FSC publishes new Interim Forest Stewardship Standard for Botswana

As part of the country’s continuing fight against illegal logging and promote responsible forestry, Filipino stakeholders are working with the government as they push to establishment a national forest certification system. With the Asia-Pacific Forestry Week taking place last week in the Philippines, we travelled out to the country to meet with policy makers as they embark on the development process. Both PEFC International representatives and our National members from the region were on hand to give their advice and guidance.

If there is something that the last few lockdown months have taught many of us, is that we need to make 'Time for Nature’. We have marvelled as the planet has taken a breather along with her inhabitants and has rejuvenated herself, as we have rediscovered the abundance that she has to offer. It is why it is so apt that it is the theme for this year’s World Environment Day, which happens on Friday 05 June 2020. ‘Time for Nature’ focuses on the role nature plays in providing the essential infrastructure that supports life on Earth and human development. This focus is particularly important to Sappi, which has unlocking the value of woodfibre from it forests, at the core of its sustainable business strategy. Biodiversity is key to the healthy functioning of the forests and plantations from which we source woodfibre – they would not be productive without biotic processes taking place, making World Environment Day particularly relevant to us.

To mark Earth Day's 50th anniversary, Earth Day Canada and Earth Day Initiative, in collaboration with Corporate Knights, have released the 50 Top Business Moves for the Planet. Cascades is pleased to be included on this list for its pioneering role in recycling. The Company's strong dedication to promoting recycled fibres in the manufacturing of its products played a key role in this decision. "In the 1950s, we could not have foreseen that the simple idea of diverting material from landfills to recovery would go so far. By giving new life to this material, we reduce the pressure on natural resources and minimize waste. Even though the idea wasn't popular at the time, I am very proud that we were true to our values and ideals, and continue to honour them today" said Alain Lemaire, co-founder and Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Cascades.