Australian timber industry news

Over the past few weeks Combilift has been receiving award after award, the display shelves in the company’s building must be groaning under the strain but it proves that this is an outstanding company. September 2024 has been an extraordinary month for Combilift, with a winning streak of seven awards. Source: Timberbiz Combilift, the Irish manufacturing giant, celebrated a landmark achievement at the prestigious Irish Exporter of the Year Awards 2024, becoming the first Irish firm in history to win the coveted Exporter of the Year title three times. The IEA (Irish Exporters Association) event hosted at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre, saw Combilift not only secure the title of Manufacturing Exporter of the Year, sponsored by Ace Express Freight, but also claimed the ultimate honour of being named Overall Irish Exporter of the Year 2024, sponsored by KPMG. In 1998, Robert Moffett and Martin McVicar co-founded the business with a unique forklift concept designing a truck that could move forwards and backwards like any regular forklift but, at the flick of a switch, could also travel sideways. Combilift’s first model, the multidirectional 4-tonne C-Series, is still in production 26 years later. “Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to receive various awards, but being named Irish Exporter of the Year is a significant achievement. Competing with industries across the island, including large global manufacturers in sectors like pharmaceuticals and medical devices, was no easy task,” CEO Martin McVicar said. “This award wasn’t just about submitting an application; it also involved two rigorous interviews in front of a panel of 14-15 independent judges from diverse industries. “Winning this award shows that we’ve been recognised as a fully-fledged manufacturing company that truly exports globally. “We don’t simply rebadge products, we design, fabricate, paint, and assemble our vehicles from start to finish before exporting them worldwide.” Combilift’s victory at this year’s Irish Exporter of the Year Awards is the latest in a long line of accolades. The company previously won the Irish Exporter of the Year award in 2008 and again in 2015, making this their third time receiving the prestigious title. These successes reflect Combilift’s ongoing commitment to innovation, growth, and quality in a highly competitive global market. These awards acknowledge Combilift’s significant contribution to the international marketplace, its innovative approach to engineering, and its relentless focus on fostering a culture of creativity and forward-thinking within the industry. Like any moving vehicle, forklifts need servicing to keep running efficiently. For Combilift, the route to market is through a global dealer network with skilled service engineers. “We provide comprehensive in-house training and also offer service training in local markets. Having professional local service on the customer’s doorstep is crucial, along with rapid access to parts, and today Combilift has more than 300 dealer distributors around the world,” Mr McVicar said. Combilift’s 2024 awards: UK EMA – Design Team of the Year, for the Combi-BLADE UK EMA – Industry Leader Award, recognising Martin McVicar’s exceptional leadership UKMHA Archies – Ergonomics of the Year Award, for the Combi-CB70E UKMHA Archies – Product of the Year Award, for the Combi-BLADE Deloitte Best Managed Company – Platinum Award, for the 12th consecutive year Irish Exporter of the Year – Manufacturing Exporter of the Year Irish Exporter of the Year – Overall Winner – Irish Exporter of the Year 2024

The Forestry (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2024 successfully passed both houses of the Tasmanian Parliament in September and has been gazetted, helping modernise the state’s private forestry regulations. Source: Timberbiz The Bill introduces 11 key amendments aimed at reducing red tape, ensuring fairer financial arrangements, and updating decades-old provisions. These changes come after a thorough internal review by Private Forests Tasmania’s Board of Directors and extensive consultations with private forest stakeholders. PFT Policy and Data Analyst Murray Root said the legislative reform project addressed several issues that had accumulated over the years. “Since private forestry regulations hadn’t seen substantial updates for 20 years, the need for modernisation was clear,” Mr Root said. “The new amendments tackle inefficiencies in the private timber reserve (PTR) application process, adjust the private forest service levy to make it fairer, and update outdated legislative references and provisions. “With reduced red tape, fairer levy structures, and a range of updated legislative provisions, private forest stakeholders can now operate in a more supportive and equitable environment. “The reforms underscore Tasmania’s commitment to sustainable forestry practices while supporting private landowners in their forestry endeavours.” Key amendment objectives include: Streamlining private timber reserve application process The changes reduce red tape and improve the efficiency of the PTR application process. For instance, one amendment introduces a simplified process for minor boundary extensions for existing PTR’s. This removes the requirement for public notification, as long as the expansion