Latest news with #ForestStewardshipCouncil
Daily Express
04-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Express
How Dept stays on top of game
Published on: Sunday, May 04, 2025 Published on: Sun, May 04, 2025 By: Larry Ralon, Ricardo Unto Text Size: Deramakot Forest Reserve is the first and longest Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certifie forests. BETWEEN 2019 and mid-2024, Sabah experienced several forest fires, particularly during drought periods such as the 2019 and 2023-2024 El Niño. Sabah Forestry Department (SFD) records show 1,313 hectares were affected by fires in 2019, 556 hectares in 2020, 69 hectares in 2021, 11 hectares in 2022 and 76 hectares in 2023. The number of incidents fluctuated yearly, with a noticeable increase during prolonged drought. 'The financial and social impact has been significant, including agricultural losses, degraded ecosystems and threats to human health due to air pollution. 'For instance, in 2024, droughts led to water shortages, affecting approximately 56,000 residents in areas like Papar and causing disruptions to agriculture and food security,' he said, adding efforts to mitigate these impacts included cloud seeding and stricter monitoring of open burning. Frederick said the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department also emphasised the need to address deliberate fires started by smallholders, which exacerbate natural fire risks. Although the department has taken proactive measures to address the risk of forest fires, climate change and prolonged drought require continuous efforts to strengthen preparedness. The department employs satellite-based systems and field monitoring to detect fires promptly, with a focus on high-risk areas like peatlands and degraded forests. Early detection strategies include the Fire Weather Index, which is produced daily via the Fire Danger Rating System. 'We also conduct aerial surveillance using drones and ground patrols by SFD personnel.' The department collaborates with the Fire and Rescue Department to equip forest rangers and local communities with firefighting tools and training. 'Water retention systems and firebreaks are established in vulnerable zones, including plantations and reforested areas,' said Frederick. The department formed a Forest Fire Crew with 80 Initial Attack Crew (IAC) members who receive training on fire drills, fire guard construction, water pump handling and fire suppression techniques. 'We continuously educate the public and local communities about fire risks, encouraging responsible practices to prevent open burning. Awareness programmes are conducted in high-risk areas prone to forest fires.' The department integrates fire management into broader conservation and climate change frameworks, including the Sabah Climate Change Action Council (SCAC) and Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES). 'We also collaborate with international and local organisations to strengthen our capacity through funding and technical expertise,' said Frederick. Despite these efforts, there are always ongoing challenges like fires in peatlands which are extremely difficult to control due to their underground spread, requiring specialised equipment and strategies. Then there is the need to scale up resources such as manpower, equipment and funding to match the increasing threats. Prolonged dry seasons and changing rainfall patterns also make fire management more unpredictable, stretching response capacities. Hence, while the department is prepared to handle forest fires, continuous improvements in technology, community engagement and resource allocation are essential. Sustained funding and collaboration remain crucial to enhancing Sabah's resilience against forest fires.' As of December 2023, some 68,760 hectares of degraded or logged forests had undergo enrichment planting and 461,932 hectares had been treated (silviculture treatment). Frederick said the Totally Protected Areas (TPAs) have increased from 12 per cent in 2007 to 27pc (2,012,004 hectares) to date. 'Sabah's goal (part of the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya development plan) is to achieve 30pc (2.2 million hectares) of TPAs by 2025, leading the nation in achieving the AICHI targets, and in line with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework,' he said.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SCS Global Services Accredited To Deliver FSC (R) EUDR Regulatory Module Certification for Chain of Custody
EMERYVILLE, CA / / May 1, 2025 / The certification body is one of only five accredited to provide verification services for FSC EUDR. EMERYVILLE, Calif., May 1, 2025 /3BL/ - SCS Global Services, the world's leading third-party certification body, has been accredited to provide verification services under the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) Regulatory Module to support compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Currently, SCS is accredited to verify EUDR compliance for FSC Chain of Custody certification, with accreditation for Forest Management certification anticipated in the coming months. The FSC Regulatory Module (FSC-STD-01-004) is a voluntary add-on standard that helps organizations holding or seeking FSC certification to meet the rigorous requirements of the EUDR. It complements existing FSC standards by specifying additional due diligence, risk assessment