Rainforest Action Network Gets New Executive Director, Its First Woman Leader

Rainforest Action Network (RAN), a member of Environmental Paper Network's Steering Committee and one of the nation’s leading environmental action organizations, has named Rebecca Tarbotton as its executive director. As the first woman to head the organization, Tarbotton joins an exclusive club of women leaders in the environmental sector. Among its multifaceted and effective work, RAN has been a leader in movement to protect old-growth forests from being turned in disposable paper products. They are currently aggressively challenging pulp and paper companies in Indonesia that are converting carbon-rich peatlands and rainforests to plantations and driving species such as the Sumatran tiger and the orangutan to extinction.

“From West Virginia communities resisting mountaintop removal mining to Indigenous groups in Sumatra trying to keep their rainforests standing, people around the globe are seeing the impacts of unchecked corporate power on their environment,” said Tarbotton. “For the past 25 years, RAN has convinced some of America’s largest corporations to value people not just profits. I’m honored to continue this legacy of fearless action as we work to protect rainforests, keep fossil fuels in the ground, and stop climate change.”.

For more, including a video message from RAN's new Executive Director, visit http://ran.org/ed

The Manomet report

A report by the Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences, commissioned by the Massachusetts state government, was released finding that biomass emissions for energy have real climate impacts. The report contains lots of good insights and shows quite definitively that biomass emissions must be included in our estimates of the climate impact of products, industries or activities. It is an important report and an important advance in the discussion.

That said, the report makes two assumptions that tend to underestimate the impact of biomass emissions and thus under-sell the need for policy changes to take the real impacts of biomass emissions fully into account.

The first is the idea of 'replacement' as the goal of policy. The second is the idea that the comparison of biomass should be limited to fossil fuel emissions. Now, Manomet may have been working strictly under the terms of reference given to them by the Massachusetts state government. But the deficiencies should be pointed out nonetheless.

Replacement. The idea that the use of biomass starts to yield benefits once the forest or ecosystem 'replaces' the carbon once released is the wrong baseline. The forest in question, if left unharvested and not used as biomass, would not be static. It would grow and absorb additional carbon in most cases. Thus, in the period of 'replacement, the forest might go from 50 tons of carbon per unit area (let's say) to more: 60, 75, or some other amount. So, the real impact is greater than the measurement against 'replacement.' Replacement may be a useful measurement tool, like measuring a half-life of radioactivity, but it is not the full impact. If we leave more forests intact without harvest for longer periods, we will tend to have that much carbon and more. That last option is the best option for the climate and is where we should drive policy. (Aside: this policy can also be beneficial to land-owners, since we might enact policies that encourage them to keep their forests intact for longer, such as tax breaks for those doing so, something like the Conservation Reserve Program that is so successful.)

Comparisons of impact. The report compares emissions from biomass to emissions from fossil fuels. It's a useful exercise. But it's not our only option. And we need to make those options very clear so we can decide collectively how to get at the problem in the best way. Our choices are not limited to biomass or fossil fuels. Conservation of energy measures and investing in wind, water and solar options are also on the table, though under-invested in.

Here is what the report presents:

Fossil Fuel Technology	Carbon Debt Payoff (yr)
Oil (£6), Thermal/CHP	5
Coal, Electric	21
Gas, Thermal	24
Gas, Electric	>90

But a more robust analysis of options might look something more like this:

Alternative	Carbon Debt Payoff (yr)
Oil (#6), Thermal/CHP	5
Coal, Electric	21
Gas, Thermal	24
Gas, Electric	>90
Wind, Water, Solar	?, >150, >200 ?
Source Reduction	180, >240 ? ">?, >180, >240 ?

As I wrote earlier, these are already underestimates, but leaving out the fact that our best policy alternatives are not referenced is a weakness in the report.

Sincere congratulations to Manomet for advancing the debate, but let's not forget what our best options are: keeping more forests storing more carbon across the landscape for longer periods and swapping out fossil fuels as rapidly as possible for conservation, wind, water and solar.