is minor (no more than 10% or up to 40 hectares) and does not encroach within 50 meters of neighbouring properties. This is expected to speed up application processing times and reduce administrative burdens for both landowners and PFT. Also, previously the Governor’s involvement was required to declare a PTR. However, this responsibility has now been transferred to the Forest Practices Authority Board, reducing the time it takes to finalise applications. Fairer private forest service levy A key change is the removal of the levy on first rotation plantings on previously cleared land, incentivising new plantation establishment in these circumstances, encouraging more farm foresters to plant trees. The bill also gives the PFT Board the power to waive levies under special circumstances, such as during natural disasters or personal hardships, making the system more flexible and equitable. Modernising and clarifying legislation Several amendments focus on modernising the language and functions of PFT in the Private Forests Act 1994. These updates reflect current operating realities. This includes clearer roles in supporting competitive markets, assisting with infrastructure development, and contributing to national reporting. Forestry rights recognition The bill clarifies the definition of forestry rights, ensuring that holders of rights under the Forestry Rights Registration Act 1990 are recognised similarly to those under the Forest Management Act 2013. This resolves inconsistencies in how these rights holders are recognised in the forest practices system.

A campaign promoting the benefits of wood as a sustainable material has kicked off with a three-month pilot program, trialling a new strategy to provide year-round coverage and drive an increase in consumer perceptions of forest and wood products. Source: Timberbiz Fresh off its full-page feature in the AFL Grand Final Record magazine last month with an estimated one million views, The Ultimate Renewable campaign is testing a more long-term, targeted approach to reaching consumers. Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) has run The Ultimate Renewable campaign annually since 2019, communicating the environmental benefits of wood and wood products to a broad audience. The campaign directly contributes to FWPA’s strategic plan to improve consumer perceptions and position wood as a preferred material – in turn, growing customer demand for wood products and supporting members and industry across the supply chain. Traditionally run as a 1–2-month mass media advertising campaign encompassing television, radio, billboards, print and digital media, the June-July 2023 campaign gained more than 22 million impressions and increased support for our industry among consumers, as measured in post-campaign tracking. However, a more recent consumer survey conducted in June 2024 showed fewer people perceived wood as a preferred material than the previous year, with perceptions of wood as an environmentally friendly material also dropping. Sarah Downey, Head of Marketing and Communications at FWPA said the shift in public perception was potentially caused by a mix of societal factors as well as campaign strategy. “While the current economic climate and rising costs have influenced buying behaviour around the country, these survey results also suggest that a two-month, mass media campaign may not be driving the lasting impact on consumer sentiment we aim to achieve,” she said. “While this approach can be highly effective for boosting brand awareness, it does not always translate to behaviour or attitude change in a largely passive audience with little to no knowledge of the forest and wood products industry.” To drive a more long-term and impactful increase in consumer perceptions, FWPA is trialling a shift in campaign strategy to a more targeted, ‘always on’ approach to keep the campaign message front of mind year-round. With this strategy, the focus will move from the more expensive, large-scale, and hard to measure TV and billboard advertising to a more targeted digital, radio and print campaign, stretching the budget further. Ms Downey said the plan is to run the campaign throughout the year rather than a short, concentrated campaign. “Extending the campaign across the whole year will build a consistent market presence where consumers are repeatedly inspired to make choices that benefit both people and the planet,” she said. Using the strong messaging of ‘Wood. Grow. Harvest. Repeat.’ and repurposing creative from 2023, which was shown to resonate with audiences, the new ‘always on’ campaign strategy will also allow for better tracking of results and return on investment for FWPA members. In developing this new approach, FWPA undertook extensive campaign evaluation, consumer market surveys and leveraged the social license research to form a plan backed by evidence. Using this data, the campaign will target audience groups who are best placed to receive new information and be positively influenced by the messaging, including younger audiences, home renovators, builders, designers and retargeting those who have previously visited The Ultimate Renewable website or watched campaign videos. Results of the pilot campaign will be gathered in November and shared with FWPA members and industry in the coming months, along with plans for the remainder of FY2024/25.  