procedures using FSC's Risk Assessment Framework, and enhanced supply chain transparency measures. Certificate holders both inside and outside the EU can benefit from adding this module to their certificate if their products are sold on the European market. "SCS is proud to be among the first certification bodies accredited to deliver EUDR services through the FSC framework," said Theodore Brauer, Managing Director, Forestry, SCS Global Services. "This milestone allows us to continue supporting our clients in meeting evolving global market requirements while advancing their sustainability goals." As part of the verification process, SCS will evaluate an organization's conformity with the FSC Regulatory Module, beginning with a desk-based review before extending certification scope. Once the module is included in the certification scope, companies can make new regulatory FSC claims and pass these through their supply chains in accordance with the module's requirements. For more information, please visit our Resource Center to download our brochure detailing SCS' EUDR services for the timber industry. With a proven track record in sustainability certification and supply chain verification, SCS Global Services is committed to helping businesses navigate evolving regulatory landscapes like the EUDR. By offering accredited FSC Regulatory Module services, SCS empowers companies to demonstrate their commitment to responsible sourcing, enhance market access, and contribute to global efforts to halt deforestation. Read More About SCS Global Services SCS Global Services is a global leader in third-party environmental and sustainability verification, certification, auditing, testing, and standards development, currently celebrating its 40th year of services. Its programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in climate mitigation, green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, consumer products, and more. Headquartered in Emeryville, California, SCS has representatives and affiliate offices throughout the Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe, and Africa. Its broad network of auditors are experts in their fields, and the company is a trusted partner to companies, agencies, and advocacy organizations due to its dedication to quality and professionalism. SCS is a California-chartered Benefit Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. SCS is also a Participant of the United Nations Global Compact and adheres to its principles-based approach to responsible business. For more information, visit For more information about SCS, its programs and services, visit Media Contact Madhumita Mohan mmohan@ View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from SCS Global Services on Contact Info:Spokesperson: SCS Global ServicesWebsite: Email: info@ SOURCE: SCS Global Services View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Sign in to access your portfolio
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Congo Basin celebrates Exploitation Gabonaise de Grumes (EGG) Forest Management Certification
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) ( Congo Basin office is delighted to announce that Exploitation Gabonaise de Grumes (EGG), a significant and long-standing player in Gabon's forestry sector, has achieved FSC Forest Management (FM) certification. This significant milestone, attained on December 5, 2024, covers EGG's 256,683 hectares of forest across its Forest Management Units (FMUs) EGG ROUGE and EGG VERT in the provinces of Ogooué Lolo and Haut Ogooué. EGG has demonstrated a long-term commitment to sustainability, operating in these Forest Management Units (FMUs). Between 2014 and 2017, the company developed and secured approval for its sustainable forest management plans. This commitment solidified in 2022 when EGG dedicated itself to achieving FSC certification, diligently working to adapt its processes and approaches to meet the rigorous FSC standard requirements. Their hard work and unwavering dedication to sustainable practices have now been formally recognized with FSC certification under license code FSC-C194914 and certificate code PBN-FM/COC-065131. This achievement represents a substantial increase in the total area of FSC-certified forests in Gabon, rising from over 2.2 million hectares to over 2.4 million hectares, and elevates the total certified area within the Congo Basin to an impressive 6.2 million hectares. FSC Congo Basin expresses its enthusiasm "We warmly congratulate EGG on this significant achievement," stated Patrick Epie, FSC Congo Basin and West Africa Sub Regional Coordinator. "Their consistent dedication to sustainable forest management over the years has rightfully culminated in this well-deserved FSC certification. EGG's commitment clearly demonstrates that responsible forestry is not only viable in the Congo Basin but is also a crucial pathway for safeguarding the long-term health of our invaluable forests and fostering a sustainable economy. This certification provides substantial momentum to our ongoing efforts to promote responsible forest management across Gabon and the wider Congo Basin." Boumi Hypp, Certification Manager at FSC Congo Basin, added, "EGG's journey towards FSC certification is a powerful testament to their proactive and responsible approach to forestry. Achieving certification for such a significant forest area demands considerable effort