Paper giant APRIL commits to end deforestation in Indonesia

Major producer of pulp and paper APRIL has announced a new ‘Sustainable Forest Management Plan’ to implement conservation measures that would help cut deforestation in Indonesia and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cutting trees.

Asia Pacific Resources International Ltd. (APRIL) – Indonesia’s second largest pulp and paper producer – and its sister company Royal Golden Eagle Group (RGE Group) have pledged to end deforestation across their supply chains.

The new set of measures include a stronger cooperation with NGOs, stronger peatland management, new High Carbon Stock (HCS) assessments and programmes to alleviate poverty and increase education in local communities.

APRIL Group President, Praveen Singhavi said, “This is a major step in our 15-year sustainability journey. This is about elimination of deforestation from our supply chain and builds on our longstanding commitment to conservation. We are delivering on conservation, social and economic benefits for Indonesia and a sustainable future for the company and our customers”.

Greenpeace said the NGO will temporarily stop its campaign to allow companies to implement the new measures.

Bustar Maitar, head of Greenpeace’s forest campaign in Indonesia said, “We commend APRIL for agreeing to end its deforestation, although we will be watching closely to make sure that today’s announcement leads to real change on the ground. Today’s commitment from APRIL and the RGE Group is yet more proof that forest protection is the way forward for plantation companies in Indonesia”.

“Even though Indonesia’s biggest pulpwood and palm oil companies are moving away from deforestation, the destruction on the ground continues. The government must now act to reform the forest sector so it works for people and the environment,” Maitar added.

Photo: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade via flickr

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Further reading:

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