The Softwoods Working Group has welcomed the launch of the NSW Government Plantations Fire Protection Fund 2024-25 with applicants invited to apply for identified priority projects. Source: Timberbiz The SWG has facilitated the Plantations Fire Reference Group undertaking collaborative investigation of high impact projects with local processing plants, growers, industry representatives, councils, and fire authorities. The launch of the program follows extensive community collaboration, identifying the most effective projects to protect the Murray region’s critical plantation timber supplies in preparation for the upcoming bushfire season. Working closely with the Plantations Fire Reference Group, the Softwoods Working Group facilitated a truly collaborative approach to assess the risk to the plantation estate, surrounding communities, and vital assets. Project owners, chosen for their suitability, have now been invited to apply for funding. “The approach to identifying opportunities, collective agreement among the group members and the discretionary effort that has been applied is nothing short of astounding,” SWG Executive Carlie Porteous said. The $13 million pilot program, announced in May 2024 by the NSW Government, provides grants ranging from $50,000 to $12.9 million. It aims to achieve key fire prevention and response objectives, including: Bushfire Prevention: Constructing new and maintaining existing strategic fire trails and asset protection zones. Early Fire Detection: Enhancing rapid response capability through fire towers, remote sensing, and camera technology. Improved Response Operations: Supplying additional fire tankers, equipment, and infrastructure to strengthen tactical and operational responses. Administered by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, this pilot program will be closely monitored and evaluated to determine its potential for statewide expansion. “We expect to collect data on effectiveness of the assets and infrastructure and provide this back to the government for future decision making, and hopefully a new model of coordination at a regional scale,” Ms Porteous said.

The Northland Wood Council proudly hosted the Northland Forestry Awards at MacKay Stadium in late September, honouring the exceptional contributions of individuals and organizations in the forestry sector. Source: Timberbiz, Photo Jess Burges Photography The event drew an impressive crowd of 450 guests, with renowned MC Te Radar skillfully guiding the audience through an inspiring night filled with celebration and recognition. At the heart of the evening was the announcement of the Supreme Forest Industry Award for 2024, which went to Graham Waru of Rosvall Sawmill Limited. With more than two decades of experience in the forestry industry, Mr Waru has solidified himself as a cornerstone of his organization, renowned for his commitment to product quality, consistency, and precision. His relentless pursuit of excellence, coupled with his dedication to training and mentorship, has made him an invaluable asset to his team. Graham’s exceptional leadership and foresight not only elevate his craft; they significantly enhance the overall growth of his organization. His perfectionism and dedication to his work are truly commendable, establishing him as a worthy recipient of such a prestigious award. “There is a huge reservoir of knowledge and skills in this region and the industry has to celebrate its achievements and the people that are out there working every day,” Matt Pederson chair of the Northland Wood Council said. He remarked how he was encouraged by the fantastic response from the sponsors, the quantity of nominations & those guests at the awards in supporting the event especially when the environment out there was so challenging. The night also celebrated the remarkable achievements of the Ngati Hine Forestry Trust, which was honoured with the Outstanding Environmental Management award. Their transformative Indigenous Forestry Strategy exemplifies a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, integrating traditional Māori knowledge with contemporary sustainable practices. The Trust’s initiatives in native forest restoration and biodiversity enhancement resonate strongly with the community, showcasing a robust connection between their people and the land. Among other notable awards, Jess Winikerei from Mold Logging Limited was recognized as the Emerging Talent of the Year. Her commitment during her apprenticeship, high production output, and strong work ethic highlights the bright prospects of future leaders in the forestry sector. Additionally, IK & SM Newey Transport celebrated significant successes, with multiple awards recognizing team members for excellence in distribution, log truck driver and innovation. Ian Newey’s groundbreaking development of an electric winch system is a prime example of how technology can enhance safety and operational efficiency in the industry. The Northland Wood Council extend their congratulations to all winners and nominees, whose hard work continues to shape the future of forestry in Northland. The winners: Supreme Forest Industry Award (sponsored by Northland