Are APP and APRIL Undermining Indonesia's Agreement with Norway?

An investigation by Eyes on the Forest has found that two of the world’s largest paper companies, Shanghai-based Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) and Singapore-based APRIL, are undermining the recent agreement between Indonesia and Norway “to contribute to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation, forest degradation and peatland conversion.”

The two companies together pulped five percent of the remaining natural forest in Sumatra’s Riau Province, twice the size of Indonesia’s capital Jakarta, an analysis of 2009’s annual cutting licenses (RKT) shows that these licenses were issued for the extraction of high timber volumes per hectare. Most of the clearance of these high quality forests occurred on peat soil more than three meters deep in violation of existing law. Draining of peat soil and clearing of natural forests has been the main source of Indonesia’s huge greenhouse gas emissions.

“APP and APRIL are undermining our President’s commitment to reduce the country’s emissions by up to 41 percent. We call on APP and APRIL to immediately stop using any timber associated with the conversion of tropical rainforest and draining of peatlands,” said Ian Kosasih of WWF Indonesia.

Both companies have advertised for years that they would no longer use natural forest fiber for their pulp production by 2009. But Eyes on the Forest estimates that the 2009 permits they acquired to clear natural forest in Riau alone may represent up to 40% and 84% of the raw material needs of APP’s and APRIL’s Riau pulp mills, respectively.

In his agreement with Norway, the President committed to institute a two year moratorium on all new concessions for conversion of peat and natural forest from January 2011. Yet immediately following the commitment, the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry issued new permits to drain deep peat and clear natural forest in Riau. The new licenses may represent up to 29% and 50% of APP’s and APRIL’s Riau mill’s raw material needs. APP and APRIL seem to be in a great hurry to clear Riau’s remaining forests before the moratorium starts, putting the President into a very embarrassing position. To Eyes on the Forest, it appears the announcement of the moratorium has been a signal to clear even more forests, even faster.

The report from Eyes on the Forest finds that APP has been draining peat and clearing natural forests in Riau’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve while advertising globally its full support for the reserve. APP has been clearing crucial habitats of the critically endangered Sumatran tiger increasing the often deadly conflicts between people and tigers, while widely advertising its contribution to tiger conservation in the same area in this “Year of the Tiger”. APP has been clearing High Conservation Value Forests that it had publicly committed to protect, while promoting its commitment to protect high conservation value forests in its PR campaigns.

The report also finds that APRIL has been clearing High Conservation Value Forests in deep peat areas, which WWF had delineated and the company had agreed to protect. By doing so APRIL broke the agreement with its international auditor, Rainforest Alliance’s SmartWood Program, who suspended the company’s FSC Controlled Wood certificate.

Learn more.....

Groups Sue to Stop GE Trees Release in Southern United States

An alliance of conservation organizations today sued the U.S. Department of Agriculture over its approval of open-air field tests of a genetically engineered (GE) hybrid of eucalyptus tree across the southern United States. The permit, issued to a company called ArborGen, which is a joint initiative of International Paper, MeadWestvaco and Rubicon, was approved May 12 with minimal environmental review. It authorizes the experimental planting and flowering of a new, genetically engineered hybrid on 28 secret sites across seven southern states — Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Texas.

“In refusing to prepare a detailed environmental review, the Department of Agriculture ignored serious risks before permitting this action,” said Marc Fink, an attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity. “Federal agencies can’t be allowed to neglect their duty to the public trust. Once this genie is out of the bottle and escapes to neighboring lands, it’s irreversible.”

ArborGen hopes its GE “cold-tolerant” Eucalyptus will become widely planted for pulp and biomass. But eucalyptus trees are not native to the United States and are known to become invasive, displacing native wildlife and plants in various areas around the country and increasing wildfire risk. “Releasing GE cold-tolerant Eucalyptus trees into the wild in multiple states greatly increases the risk they will spread uncontrollably throughout the region,” said Dr. Neil Carman of the Sierra Club.