and a deep-seated commitment to the core principles of environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability that FSC champions. We are confident that EGG's certified operations will serve as a strong and positive example for other forestry companies in the region, encouraging the broader adoption of sustainable practices." EGG celebrates its FSC certification "Obtaining FSC Forest Management certification marks a proud and significant moment for EGG, representing the culmination of years of dedicated work and a deep-seated commitment to sustainable forest management," said Adrien Spaymant, Deputy Director of Exploitation Gabonaise de Grumes (EGG). "We firmly believe in the enduring value of our forests and are dedicated to managing them in a way that ensures both their ecological integrity and their vital contribution to the local economy. This prestigious certification provides our valued partners and customers with the definitive assurance that our timber is sourced responsibly, actively contributing to a more sustainable future for Gabon's precious forest resources." This certification underscores EGG's strong commitment to sustainable forestry practices and further reinforces the growing and crucial movement towards responsible forest management within the Congo Basin. The FSC Congo Basin office eagerly anticipates continued collaboration with EGG and other key stakeholders to further expand the area of certified forests throughout the region. The International Tropical Timber Association (ATIBT), an organisation promoting the development of a sustainable, ethical and legal tropical timber industry as a natural and renewable resource essential to the socio-economic development of producer countries, congratulates EGG on obtaining its FSC forest management certification. Benoît Jobbé-Duval, Managing Director of ATIBT: 'ATIBT congratulates the teams at EGG and FSC on this new certification in Gabon. Our association, which promotes sustainable management by all means, can only applaud the efforts made to achieve this great result.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Forest Stewardship Council. More Videos: 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. About EGG: Founded in 1985, Exploitation Gabonaise de Grumes (EGG) is a significant player in the Gabonese forestry sector, managing 256,683 hectares of forest. Committed to sustainable operations, EGG supplies timber to industrial partners across Gabon from its UFA EGG ROUGE and EGG VERT concessions.
South China Morning Post
26-04-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
I started a sustainable furniture brand in Hong Kong. Here's what I've learned
Sustainability. I confess, as a furniture brand owner committed to its principles, I dislike the term. It's a tangled, buzzword-laden concept that is, frankly, confusing. Absolute sustainability is impossible for any business because even eco-friendly products require transport. Advertisement At the end of 2014, when I founded Reddie (a play on 'ready-made' and Eddie, my son's name) in Hong Kong, I aimed to build a mid-to-large-scale furniture brand with showrooms in Sydney, London and New York, employing 20 people in each location. I wanted to do right by our planet, but was unsure how to proceed. So I simplified our mission: prioritise using waste to make products. Instead of following a manual, I trusted my instincts throughout the production process, an approach that has guided us, ironically, to environmental responsibility. Our transparent practices ensure our furniture's compliance for use in buildings with high-rated standards such as WELL and Green Star. And we are 80 per cent of the way towards obtaining FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification for reclaimed-wood production, with full recognition expected this year. Olah's Sydney home, where she now lives after leaving Hong Kong for Australia, features her reclaimed-teak designs. Photo: Desmond Chan My entrepreneurial roots can be traced to my days as an interior architect in New York, when I felt frustrated specifying furniture for projects. Designer commercial furniture was impressive but lacked soul – mass-produced, it offered little versatility or opportunity for personalisation. The organic quality of handcrafted pieces was lost in the machinery of mass production. Sustainability posed another challenge. Many brands flaunted numbers but danced around the elephant in the room: what the products were made of. It struck me as absurd that waste was not prioritised as a primary resource. Why not repurpose discarded materials destined for landfills ? This approach mitigates emissions while avoiding the energy-intensive process of manufacturing new materials. I didn't need a degree in sustainability to grasp this logic. Looking back, my naivety was a blessing. I undertook the formidable task of creating a commercially viable line of design-led, handmade-to-order customisable furniture primarily from reclaimed and recycled materials. It struck me as absurd that waste was not prioritised as a primary resource Caroline Olah I was also trying to have a family. In 2013, I moved from New York to Kuala Lumpur, with my husband, Andrew, for his job at Google. With a baby on the way, and some down time, it was the perfect time to explore my ideas. I wrote a business plan, designed a collection and began to look for a manufacturer.