Wood Council) Graham Waru (Rosvall Sawmill LTD) Forestry Family of the Year (sponsored Rayonier – Matariki) Cale and Dane Subritzky-Clark (Subritzky-Clark Logging 2024) Outstanding Innovation of the Year (sponsored by Qube Ports) Ian Newey (IK and SM Newey Transport) Outstanding Health and Safety Management (sponsored by Summit Forest NZ Ltd) John Lumby (Northpine Limited) Outstanding Environmental Management (sponsored by Wise on Wood) Ngati Hine Forestry Trust Forestry Excellence (sponsored by Rosvall Sawmill) Stuart Warren (Stuart Warren) Roading Excellence (sponsored by Fortuna) Nik Birch (JSB Construction) & Andrew Bradley (JSB Construction) Harvesting Excellence (sponsored by AB Equipment &Tigercat) Richard Connolly (Rosewarne Logging) Distribution Excellence (sponsored by PMG – Pacific Motor Group) Russell Masters (IK & SM Newey Transport) Primary Wood Processing & Manufacturing Excellence (sponsored by Whangarei ITM/Waipapa Pine) Jonathon Lawson (Croft Poles & Timber) Secondary Wood Processing & Manufacturing Excellence (sponsored by Croft Poles & Timber) Graham Waru (Rosvall Sawmill LTD) Tree Faller Excellence (sponsored by Northland Forestry Managers) Joel Niha-Neumann (Niha Contracting Limited) & Derek Rosewarne (Rosewarne Cable Loggers) Woman in Forestry Excellence (sponsored by PF Olsen) Jenna Ringrose (Rosewarne and Ringrose) Log Truck Driver Excellence (sponsored by Patchell Group of Companies) David (Billy) Kanara (IK & SM Newey Transport) Emerging Talent of the Year (sponsored by Forestry CO) Jess Winikerei (Mold Logging Ltd) Trainee of the Year (sponsored by Competenz) Taausi (Lapi) Peletana (Croft Poles & Timber) Good Deed Award (sponsored by Safetree) Jack Ratu (Rosewarne Contractors – Crew 89).  

The newly established Forestry Centre of Excellence (FCoE) in Mount Gambier is showcasing how its world class research is already supporting positive commercial outcomes through new product development, providing a pathway to grow the sector and generate new local jobs. Source: Timberbiz South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas last week revealed new artist impressions for the research centre construction, a collaboration between government, UniSA and the forest industry. The centre consolidates the work of the Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub (GTFIH), Tree Breeding Australia and LITA Training with the goal of becoming an international leader in forest industries research, education, product and market development. The GTFIH used the launch to brief the State Government on its Splinters to Structures project, which has created a new engineered wood product utilising softwood pulp and hardwood log, which has traditionally had no specific domestic application. The collaborative research project, delivered in partnership with Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA) with funding from the Federal Government, is favouring a Glue Laminated Timber (GLT) product made exclusively from Eucalyptus Globulus (Bluegum) grown in the Green Triangle. Hub members are now planning to conduct a feasibility study to understand how to commercialise the product. Hub board member, Australian Bluegum Plantations (ABP) CEO Russ Hughes, said the FCoE will play a pivotal role in bringing the whole supply chain together, understanding how to optimise fibre use and generate new value-add. “We applaud both the State and Federal Government for their commitment to invest in research, working in partnership with industry, to deliver transformative projects which increase the sustainability of our sector, supporting the development of new wood innovation which will deliver long-term regional economic outcomes,” he said. “The Splinters to Structures project is providing a pathway to diversify the region’s market base, providing a new domestic building product with a low carbon profile supporting the imbalance between supply and demand for such high value products. Importantly the FCoE will provide industry with the tools to deliver more market capability in the long-term, building greater regional capacity and supporting our international reputation.” GTFIH deputy chair Laurie Hein said the Hub looked forward to working with the FCoE’s new director Jeff Morrell to build a visionary research plan, concentrated on increasing expertise across the workforce. “The work delivered by the Hub through its partnership with UniSA over the past five years has been progressive, supporting this new product development, intelligence on plantation water use, the estate’s carbon capability and delivering a toolkit for farm forestry expansion and broader state and federal policy outcomes,” Mr Hein said. “The launch of the FCoE will supercharge this strategic approach, enabling broader national and international collaborations and partnerships to position the Green Triangle as a global leader in plantation research and development.” To learn more about the GTFIH research outcomes visit www.gtfih.com.au  