In approving the GE eucalyptus permits, the Department of Agriculture ignored the concerns of numerous agencies and scientists, including the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council, which formally criticized the proposed open field tests of these genetically engineered trees.

In addition to approving these test sites, Agriculture is also considering a “deregulation” petition submitted by ArborGen that would allow widespread commercial planting of GE Eucalyptus without any limits or regulation. According to the U.S. Forest Service, GE Eucalyptusplantations in the southern United States would use more than twice the water of pine plantations in a region already suffering from a depleted water supply.

The Government Accountability Office and USDA inspector general have both issued sharply critical reports on the USDA’s management of genetically engineered organism (GMO) field tests. In 2006, a GE rice field test contaminated southern U.S. long-grain rice fields, causing billions in losses to farmers; in 2007, a federal court found that a GE bentgrass field test had contaminated a protected national grassland in Oregon. “The Department of Agriculture continues to tell the public that no further restrictions are needed on these novel organisms,” said George Kimbrell, an attorney for the plaintiffs. “In light of history, their empty promises here ring hollow.”

To read comments submitted by Georgia Department of Natural Resources, click here.

To read comments submitted by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council, click here.

The organizations that filed suit today are the Center for Biological Diversity, Sierra Club, Dogwood Alliance, International Center for Technology Assessment, Center for Food Safety and Global Justice Ecology Project.

Gucci Unveils Steps to Meet its Eco Promises

Gucci has announced the launch of a worldwide eco-friendly program designed to progressively reduce the company's impact on the environment, which includes following through on a commitment it made to Rainforest Action Network in November.

The centerpiece of this new initiative is packaging newly designed to reduce materials, exclusively use FSC Certified paper and to be 100% recyclable. The initiative will be introduced in all of its 284 directly operated stores around the world from June 2010. The new packaging concept not only represents an important action towards environmental responsibility, but also reinforces Gucci’s heritage as the company approaches its 90th anniversary in 2011. It is within this dual context that Gucci’s new packaging has been conceived by Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini pairing past with present and luxury with responsibility.

Patrizio di Marco, President and CEO of Gucci, said: “The world's leading brands are rightly judged today not just on the quality of their products and services, but also on the way they act in the community and towards the environment.

Gucci has committed that by the end of 2010 all of its purchases of non-recycled forest products will be Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified products to ensure that no paper is being sourced from endangered forests including the rainforests of Indonesia, one of world’s hotspots of deforestation and climate change. Furthermore, it will continue to seek alternative fiber options to use in its packaging products, include biodegradable bags made of corn, bamboo and cotton.

Through these various initiatives Gucci aims to achieve the following targets by the end of 2010:
- a reduction of 35 tons of plastic waste;
- a reduction of 1,400 tons of paper consumption (coming from the implementation of the new packaging, the replacement of a cardboard box with a recyclable bag and the optimisation of paper consumption from catalogs and promotional materials);
- a reduction of about 10,000 tons of Co2 emissions;
- a reduction of about 4 million liters of gas oil consumption.

Lafcadio Cortesi, Forest Campaign Director of the Rainforest Action Network (RAN) an Environmental Paper Network member, commented, "We are impressed with Gucci's actions to improve its environmental footprint. The company’s decision to reduce its paper and wood consumption and only buy FSC Certified products will help protect Indonesian and other endangered forests around the world and sets an example for other companies in the luxury sector.”

Green Freedom? Really?

When I recently saw the logo of the new astroturf organization called, "Green Freedom," I honestly wondered if it was a joke. Its clenched fist/leaf just seemed too over-the-top, maybe even something out of a satirical article in the Onion.

But no, its a well funded and serious effort to confuse the public and discredit environmental NGO's around the world, as a means to protect the agenda of expansion and unconstrained exploitation of land and people by multinational corporations, particularly in the global South.

