy to protect wildlife. Olam Agri supports the Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park Peripheral Ecosystems Management Project, covering over 1.5 million hectares. This project uses eco-guards, biomonitoring, and community engagement to protect wildlife from illegal poaching, safeguarding over 24,000 gorillas and 6,000 forest elephants. A conservation-oriented approach FSC certification obliges forest managers to protect rare, threatened, or endangered species. Olam Agri prioritizes the conservation of natural seed dispersers essential for forest regeneration. Their commitment includes substantial investments in research and protection programmes for these species. Olam Agri's data-driven approach to forest management minimizes environmental impact. By using extensive data analysis, they optimize logging routes and reduce forest disturbance. This approach has significantly decreased the length of forest trails and facilitated the development of a database containing over 1 million tree species. Instead of logging, Olam Agri designated 92,000 hectares of the Pikounda concession as a conservation area under the Congo REDD+ programme. This groundbreaking carbon conservation project in Central Africa demonstrates Olam Agri's commitment to environmental stewardship. Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) FSC certification requires free, prior, and informed consent for management decisions, protecting the rights of forest dependent indigenous peoples and local communities in or near FSC certified operations. Olam Agri collaborates with Indigenous communities to strengthen forest management and governance. For example, Olam collaborated with WCS in the two-year FPIC consultation process which resulted in the inclusion of the Djéké Triangle into the Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park. This process, aligning with established standards for FPIC, facilitated the inclusion of the 95 sq km forest, home to critically endangered western lowland gorillas to the park. On February 10, 2023, the Congolese government gazetted the Djéké Triangle, validating its sustainable community use and adopting its management plan. Ecotourism for conservation and economic development Seeking a partner that aligned with their commitment to sustainability, Kamba African Rainforest Experiences turned to Olam Agri – CIB, a company with vast experience in managing forests and producing sustainable wood. 'We sought to explore the possibilities of collaboration – we asked ourselves, 'How can we, as ecotourists, and Olam Agri – CIB, as foresters, work together to promote this place and create opportunities at the community level and more broadly for Congo as an ecotourism destination?' Our collaboration with CIB allows us to think at a new economic model, where forests are protected not just through conservation efforts, but by making them valuable for local communities and ecotourists.' This exploration led them to focus on the possibilities of using certified sustainable wood, a crucial aspect for Kamba's long-term vision. This partnership resulted in the rebuilding of 24 eco-lodges at Lango and Mboko concessions within the Odzala-Kokoua National Park, using FSC-certified wood sourced from Olam Agri-CIB. 'This wood is of very high quality and also local,' says Elza Gilman. 'This collabration not only enhances the quality of our lodges but also significantly benefits the local economy. It takes many people to rebuild a lodge. Similarly, in the new lodge project, we create many jobs during construction. We support the local economy by purchasing wood from a local company established for many years.' Kamba employs 100 people at the Odzala-Kokoua National Park and its tourism activities impact the livelihoods of around 1,600 people around the Odzala-Kokoua National Park. Kamba believes that ecotourism can be profitable in the long run, but its core mission aligns with Olam Agri and the FSC's vision of preserving Congo's forests for all forever. Their choices and purchasing decisions reflect this commitment to sustainable practices. 'We really want to support Olam Agri – CIB in carrying out more certified projects in Congo for this reason,' concludes Elza Gilman. The CIB–Kamba–WCS partnership is a replicable model for sustainable forest management, combining FSC-certified forestry, ecotourism, and conservation. This approach aligns with FSC's proposed integrated landscape certification framework, which promotes local collaboration, ecosystem management, and inclusivity. By adopting landscape-level sustainability principles, this model sets a new standard for forest concessions worldwide, proving that forests can be managed for the benefit of all – forever. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Forest Stewardship Council. Related links: Media contacts: Israel Bionyi Senior Regional Communications Manager FSC Africa FSC Africa T: +49 (0) 228 367 66 0 F: +49 (0) 228 367 66 65 About FSC: The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) is a nonprofit organization governed by environmental, social, and economic perspectives equally – covers more than 150 million hectares of certified forests and is the global benchmark for sustainable forestry. NGOs, consumers, and businesses alike trust FSC to protect and enhance healthy and resilient forests, for all, forever.
