Asia Pulp & Paper Group (APP) of Jakarta, Indonesia, announced a series of new environmental policies based on the High Conservation Value (HCV) Forest approach, as well as its own commitments to a program called Seven Principles of Natural Forest Protection. The HCV policies are primarily being applied to APP’s interests in Indonesia.
According to hcvnetwork.org, the HCV Resource Network is made up of people and organizations that use the High Conservation Value approach to maintain and enhance critical social and environmental values of forests and other ecosystems through responsible land management.
APP announced it would immediately implement its new HCVF policies within two key frameworks:
1. With respect to APP owned concessions in Indonesia:
Effective from June 1, 2012, APP will suspend natural forest clearance while HCVF assessments are conducted; APP has engaged experts to conduct HCVF assessments, in accordance with HCV Resource Network best practice; and APP will protect all identified HCVF areas as a result of the HCVF assessments.
2. With respect to APP’s independent pulpwood suppliers in Indonesia:
APP expects independent suppliers to comply with its request for HCVF assessments by 31 December 2014; APP will engage with its independent suppliers to adopt HCVF assessments; and APP will review and reevaluate supply agreements where HCVF assessments are not conducted.
“Effective immediately, we are embarking on a bold program to ensure we can offer our customers products with the highest environmental and social integrity, and to ensure delivery of a shared vision for the global community,” said Aida Greenbury, APP’s Managing Director of Sustainability. “We are taking account of critical issues raised in our dialogue with NGOs.”
“We are confident in our ability to embed these policies in our business, but we also acknowledge that success will require the engagement of many stakeholders,” said Robin Mailoa, CEO of Sinar Mas Forestry. “High Conservation Value Forest Management is a protocol that stretches beyond our own concessions and needs to be embraced and supported by members of local communities, government, civil societies and by everyone that touches the pulpwood production process.”
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