The state body for the forest and timber industry in Queensland has released its key policy recommendations in the lead up to the state election to support essential timber supply chains to meet the state’s growing housing and construction needs. Source: Timberbiz “Our local plantation softwood and native hardwood and cypress forest sectors already make a significant contribution to the supply of timber and engineered wood products for the state’s building needs,” Timber Queensland CEO Mick Stephens said. “However, Queensland’s population is bursting at the seams and will need more timber to meet future housing and construction demand including for our homes, schools, hospitals, apartments and offices. “The good news is that with the right policy settings and provision of resource security, the industry can invest in more forest resources and new plant and equipment together with skilled jobs to meet the rising demand for building materials such as timber,” he said. “In addition, the industry is renewable and can help governments and the private sector to reduce their carbon footprint in the built environment through the use of wood products which have far lower emissions than other materials such as steel and concrete. “That is why the timber industry is advocating for a five-point plan that can address the investment needs of industry and the role Government can take in unlocking the potential for industry to grow and provide essential timber building materials. “For too long the industry has simply been taken for granted and this election represents an opportunity to make a significant difference in putting the industry back in the forefront of strategic economic development,” Mr Stephens said. The five key themes of the plan include: resource security for the native hardwood sector; new investment drivers for plantations and farm forestry; wood processing innovation and supply chain efficiency; workforce development and training; and indigenous forestry opportunities. “We urge all parties to recognise the multiple benefits from a strong local timber industry which has historically been the backbone of many regional communities and the state’s housing and public infrastructure development,” Mr Stephens said. “We are passionate and committed to working with government, stakeholders and industry for sustained growth. We care about our industry, our people, our environment and our future.” The Timber Queensland election policy statement can be download here.

Australia and New Zealand have welcomed the European Commission’s decision last week to delay implementation of a law banning the import of commodities linked to deforestation by a year. Source: Timberbiz The law had been hailed as a landmark in the fight against climate change, but countries and industries from Brazil to Malaysia say it is protectionist and could end up excluding millions of poor, small-scale farmers from the EU market. There were also widespread warnings from industry that the EU deforestation regulation, or EUDR, would disrupt the European Union’s supply chains and push up prices. The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said the law imposed complex due diligence requirements that would create technical barriers for a range of Australian agricultural products. She said it had the potential to affect around $234 million in Australian exports. “A delay in implementation of the Regulation will provide an opportunity to further work with the EU to ensure the measure does not impose requirements that create unnecessary barriers to Australian exports,” Ms Collins said. “We will continue advocating for our world-class agricultural products and work closely with State and Territory governments to support the sustainable management of our valuable forests.” The Australian Forestry sector welcomes the European Union Commission’s announcement of a one-year delay in the implementation of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The EUDR, designed to ensure that products sold in the EU are not linked to deforestation, was initially set to take effect on 30 December 2024. However, countries from around the world and Australian forest growers had raised concerns that neither EU countries nor international systems were prepared to meet the original deadline, putting compliant businesses at risk. Australian Forest Products Association CEO Di Hallam praised the EU Commission’s decision, highlighting the importance of this delay for Australian companies. “We welcome the one-year extension, which will give Australian forest growers the time to begin using the tracing program without the risk of penalties, while the EU addresses technical issues,” Ms Hallam said. “The Australian forestry sector supports the EUDR’s goal of addressing products linked to deforestation. However, the initial deadline was unrealistic. The systems required for compliance simply weren’t ready, and this would have unfairly impacted Australian growers who were prepared to meet the requirements.” Ms Hallam also thanked key Australian Government ministers for their advocacy, which contributed to the extension. “We’re grateful to Australian Government Ministers, including Ms Collins, Minister for Trade and Tourism Senator Don Farrell, and Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Senator Murray Watt, for their advocacy. “Their leadership helped ensure that Australian