I think this article from June 2nd by Peter Nowack is a good summary of not only Green Freedom, but a fuller picture of an uncanny emergence of several such organizations simultaneously. Mr. Nowack says,

"In the last few weeks, pro-industry organizations here in the US, in Indonesia, and in the EU have been awakend from their slumber and are ramping up their rhetoric against Environmental Non-Profit Organizations (ENGOs) which seek to bring an end to deforestation and landscape-scale conversion of biologically diverse forestlands into monoculture plantations."

Read the full article here.....

VIDEO: Breakthrough in Tasmanian Struggle over Gunns Ltd. Pulp Mill

Environmental Paper Network members The Wilderness Society - Australia (TWS), would like to share a video announcing a major breakthrough in their work to achieve protection for ancient and endangered forests in Tasmania. If you've been following it or are a party involved, you know this hotspot has been one of the most urgent struggles in the story of the social and environmental transformation of the pulp and paper industry.

The Wilderness Society is now announcing....

"John Gay and Robin Gray have been forced to step down from the Board of Gunns Ltd and will no longer have any further involvement with the company or its subsidiaries.

This is fantastic news for Tasmania's precious forests - it now creates the opportunity to achieve permanent and lasting resolutions to the conflict over forestry in Tasmania."

Watch the video here.....

Scientists to Congress: Don't Cook the Books on CO2 Emissions from Bioenergy

This week, ninety of America's leading scientists delivered a letter urging U.S. House and Senate leaders to make sure that any climate/energy bill or regulation accurately accounts for carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions when it comes to bioenergy.

According to the scientists, what the United States decides to do in terms of accounting for bioenergy will have major repercussions around the globe. "U.S. laws will also influence world treatment of bioenergy. A number of studies in distinguished journals have estimated that globally improper accounting of bioenergy could lead to large-scale clearing of the world's forests."

Specifically, the incorporation of the latest science into national and product-based carbon accounting could have big implications on the paper industry. This is evidenced by the strategically crafted response by AF&PA CEO Donna Harmon to the US EPA's recent ruling that it would not automatically treat biogenic carbon sources as "carbon neutral." Unfortunately, the industry is doing the equivalent of arguing against the existence of gravity, because the science is more and more clear, and the myth is gradually being dispelled of the inherent "carbon neutrality" of burning biomass energy and of status-quo forestry.

The letter from the scientists cautions decision makers about the basic mistake that biomass is "carbon neutral," explaining: "Clearing or cutting forests for energy, either to burn trees directly in power plants or to replace forests with bioenergy crops, has the net effect of releasing otherwise sequestered carbon into the atmosphere, just like the extraction and burning of fossil fuels. That creates a carbon debt, may reduce ongoing carbon uptake by the forest, and as a result may increase net greenhouse gas emissions for an extended time period and thereby undercut greenhouse gas reductions needed over the next several decades."

Burning wood waste for energy will continue to be a part of the comprehensive solution at pulp and paper mills into the future, and the industry is noteworthy in its efficient use of this material. Its clearly not the goal of these scientists or outspoken conservationists to eliminate this practice, but the critical issue is that we have to follow the science and count it correctly, in order to arrive at optimal public policy decisions and useful product carbon footprinting comparisions that help consumers make responsible choices.

For the full list of the 90 scientists and the text of the joint letter, go to http://216.250.243.12/90scientistsletter.pdf.

Children’s Book Publishers Using Paper Linked to Rainforest Destruction

Rainforest Action Network (RAN) has released a new report, entitled Turning the Page on Rainforest Destruction; Children’s Books and the Future of Indonesia’s Rainforests, finds that a majority of the top ten U.S. children’s publishers have released at least one children’s book that tested positive for paper fiber linked to the destruction of Indonesia’s rainforests, including some books that describe the benefits of rainforest conservation.

“Considering that many publishers have already made public commitments to reduce their environmental footprint, we were surprised by the industry-wide scope of the problem,” said Lafcadio Cortesi of Rainforest Action Network. “We don’t think that kids and their parents want to choose between loving books and protecting the rainforest.”