Associated Press
14-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
BTG Pactual TIG, Conservation International, and International Finance Corporation Win Environmental Finance's 2025 Sustainability-Linked Loan of the Year
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 14, 2025-- The BTG Pactual Timberland Investment Group (BTG Pactual TIG), Conservation International, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) have won Environmental Finance's 2025 award for 'Sustainability-Linked Loan of the Year – Other' for the IFC's loan package supporting BTG Pactual TIG's Latin American reforestation strategy, for which Conservation International serves as impact adviser. This award recognizes the innovative financing model that ties financial incentives to sustainability outcomes, representing an impactful application of green loan principles to large-scale landscape restoration and sustainable forest management. The IFC loan package provides $50 million in financing to advance BTG Pactual TIG's strategy of restoring degraded landscapes in Latin America, particularly in the Brazilian Cerrado, one of the most biodiverse, seasonally dry ecosystems in the world. BTG Pactual TIG's reforestation strategy is one of the largest private-sector restoration efforts in Latin America, with a mission to enhance biodiversity, sequester carbon, and promote sustainable land use. This initiative aims to protect and restore approximately 135,000 hectares of native ecosystems while establishing an additional approximately 135,000 hectares of sustainably managed, FSC-certified commercial timberlands. While the primary focus of this loan is to support global climate and biodiversity goals, it also seeks to generate significant social benefits by creating jobs and expanding economic opportunities in rural communities. The loan package is differentiated by the incorporation of sustainability-linked incentives that reward progress in biodiversity restoration, habitat connectivity and water resource protection. The financing terms provide BTG Pactual TIG with improved financial outcomes if it meets performance-based metrics, including: the creation of corridors to increase habitat connectivity for plants and animals and the expansion of watershed buffer zones to enhance watershed health security. These metrics are designed to incentivize the positive impact of restoration and protection efforts while also providing capital for the strategy's commercial activities. 'The award from Environmental Finance underscores the power of innovative financial instruments in driving tangible environmental impact. Our continued partnership with BTG Pactual TIG, coupled with Conservation International's valuable expertise, demonstrates how sustainability-linked financing can effectively support large-scale ecosystem restoration and create a more resilient future for Brazil and the Latin-American region. By aligning financial incentives with environmental and social outcomes, we are not only contributing to the restoration of ecosystems but also creating economic opportunities for local communities. This initiative exemplifies IFC's commitment to fostering a livable planet for all,' said Alfonso García-Mora, IFC's Vice President, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean. Mauricio Bianco, from Conservation International Brazil, added: 'Scaling up nature-based solutions is key to build a more prosperous and sustainable future. Brazil remains one of the few countries where we can still shift the trajectory of the twin crises we face – climate and biodiversity. But isolated good practices are no longer enough — we need systemic, scalable, and replicable solutions, fast. That's exactly what BTG Pactual TIG's strategy is delivering for the restoration agenda in the Brazilian Cerrado, with the support of the IFC loan package. As an Impact Advisor, Conservation International is committed to ensuring that this strategy sets an example for large-scale ecosystem restoration and helps inspire a new standard for the forest sector.' 'We are honored to receive this recognition from Environmental Finance. This award highlights the potential for sustainability-linked investments to drive both financial and sustainability benefits. By embedding biodiversity and watershed health considerations into loan terms, we are ensuring that financial performance is directly tied to meaningful outcomes for nature and people — a model that we hope can inspire other projects to push even further,' said Mark Wishnie, Chief Sustainability Officer at BTG Pactual TIG. This recognition highlights the increasing role of financial innovation in tackling social and environmental challenges in rural landscapes. By demonstrating that nature-based solutions can be both economically viable and provide benefits for people and nature, the IFC loan to BTG Pactual TIG's reforestation strategy is a tangible example of the role that private finance can play in advancing development goals. Awards may not be representative of any one client's experience