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Asia Pulp and Paper (APP) says it will support the conservation and restoration of more than one million hectares of Indonesian forest, in a plan developed with once hostile NGOs including WWF and Greenpeace.
The paper manufacturing giant’s quest to appease lobby groups and win back its FSC certification continues, this time aiming to go above and beyond its legal conservation requirements with the latest initiative to clean up its image.
Part of the one million hectares in APP’s sights, the natural forest in Bukit Tigapuluh is home to tiger, elephant and orang-utan populations
The natural forest in Bukit Tigapuluh, also known as the 30 Hills landscape, a habitat for tiger, elephant and orang-utan populations, is first on APP’s fix-it list.
In 30 Hills the paper maker will work with an NGO coalition to increase protection of a corridor road from illegal activities, protect a threatened elephant herd in the Tebo Multi Agro concession and look at creating an animal corridor in the WKS concession which would connect forest habitat blocks.
Similar initiatives in Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra and West and East Kalimantan are also planned to help conserve endangered species, forests and help the livelihoods of local communities.
Aida Greenbury, managing director of sustainability with APP, says the programme can only be successful with the input of stakeholders. She says, “Land cannot be conserved or restored in isolation, the sustainability of the entire landscape must be taken into account and many stakeholders must be involved.
“We believe that by assessing entire landscapes and creating clear tailor made objectives and strategies, the maximum possible level of conservation will be achieved, not just for natural forest in our concessions, but for areas around them as well.”
Aida Greenbury, managing director of sustainability with APP
The company says it will develop a more detailed time-bound plan over the coming months for the project, which will become part of its Integrated Sustainable Forest Management Plans.
It is also starting up a trust fund, independently administered, to manage and finance the conservation measures in the future – APP will contribute initial funding, then additional funds will be raised on an ongoing basis.
A multi-stakeholder platform will eventually be announced, including a wide range of national and international NGOs and other institutions, to guide the implementation. The WWF says it is encouraged by the announcement and looks forward to working with APP to lock in the details of the plan.
Australian paper suppliers Solaris Paper and Paper Force say they welcome the commitment as a sign that APP is determined to turn things around.
Steve Nicholson, CEO of Solaris Paper, says, “Australians are environmentally conscious and I hope the announcement will encourage local suppliers and consumers that our products are truly sustainable.
“I applaud our affiliate’s latest announcement, which will set a new standard in protection of the world’s valuable rainforests and ensure the future protection of endangered species.”
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