businesses will have the time needed to meet the new requirements,” she said. Australia’s forestry sector operates under some of the strictest environmental and sustainability standards in the world, with forest management practices designed to ensure renewal and long-term sustainability. Ms Hallam emphasised the need for further work to ensure the regulation’s implementation does not create unnecessary trade barriers for responsible producers, producers from developing nations and small land holders. “It is crucial to understand that deforestation refers to the permanent removal of forest, when the forest is cleared and the land then used for another purpose,” she said. “AFPA represents the sustainable forest producers who replace the trees that are harvested to meet the demand for fibre, regardless of whether they are sourced from plantation estates or our sustainably managed native forests. “We look forward to working with both the EU and Australian governments over the next year to ensure a smooth transition and ultimately the delivery of a deforestation free EU market,” Ms Hallam said. Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association of New Zealand Chief Executive Mark Ross said his organisation had been working on the assumption that EUDR would happen in December this year. “So, we are quite advanced in our solution development for our wood product exporters, but having more time to further develop our solution is beneficial,” he said. “The proposed 12-month delay is helpful in fine tuning our Due Diligence systems and ensuring that they are right. “Our approach has been guided by a specialist working group that includes WPMA members, Forest Owners’ representatives, and government.” Since June, the working group had worked through the core components of the regulations, consulted with their European customers, and advanced the necessary documents to meet the regulations as they currently read. “Without the support of the Forest Owners, we would be unable to make the progress that has been achieved,” Mr Ross said. “Take for example on the supply side where the key information required in the due diligence statements is the provision of geo-coordinates of all plots of land where the wood was harvested, and evidence that the wood is deforestation free, i.e. before and after proof. “This detail requires technical expertise and collaboration, something that has been readily forthcoming from the forest industry.” New Zealand exported $100 million of wood products to the EU last year, which makes it a smaller market in the context of $2.8 billion of total exports, but it is an important market for value-added wood products and a critical market for some companies. “From what we have seen with the EUDR over the last few months nothing is certain. We hope to see the 12-month delay passed by the EU Parliament but are conscious that the clock keeps ticking, hence our work on solution development remains a WPMA priority,” Mr Ross said. National Farmers’ Federation President David Jochinke said it was pleasing to see the EU had listened to governments and made a sensible decision to delay implementation. “We understand this will be subject to the EU Parliament and we urge that decision to be made swiftly,” Mr Jochinke said. Although this announcement is a step in the right direction, the EU has shown no inclination to repeal the EUDR or to redefine the troubling definitions of what it considers to be a forest. NFF also understand that a process to establish the next European Commission is currently underway and […]

Kesla HydraX turns commonly used agricultural tractors into a fleet of rapid wildland fire fighting forces off-road, in-built areas and beyond. Source: Timberbiz The unit is quick to deploy on public roads to wildland fire sites and beyond; off-road the unit uses its own hydraulic unit for assisted drive for increased mobility. HydraX can quickly fill itself from closest natural water source, or the water tank can also be fed from a pressure line. A fog cloud or a powerful water jet spray can be easily targeted using one of the three water spraying systems at a time; one mounted on the boom, another manually operated at rear and the most powerful one on top of the water tank. At best, water stream can reach horizontally over 50m and vertically almost 45 m high. Grapple on the boom can effectively open fire nests while ForExt admixture is shot on the grapple simultaneously. The HydraX uses natural water sources, and no time is wasted in water logistics. The unit can operate in water supply logistics feeding the fire brigade’s tank trucks or in a small forest fire the unit can be driven to the middle of the forest and be used as effective front-line firefighting unit carrying over 10 000l of water to a difficult off-road location. In large scale logging sites or plantations, the HydraX can operate as a first-hand fire extinguishing unit, and it allows also the daily machinery washing works on-site to minimize fire risks. Outside the forest in built surroundings the HydraX is an efficient solution for any mobile wet works such as infrastructure washing, dust control, wetting works and fire