and are not indicative of the future performance of the BTG Pactual Timberland Investment Group, LLC or BTG Pactual. The Environmental Finance Sustainable Debt Awards are issued by Environmental Finance, an online news and analysis service that reports on sustainable investment, green finance, and environmental markets. This award was issued on April 14, 2025 and reflects data from 2024. BTG Pactual TIG did not pay a fee to participate in these awards. However, BTG Pactual TIG did pay a fee to Environmental Finance in connection with award logo redistribution rights. View source version on CONTACT: Elaine Irvin [email protected] KEYWORD: LATIN AMERICA NORTH AMERICA UNITED STATES BRAZIL SOUTH AMERICA NEW YORK INDUSTRY KEYWORD: ENVIRONMENT CLIMATE CHANGE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY FINANCE ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES PROFESSIONAL SERVICES SUSTAINABILITY FOREST PRODUCTS NATURAL RESOURCES OTHER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES SOURCE: BTG Pactual Timberland Investment Group Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 04/14/2025 07:45 AM/DISC: 04/14/2025 07:45 AM
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The holy grail of forestry is to harvest trees responsibly while sequestering more carbon — here's how the FSC is working to make it happen
Is there such a thing as "responsibly" cutting down trees for paper products like toilet paper? "Sustainable forestry" and "working forests" may sound like oxymorons — but the President of the Forest Stewardship Council U.S., Sarah Billig, told The Cool Down in an exclusive interview that it's the organization's holy grail: "It's very possible to harvest trees and sequester more carbon at the same time." In fact, you've probably seen the end result: FSC-certified paper products like toilet paper and paper towels. They're the ones with the logo of the green tree that turns into a check mark. Billig is a forestry expert who used to work with an FSC-certified company managing a redwoods forest and now oversees that rigorous FSC certification program, which verifies responsible forest management among suppliers, corporations, and nonprofits. "We think that [any] product can be an excellent product when it comes from sustainably managed forests, and that's an important thing for people to understand," she told The Cool Down. "There are those folks who will say you should never harvest a tree, and certainly not for toilet paper that we're going to wipe with and throw down the toilet," Billig said. But in reality, "Ecosystem services can actually be improved with sustainable forest management," she explained. "It can actually improve the forest condition." That's where the FSC comes in — it's an independent entity that launched over 30 years ago to address concerns about deforestation in the tropics, and since then has brought together environmental nonprofits, corporate partners, and representatives of forest workers and Indigenous peoples to come up with solutions that incentivize companies to do better sustainable forest management, Billig explained. "We've been around a long time. We're trusted. We have very rigorous standards. I think this is what brings us to the top and the trusted level," she said. To earn an FSC certification, organizations must preserve what Billig calls the "superpowers of the forest," complying with a series of principal indicators and criteria that ensure the forest will be protected in the future. What does that look like in practice? "You're not over-harvesting, and you're making sure that you are regrowing the next generation of trees that can be used for harvest and for wood products," Billig said. "At the same time, you're maintaining a semi-natural ecosystem that does all the things that we love from forests," which includes "clean water, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, [and] protecting the soil." FSC's certification requires both biodiversity and economic protections, including no deforestation (i.e., when a forest is altered so it's no longer functional, like if you turned it into a parking lot), safeguarding of ancient and endangered forests, fair wages and a safe work environment, biodiversity preservation, and community rights including the protection of jobs and Indigenous peoples. "Typically, forest management occurs in rural communities … and those communities need that economic productivity to continue functioning," she said. Third-party auditors inspect the forest on a regular basis, and consumers can report any potential non-compliance issues directly to auditors. Billig gave additional insight into how the forests are managed to maintain biodiversity — including animal life — and ensure the land can carry on as naturally as possible. "Basically every natural community or all the wildlife that are out there are considered, and threatened/endangered species get special protection," Billig said. "Natural communities or plant ecosystems that may be different than elsewhere, waterways are protected from negative