California names companies expected to report emissions, climate risks

Port Hawkesbury Paper is committed to sustaining a healthy environment in our forests and facilities. The natural resources entrusted to our company are managed for long-term sustainability and biodiversity while conserving the social and cultural values of the community. In accordance with our new environmental policy, we will meet—and strive to exceed— all applicable regulations, legal obligations, and other requirements to which Port Hawkesbury Paper (PHP) subscribes. This includes setting or complying with the appropriate environmental objectives and targets, creating applicable action plans, reviewing progress, conducting periodic reviews and annual updates, and making adjustments as required.

Forest owners and companies still regularly burn parts of the forests they own. Far from being dangerous, experts say this is necessary for the healthy growth of trees. Prescribed burning of forests is a widely accepted and traditional tool for forest management across the world, including the US and UK. It is well planned, has pre-defined limits and a definite purpose. In many parts of the world it is also used as a tool to contain out of control wildfires, prevent forest fires, revitalise natural habitats and preserve biodiversity. The case of the False darkling beetle in Finland is proof that there is merit in this approach.

Local people from forest communities in Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand and Vietnam and came together in Bangkok recently to discuss forest issues that are priorities for them and to prepare for the upcoming XIV World Forestry Congress. The Congress, which is the largest and most significant gathering of the world's forestry sector, takes place in Durban, South Africa this September. “As one of the few observers here, and being responsible for supporting smallholder certification, it was great to hear about the issues and priorities for Asian communities,” reported Richard Laity, PEFC South East Asia, Projects and Development Officer. “We want to ensure that certification is inclusive by working closely with these forest communities, while we develop national forest certification systems.”