The Sun
24-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Wood Capitol Strengthens Environmental Practices with Responsibly Sourced Wood Policy
SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 24 April 2025 - Wood Capitol, a Singapore-based manufacturer of live-edge and solid wood furniture, has formalised its commitment to environmental responsibility by standardising the use of responsibly sourced wood across all product categories. The company has implemented sourcing protocols that prioritise legal harvesting, FSC-certified supply chains, and independent environmental verification. Wood Capitol's material of choice, Suar Wood, is sourced from South America through suppliers certified under the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) chain of custody programme. These suppliers operate in accordance with local regulations, including approvals from the region's Ministry of Forest. Additional certifications held by these partners include ISO 9001:2008, GB/T 19001-2016, and QSHE bureau veritas compliance. Product Longevity and Material Reuse Support Waste Reduction Goals Wood Capitol manufactures each solid wood table using responsibly sourced wood with an emphasis on durability and future adaptability. The company estimates that furniture made from solid wood slabs typically remains in use for over 100 years. In contrast to laminated or veneered alternatives, which often have limited reuse potential, solid wood can be resized or repurposed as functional needs evolve. Clients have adapted original dining tables into shelving units, wooden countertops, and compact study desks. To extend product lifespan, Wood Capitol provides maintenance and resurfacing services after approximately ten years of use. Surplus material, including offcuts or wood with surface cracks, is redistributed to schools or independent retailers, contributing to waste reduction and resource circularity. Emissions Offset and Reforestation Initiatives As part of its ongoing environmental contribution, Wood Capitol participates in reforestation efforts via platforms aligned with UNFCCC carbon credit projects. To date, the company has supported the planting of more than 10,000 trees. Using a standardised benchmark of 20 kilograms of carbon dioxide offset per tree annually, this initiative is estimated to generate approximately 200 metric tonnes of carbon offset each year. The use of responsibly sourced wood forms a key part of Wood Capitol's broader emissions strategy. By reducing reliance on short-lived, disposable materials, the company aims to lower the overall environmental impact associated with the production and lifecycle of large-format furniture. Verified Supply Chain and Labour Practices In line with its commitment to sustainable operations, Wood Capitol requires all suppliers of their responsibly sourced wood to comply with documented labour, safety, and quality management standards. These include QSHE certifications, which cover occupational health, environmental responsibility, and ethical employment practices. All timber procurement is limited to certified sources operating under legal and ecological oversight. Wood Capitol does not engage suppliers in at-risk or uncertified regions and does not source materials from Indonesia due to environmental concerns. The company maintains its supply chain exclusively through partners that demonstrate verifiable compliance with international standards. Company Outlook Wood Capitol is currently exploring additional sustainability certifications to strengthen its environmental credentials. The company is also evaluating opportunities to expand its material portfolio to include recycled metals, complementing its continued focus on responsibly sourced wood. 'We believe materials should support long-term use, not short-term disposal,' said Anthony, founder of Wood Capitol. 'Our role is to ensure our sourcing and product design meet that principle without compromise.' The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