impacts, very careful use of pesticides — that is very limited in terms of our system. We have to make sure that [any pesticides are] well researched, that there's a plan in place for assessing that they're not going to cause harm to unexpected things in the environment." When you think about a product's packaging, which of these factors is more important to you? The way it looks The information it provides The waste it produces I don't think about packaging at all Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. One of the big debates in the forestry industry is harvesting ancient, intact, or old-growth forests that have only been exposed to limited human impact versus harvesting new-growth forests that may have already been altered not long ago. Another challenge is the relatively small percentage of FSC-certified working forests out there — only about 7.5% globally. To meet the demand for certified wood, it's critical that more forests are certified to accelerate responsible forestry and make it easier for big companies to reach sourcing 100% of their needs through FSC-certified operations. However, a hurdle to getting there is that it can be expensive to meet the FSC's requirements. "Our standards are incredibly rigorous, and it costs to implement those standards," Billig explained, which can include reporting costs, changing processes, and protecting high conservation areas. Members also pay a small fee to support the FSC's work and earn the check mark. A big focus for increasing certification is the southeastern U.S., often called the "wood basket of the U.S.," where many small private land owners or "family forest owners" might not be as focused on responsible forestry practices or have the funds to support the certification work. For consumers looking to make a more sustainable choice, Billig's advice is simple: "I really believe in this organization [FSC] and what it can do in terms of positive impact on forests and people." "I really encourage people to look for the tree check mark logo because it really does signify people coming together, finding shared interests, and moving forward on those shared interests," she said. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
McDonald's makes groundbreaking change to iconic menu staple — and most customers won't even realize it
From coffee cups to remote-control batteries, everyday items are getting an eco-friendly upgrade — and it could help your wallet and the planet. In Finland, McDonald's is swapping out plastic drink lids for recyclable, fiber-based ones across the country. Designed by Finnish packaging company Huhtamäki Oy, the new lids securely snap onto cups, are home-compostable, and can be recycled after use. As reported by Packaging World, the chain plans to roll out the switch across all Finland locations by 2025, a move expected to cut 59,000 kilograms (over 130,000 pounds) of plastic waste by the end of the year. Plastic waste isn't just a litter issue — it's also a pollution problem. Most plastic is made from dirty fuels like oil and gas that release heat-trapping pollution into the air. Swapping to paper-based alternatives helps cut back that pollution and keeps toxic microplastics out of our bodies and waterways. Other major brands are following suit. Battery maker Better Battery Co. became the first company to go fully plastic-free across its entire product lineup. Its batteries, now sold at retailers like Target and Walmart, come in recyclable, FSC-certified boxes and even include a prepaid envelope so customers can easily return used batteries for recycling. It's a hassle-free way for shoppers to reduce waste and make smarter choices without paying more. Luxury whisky brand Bruichladdich is making a similar shift. As part of its "One Tin Lighter" initiative, the company teamed up with papermaker James Cropper to replace its traditional tin canisters with recyclable, molded fiber wraps. Which of these factors would most effectively motivate you to buy a refillable product? Saving money Reducing plastic waste Using less shelf space at home Getting easy refill deliveries Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The new glue-free design features a sleek clasp and elegant embossing, delivering a premium look with a lighter footprint. This trend is part of a larger wave of companies opting for plastic-free packaging to meet consumer demand and reduce dirty fuel pollution. Major brands like Seventh Generation and Unilever have also made similar packaging commitments to help curb plastic waste and protect communities from harmful pollution. You can support this shift by choosing brands that prioritize eco-friendly initiatives; even something as simple as checking a company's website for its green efforts before you shop makes a difference. Olli Johansson, McDonald's Finland CEO, commented the following, according to Yahoo Finance: "McDonald's goal is for all packaging to come from renewable, recycled, and certified materials before the end of 2025." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
