"It is an important instrument when it comes to strengthening the sustainable use of forests and we want to be part of fostering it,” Musta states.
“We are excited to deepen our collaboration with PEFC, its secretariat and other members. UPM is committed to promoting sustainable use of forests globally and the goal is best achieved in good collaboration with others.”
UPM is committed to PEFC’s principles of sustainable forest management and the spirit of PEFC. The company has been a long-standing member of the Forest Stewardship Council, FSC®(FSC c105876) and joining PEFC was a natural step, according to Musta.
“UPM is a key a global actor in the forest products value chain, and as such shares the values of the PEFC in promoting sustainable forest management around the world,” Gunneberg says.
“Sharing our values and principles is a vital attribute of any organisation looking to join the PEFC as an international stakeholder member. In addition, UPM’s international scope was also an important qualification for membership, as was the support of their application from two current PEFC members.”
Collaboration and next steps
PEFC stakeholder members have the opportunity to join PEFC working groups and committees, providing their expertise and experience on a range of topics – from standards revision to marketing. The next steps for UPM are to consider which are the best ways to make an impact within PEFC.
“By joining PEFC, UPM recognises the need for key influencers to develop a coherent approach to bring together biodiversity and climate protection through a thriving forest-based sector and bio-economy. None of us can achieve such goals on our own and by combining our forces, like-minded stakeholders can achieve more by exchanging ideas, exploring options and implementing solutions together”, Gunneberg says.
Many international stakeholder members partner with PEFC and other PEFC members on a variety of projects and activities globally, which are aimed at growing the impact of sustainable forest management and increasing the uptake of certification and market demand.
For UPM, it is highly important to fight against deforestation and illegal logging.
“We want to support the PEFC certification system and its trustworthiness, to ensure its use as a tool to verify sustainable use of forests. It is important for us to secure the continuation and expansion of forest certification, but not at the expense of credibility”, Musta highlights.
“There are operatives around the world who have interests that work against sustainable use of forests. We strongly oppose these agents and making the work of PEFC more known is part of this fight,” she concludes.
Text: Sini-Maria Melanen