RAN had 30 colored children’s books tested for fiber associated with deforestation in Indonesia and found that 18 of the 30 books (60 percent) contained controversial fiber. RAN’s tests point to a growing industry trend toward the overseas printing of children’s books, as well as other glossy paper books like coffee table books and textbooks, on fiber that is from controversial and endangered sources.

“There are clear, workable alternatives to printing on paper that destroys the world’s last remaining rainforests,” continued Cortesi. “The publishing industry shouldn’t tolerate printing even one book that contributes to rainforest destruction, species extinction and climate change. ”

Worldwide, the degradation and destruction of tropical rainforests is responsible for fifteen percent of all annual greenhouse emissions. The carbon emissions resulting from Indonesia’s rapid deforestation account for up to five percent of global emissions: more than the combined emissions from all the cars, planes, trucks, buses and trains in United States. This huge carbon footprint from the destruction of forests and peatlands has made non-industrialized Indonesia the third-largest global greenhouse gas emitter, behind only the U.S. and China.

The full text of the report can be downloaded at www.ran.org/bookreport

Canadian forest industry and environmental groups sign world's largest conservation agreement

Today, Environmental Paper Network member organizations ForestEthics, Canopy and Greenpeace, along with 6 other leading environmental organizations and twenty-one forest products companies, announced a landmark Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement. The ambitious initiative commences with a moratorium on all logging across more than 70 million acres of rich Boreal Forest, as key parties begin long-term conservation planning over 175 million acres – an area the size of Texas.

Find out the full list of signatory organizations and companies, and read the press release here.

The largest conservation initiative in history, the Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement seeks to conserve critical Boreal Forest land, preserve the vulnerable woodland caribou, and implement world-leading forestry practices. While this planning is done over the next three years, members of the Forest Products Association of Canada will honor a moratorium on logging covering 29 million hectares (71 million acres) of prime caribou habitat – an area the size of New Zealand.

Read the details of the agreement >>

New investigation finds suspect clearing operations of natural forest in Indonesia

Release from WWF - Apr 29, 2010

The coalition Eyes on the Forest (EoF), based on the ground in Indonesia, has published a new Investigative Report on two Asia Pulp & Paper (APP)/Sinar Mas Group (SMG) wood suppliers who conducted natural forest clearance in Kerumutan peat forest, Sumatra. These forests are some of the last refuges for the endangered Sumatran elephant and the critically endangered Sumatran tiger. If forest clearing isn't halted, both could become locally extinct in a few years' time. Forest loss is the single biggest threat to Sumatra’s elephants. Most of Sumatra’s decline of local elephant herds, from 1400 to less than 200, happened where large areas of forest were lost or severely fragmented.

The Investigative Report found that natural forest clearance operations by both APP-affiliated companies are legally questionable based upon existing laws and regulations as they cleared natural forest with dense canopy cover which is not allowed to be converted into plantations, and both companies cleared natural forest on peat with a depth of more than 3 meters deep, which is not allowed to be converted into plantations

The two companies, PT Bina Duta Laksana and PT Mutiara Sabuk Khatulistiwa, also have majority of the concessions overlaps with national Protected Area and some of the concessions overlaps with provincial Protected Areas (RTRWP). The natural forest clearance and plantation development in these concessions do not provide any benefit for the local communities, moreover they create social-economic conflicts as villagers suffer economic losses.

These forest clearance operations also significantly contribute to global climate change, the EoF analysis of satellite imagery found that by 2005, the majority of both concessions were still covered by quite dense canopy natural forest. However, by 2008, at least 9,678 ha and 6,560 ha of natural forest was lost respectively. Future forest clearance in Sumatra is planned in areas with deep peat, some more than 20 meters deep, which houses vast quantities of carbon that will be emitted as it is disturbed. The draining of peatlands and associated peat fires have been one of the drivers that made Indonesia the third-largest emitter of CO2 in the world, behind only the United States and China.

