Expanding Our Efforts Through Collaboration

For generations, International Paper, with its expert foresters and wildlife biologists, has led the forest products industry in promoting the planting and responsible harvesting of trees, in monitoring forest productivity and in conserving and protecting forest biodiversity. Our commitment to responsible forestry is complemented by ongoing collaborations with academic institutions, research and trade organizations and non-profit organizations. Through these relationships, International Paper is sustaining and building upon a proud heritage of land management and stewardship.

  • International Paper Continues Commitment to Conservation  

    In March 2013, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and International Paper established the Forestland Stewards Initiative, a pioneering partnership to conserve and restore southern forestlands representing some of America’s most iconic landscapes, critical habitats for endangered wildlife and economic opportunities. The initiative also highlights the critical role working forests play – especially for the United States, where 68 percent of all forests are working forests – by helping landowners improve working-forest management. The initiative supports conservation projects in three regions: the Piney Woods on the Louisiana-Texas border; the Cumberland Plateau of Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama and Georgia; and the low country forests of North Carolina and South Carolina.

    Seven grants were awarded in 2013, with a $750,000 investment from International Paper leveraging more than $3.8 million in additional funds and in-kind support from NFWF and project partners. These projects will restore over 4,000 acres of longleaf and shortleaf pine forest, enhance over 43,000 acres of forest habitat through prescribed fire and other management practices, provide educational outreach and technical support to over 300 private landowners and benefit wildlife species of conservation need that rely upon these forest habitats.

  • Global Forestry Collaboration Platforms  

    International Paper’s ongoing involvement promotes innovation and encourages continuous improvement of our worldwide responsible forest management efforts. Our global and country specific collaborations include:


    Global

    • World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD): Forests Solutions Group
    • World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
    • Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC®)

    Country-Specific

    • Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) (U.S.)
    • China Green Foundation (China)
    • Conservation International (U.S.)
    • Dogwood Alliance (U.S.)
    • Institute for Forest Biotechnology (IFB) (U.S.)
    • Institute for Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding (India)
    • National Council for Air & Stream Improvement (NCASI) (U.S.)
    • The National Fish & Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) (U.S.)
    • National Park Foundation (U.S.)
    • Two Sides U.S. — Commercial Membership (U.S.)
    • The Nature Conservancy (TNC) (U.S.)
    • North Carolina State University (NCSU) (U.S.)
    • Forest Research Institute (Poland)
    • St. Petersburg State Forestry University (Russia)
    • U.S. State Forestry Associations (U.S.)
    • SweTree Technologies (Sweden)
    • University of Minnesota (U.S.)
    • Von Thuringen Institute (Germany)
  • Restoring and Protecting Natural Habitats  

    International Paper owns and manages nearly 253,000 acres of Brazilian forestland, 75 percent of which is composed of eucalyptus plantations. One-quarter of this area is designated for nature conservation and has been converted to, or retained in, native vegetation.

    Forest management in Brazil is certified to a range of standards, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, Cerflor (PEFC), and FSC®. Ongoing research and development collaborations with a range of universities and scientific institutions allow us to continuously improve forest productivity and ecological conservation on our plantations. Our conservation efforts have been highlighted through biodiversity surveys spanning more than 15 years, which showed our Brazilian land to have more than 400 species of animals and 350 different native tree species.

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International Paper France Works to Educate Customers and Landowners on Responsible Forest Management

Our stewardship efforts actively address the environmental, social and economic values of forests. One example of how International Paper is educating employees, customers and other stakeholders about forest stewardship comes from an employee-led initiative at our Saillat Mill in France: The mill, managed by Phillippe D’Adhemar, constructed an educational forest trail, tracking International Paper’s role from tree to paper, and highlighting key aspects of forest management. Trail walkers can learn about the forest ecosystem and harvesting techniques used to ensure forest health. This exciting project was completed in March 2014.

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IP Supports Responsible Forestry with World Wildlife Fund Relationship

In 2013, International Paper joined the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Global Forest & Trade Network North America (GFTN-NA), a WWF initiative focused on eliminating illegal logging and promoting environmentally and socially responsible forest management. Our participation in the GFTN-NA is aligned with our internal goal of increasing fiber certification. This initiative complements our Responsible Fiber Sourcing Policy and our longstanding efforts to promote legal and sustainable forest management around the world. The initial scope of International Paper’s participation in the GFTN includes fiber sourced for our North American and Brazilian mills, representing more than two-thirds of our global fiber volume. For more information on GFTN see www.gftn.panda.org.

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Poplar plantation showcases sustainable innovation in Poland

International Paper’s poplar plantations in Poland set the example for responsible fiber sourcing. The plantations consist of fast-growing varieties of poplar trees that are intended to provide pulpwood and biomass for energy. Our plantation program was recognized by the Polish Minister of the Environment as a sustainable innovation in fiber sourcing and as a model of successful collaboration among farmers, government and industry within the European Union. The tree plantations — which are established on agricultural land — provide environmental benefits, create new sources of revenue for farmers and facilitate our compliance with environmental legislation.

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Pioneering India Farm Forestry: IP India

Farm forestry is the cultivation of sourced plantations, usually on former agricultural land. International Paper APPM established a farm forestry program in 1989, working with local farmers to plant casuarina, leucanea and eucalyptus seedlings. The program has enabled farmers in the districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagram, Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur, Prakasam and Nellore of Andhra Pradesh to cultivate forest plantations on their land. From 1989 to 2013, more than 1 billion seedlings were distributed to approximately 48,000 beneficiaries, allowing the planting of over 390,000 acres. In addition to creating a secure fiber supply for IP India, the program has significant benefits to the agrarian economy. The involvement of previously marginalized women in farm forestry, the employment of landless laborers and the sale of wood are some of the benefits that have resulted in noticeable improvement in the economic status and quality of life of the farming community.

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RPPN Forest Park SÃo Marcelo

In December 2013, International Paper celebrated 10 years of conservation and collaboration through our Private Reserve of Natural Heritage (RPPN), in São Marcelo, Brazil. The celebration included attendees from environmental and governmental entities, who learned about plant and animal life, environmental legislation and public policies. Encompassing 460 acres, the RPPN São Marcelo Forest Park engages in ongoing conservation and protection of soil and water resources. RPPN also contributes to the development of scientific research and educational outreach.

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China Green Foundation

In 2013, IP Asia, led by IP China President Cecilia Ho, supported reforestation in the Jinshanling area near Beijing in partnership with the China Green Foundation. Our donation supported the planting of additional seedlings, which will help mitigate the impacts of sandstorms common to the region. It was the fourth consecutive year we have supported this project.