Global Forest and Paper Industry Celebrates International Day of Forests
WASHINGTON – March 21, the International Council of Forest and Paper Associations (ICFPA) will celebrate the United Nations International Day of Forests. The ICFPA is proud to represent the contributions of the global forest products industry to sustainable development on a day designated to raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests.
For centuries, forests have enabled humans to make products to improve their lives and meet their needs. Forests are renewable. Even in today’s rapidly changing world, forestry is part of the solution to meeting global needs for food, fuel, paper, wood, medicines and other necessary products that improve quality of life for this generation and for those to come.
ICFPA members support sustainable forest management around the world and are committed to using forest management and manufacturing practices that meet environmental, social, and economic objectives.
“Sustainable forest management is a key strategy and development opportunity,” said ICFPA President Donna Harman. “It enables our industry to leverage the multiple benefits of forests and forest products while meeting the world’s growing demand for forest fiber.”
The global forest products industry also is committed to fighting illegal logging and associated international trade in illegally harvested wood around the world. ICFPA members work with governments, environmental organizations and community groups to implement policies and laws that aim to stop the import and trade of timber that is harvested in violation of respective country laws.
Finally, the ICFPA’s 4th Sustainability Progress Report (2013) highlights the industry’s progress on a number of key sustainability indicators including the uptake in certified sustainably managed forests, reduction in greenhouse gas emission intensity, the significant share of carbon neutral biomass energy in the fuel mix and a high paper recycling rate.
The ICFPA represents more than 30 national forest and paper associations around the world. Together, ICFPA members represent nearly 90 percent of global paper production and 60 percent of global wood production.
The Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa is one of the associations that supports the global effort to promote the sustainable management of forests and timber plantations.
For more information about the sustainability of the forest and paper industry, visit icfpa.org and www.thepaperstory.co.za.
March 20, 2014
CONTACT: Katharine Eaton
(202) 463-2436, comm@afandpa.org
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