Features Environment & Sustainability
UPM-Kymmene receives conservation award

TORONTO: UPM-Kymmene Inc. was one of eight recipients of the first-ever Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SRI) Lead…
TORONTO: UPM-Kymmene Inc. was one of eight recipients of the first-ever Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SRI) Leadership in Conservation Research Award for its participation in a study of bird populations expected to improve forestry practices in Canada’s Acadian forests, located mostly in New Brunswick. The Acadian forest has been designated as one of six forests in North America that are considered endangered according to the World Wildlife Fund.

SFI President and CEO Kathy Abusow presented the award Feb. 25 in Toronto. “This is a truly unique project involving the landowner, academics, conservation groups, forest companies and the customer, all committed to using research to strengthen forest management and deliver real, on-the-ground results,” said Abusow. “Ongoing research and up-to-date science are key to responsible forest management.”

The Birds as Bioindicators of Biodiversity Study was launched in April 2007, with the first results expected in two to three years. The study evaluates the reproductive performance of several songbird and woodpecker species in treated and controlled areas of public lands managed by UPM-Kymmene in New Brunswick, with a goal to use results in the development of future best management practices.

“This study fits perfectly with UPMs global biodiversity program, which aims to develop best practices for all of our forest operations around the world and to monitor the progress we are making,” said Phil Riebel, Director, Environmental Affairs for UPM-North America.

The Birds as Bioindicators of Biodiversity Study was selected for its strong collaborative partnerships and because its impact will go well beyond lands managed by UPM, allowing other forest managers to use the latest in up-to-date science to guide their forest management activities and ensure they best meet the needs of indicator species.

The SFI program is one of the largest sustainable forestry certification programs in the world. There are more than 143.7 million acres (58.1 million hectares) certified to the comprehensive SFI Standard across North America, and the SFI labeling program can attest to the fact that the fiber in a product is from a well-managed source. The SFI Standard is based on principles and measures that promote sustainability including measures to protect water quality, biodiversity, wildlife habitat, species at risk and forests of exceptional conservation value.

SFI Inc. is a non-profit organization and is solely responsible for maintaining, overseeing and improving the Sustainable Forestry Initiative program. SFI Inc. directs all elements of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative program including the SFI Standard, chain-of-custody certification, labeling and marketing. SFI Inc. is overseen by a three-chamber Board of Directors representing social, environmental and economic sectors. For more information about the SFI program, visit www.sfiprogram.org

UPM is one of the world’s leading forest products groups. The Group’s sales in 2006 were EUR 10 billion, and it has about 28,700 employees. UPM’s main products include printing papers, converting materials and wood products. The company has production plants in 15 countries and its main market areas are Europe and North America. UPM’s shares are listed on the Helsinki stock exchange. UPM has a global forestry and wood sourcing organization to secure wood supply to its different mills as well as to manage company forests. The company owns and manages forestry land in Canada, Finland, Russia, the U.K. and the U.S. Further information is available on the company’s website at www.upm-kymmene.com