The EoF coalition is calling on the two companies and APP/SMG to immediately stop all further clearance of natural forest in their concessions due to the questionable legality of their activities, social conflicts, threat to critically endangered Sumatran tigers and other High Conservation Values, and its potential negative impacts on the climate.

Download the Investigative Report by Eyes on the Forest

Are Paper Receipts Headed for Extinction?

Around the Environmental Paper Network, there's always lots of nerdy "paper talk." But for some reason, this week, there's been a noteworthy amount of chatter and buzz coming in about paper receipts.

What's up?

You may already know that thermal receipt paper can not be recycled. Strike one.

Now, there are new concerns. Organizations such as Practice Greenhealth, the folks at ScienceNews.com and bloggers such as the EcoMoms have become quite alarmed at the revelation that many paper receipts are coated with BPA (bisphenol A) and in a manner that allows it to end up all over your fingers after you've stuffed it in a pocket or into a trash bin. The EcoWomen break it down,

1. There are two types of paper used in cash register receipts: bond which is plain paper like what you write on and thermal-coated which is coated with a chemical that reveals marks when struck–this is the more popular type of receipt paper because it doesn’t require ink–the cash register merely bangs the information onto the receipt and the thermal coating reacts to the impact and heat, creating the images on the paper.

2. BPA was created to coat plastic in 1939. BPA is used to stabilize the chemicals on thermal-coated paper so the receipt paper doesn’t take on every mark from every single thing touching it, and it better preserves the marks on the paper.

Wikipedia can tell you about the health concerns and controversy surrounding Bisphenol A, HERE. Strike two.

And the question becomes, are paper receipts really the most convenient, efficient and secure way to serve customers. The folks writing over at SoftwareAdvice.com think that some of the electronic solutions are a better way to go for everyone. They are hosting a poll this month asking readers to, "please kill the paper receipt." You can vote here.

So, a more convenient alternative exists for most paper receipt uses? By my count that's strike three, and......

Let us know what you think. Please leave a comment below.

Chill Out! Campus Solutions to Global Warming Webcast

The RePaper Project, a project of the EPN, is proud to partner with the National Wildlife Federation Campus Ecology Program's Chill Out: Campus Solutions to Global Warming webcast. This year marks the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day! Celebrate by hosting a free webcast at your school or organization that offers inspiring stories of colleges and universities who are making a difference against climate change today!

Chill Out showcases colleges that are cutting their carbon footprint and working towards a sustainable future. The Chill Out webcast is the perfect organizing tool to host on its own or with other Earth Day activities. The free 30 minute webcast will be available beginning on April 21 and will be available through the summer. Bring this free webcast to your campus or organization! Tune in and Chill Out this Earth Day. For more information and to register go to:

www.campuschillout.org

New: The Paper Steps - On Campus

The RePaper Project, a project of the Environmental Paper Network, released a new resource today entitled Paper Steps on Campus: 9 Steps to Protecting the Climate and Reducing Waste through Campus Paper Policies.

The guide, compiled in partnership with the National Wildlife Federation and Recycling Organizations of North America, is an essential resource for colleges and universities instituting sustainability initiatives on campus. Far beyond simple paper recycling advice, it is a comprehensive tool for campuses committed to pushing their climate and sustainability practices to the next level.

“Even if your campus has sustainability measures in place,” commented Pam Blackledge, RePaper Project Coordinator and one of the authors of the guide, “implementing one or more of the nine steps outlined in this guide will help you maximize your commitment to the environment. Updating paper policies using this guide offers a huge opportunity to cut costs, cut waste, and cut your campus carbon footprint.”

The collegiate community has been a leader in sustainability programs. When it comes to recovering paper for recycling, however, we need to improve. According to a National Wildlife Federation report, 40-50% of the solid waste stream from campuses is paper. Much of the paper being used on campus is typically white, office grade paper. Therefore, campuses are well poised to make a significant impact not only on how that paper is disposed, but how it is made, purchased and sourced.

According to Jack DeBell, one of the founders of Recycling Organizations of North America and director of CU Recycling in Boulder, “Campuses are positioned to make a dramatic impact on recycling. To receive maximum environmental benefit, high-grade paper from our campuses should follow a unique recycling path so that it can re-enter the market as high-quality recycled office paper.”

"Many colleges in the U.S. have sprawling campuses and transportation systems, which leads to large carbon footprints that endanger the health of our environment,” said Kristy Jones, Senior Manager of National Wildlife Federation’s Campus Climate Education and Action. “However, many schools are proving to their communities that sustainability is not merely possible--going green can save the campuses money. The Paper Steps on Campus guide will help campuses continue these successes by increasing efficiency of paper usage."

Paper Steps on Campus creates yet another opportunity for the collegiate community to be a leader in sustainability. Implementing environmental paper policies will not only improve a campus’s carbon footprint and reduce waste, but will also, through ethical procurement policies, support businesses developing innovative marketplace solutions necessary for the low-carbon economy 21st century.

To download Paper Steps on Campus, please follow this link:
http://www.environmentalpaper.org/repaperprojectforms/campusguidepaper.html.

To find out more information about the RePaper Project, visit www.repaperproject.org.

Indonesian Paper Giant APRIL’s Certification Status Suspended

SmartWood, an independent forest management certifier, has suspended the interim certification of Asia Paper Resources International Limited (APRIL) pulp products. The paper giant failed to meet the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)’s minimum standard for "controlled wood" certification. The disciplinary action came after APRIL was found to have violated FSC’s controlled wood standard, including prohibitions against conversion of rainforests to create paper plantations, destruction of High Conservation Value Forests, including peatlands, and conflicts with communities.

APRIL’s loss of its certified status means that both of Indonesia’s leading pulp and paper companies, which together account for more than 80 percent of Indonesia’s production, have failed to meet the third party certification body’s lowest bar for environmental and social risk. The FSC disassociated itself altogether from APRIL’s rival and Indonesia’s largest paper producer, Asia Pulp and Paper (APP), in 2007.

“SmartWood is finally validating what communities have known all along,” said Syahrizal community leader of the village of Teluk Meranti and founding member of the Riau Province Community Council for Peatlands (Dewan Jaringan Masyarakat Gambut Riau). “APRIL is failing to respect communities’ rights, appropriating our traditional lands and cutting down the forests we rely on for our food, shelter and livelihoods.”

APRIL’s interim FSC certification, awarded just one year ago, has been widely viewed as a test to see if the controversial industry giant could reach the minimum standard used in FSC certified products. Following today’s suspension, the company will have the opportunity to try to rectify its failures before its controlled wood certificate is entirely revoked. To even be considered eligible for re-certification, APRIL must demonstrate to Smart Wood auditors that they have stopped all conversion of natural forest within ten days.

“This means that until practices on the ground drastically improve, pulp and paper products from Indonesia must be off limits to anyone who cares about human rights, the climate or rainforests,” said Lafcadio Cortesi of Rainforest Action Network, a member of the Environmental Paper Network. “...if you’re a paper purchaser, it’s just too controversial to buy from either APRIL or APP.”

According to conservation groups, paper companies have already severed ties based on their own due diligence – Finnish paper giant UPM Kymmene cancelled its contract with APRIL estimated at $US33 million in November 2009. With eroding market and investor confidence, APRIL may find itself in the position of rival APP that since 2008 lost an estimated US$300 million in annual sales with customers such as Office Depot, Unisource, Gucci Group, Ricoh and Corporate Express due to social and environmental concerns. Leading civil society organizations in Indonesia have called for buyers and investors in the Indonesia pulp and paper sector to require fundamental reforms before conducting further business with the sector.

More information at WALHI Riau www.walhi.or.id and Scale Up www.scale-up.or.id