security. Applications can range from washing road signs, bridge railings, tunnels, industrial yards to washing large storage halls inside out. In forest industry the unit can be used to wet the round wood piles or woodchip stockpiles during hot summer season, or it can act as mobile fire security unit securing industrial hot works. In built surroundings the water filling can be done for example at a port, from a rain water reservoir or from a pressurized fire post. Traditionally the forest fires have been extinguished using water but due to climate change fires are getting extreme and plain water is not always enough to stop the fire. Furthermore, in wildland fires the rural conditions complicate the firefighting as the fires are typically located off-road. Creating a firestop is a new method for fighting wildland fires; the burning hot fire is not fought with water, but instead a fire-extinguishing agent is used to create a so-called firestop to a pre-designed location where fire is stopped from spreading. Finnish companies PPO-Elektroniikka and Kiilto Oy have combined their expertise and developed a forest fire-extiguishing agent ForExt for which KESLA HydraX is specially designed. Powerful jet stream can wet the ground in over 50m reach or trees even 30-40m high. In addition, a grapple can be used to open fire nests and simultaneously shoot fire-extinguishing agent to a minor fire. An environmentally friendly 1:100 water-ForExt admixture forms a kind of a film on top of the biomass which then prevents ignition and re-ignition. ForExt storage and dosing are integrated to the HydraX systems which automatically forms the correct mix-ratio.

The European Commission said it would propose delaying implementation of a law banning the import of commodities linked to deforestation by a year, following calls from industries and governments around the world. Sources: Reuters, Timberbiz The law has been hailed as a landmark in the fight against climate change, but countries and industries from Brazil to Malaysia say it is protectionist and could end up excluding millions of poor, small-scale farmers from the EU market. There were also widespread warnings from industry that the EU deforestation regulation, or EUDR, would disrupt the European Union’s supply chains and push up prices. Some 20 of the EU’s 27 member states asked Brussels in March to scale back and possibly suspend the law, saying it would harm the bloc’s own farmers, who would be banned from exporting products grown on deforested land. The proposal would need the approval of the European Parliament and member states, the Commission said. It added that it was also publishing additional guidance documents. EU leaders have watered down numerous environmental measures this year to try to quell months of farmers’ protests over issues including the bloc’s green policies and cheap imports. The EUDR would have required companies importing soy, beef, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, timber, rubber and related products to prove their supply chains did not contribute to the destruction of the world’s forests, or face hefty fines from December. Companies would have to digitally map their supply chains down to the plot where their raw materials were grown, even on small farms in remote, rural regions. Critics say this is exceedingly complex in supply chains that span the globe and involve not just millions of farms but multiple intermediaries whose data is not easily verifiable. Eurocommerce, which represents the European retail industry, said it was grateful the Commission had acknowledged its concerns regarding compliance and possibly supply chain disruptions. Brussels argues that the EUDR is necessary to end the bloc’s contribution to deforestation, the second leading cause of climate change after the burning of fossil fuels.  

Stora Enso is preparing to sell approximately 12% of its total forest assets of 1.4 million hectares in Sweden. Source: Timberbiz Stora Enso has therefore initiated steps to implement a new legal structure for its Swedish forest assets to facilitate the potential sale. A potential transaction would be subject to agreeing terms and conditions with investors, including a long-term wood supply and forest management agreement. If the sale goes ahead, it would reduce debt and strengthen Stora Enso’s balance sheet, confirming the financial value of the company’s forest holdings. Stora Enso is a leading provider of renewable products in packaging, biomaterials and wooden construction, and one of the largest private forest owners in the world. Stora Enso has approximately 20,000 employees and its sales in 2023 were EUR 9.4 billion.  

Navigator X by Eco-Index is a mapping tool for Waitaha/Canterbury in New Zealand that helps people decide where to focus ecosystem reconstruction efforts. Ecosystem reconstruction is a specific kind of ecological restoration where native ecosystems are reconstructed from scratch. Source: Timberbiz Navigator X was created by the Eco-index research program to improve access to environmental information. “We want to help people who are interested in bringing local nature back to their landscapes. Cantabrians can now access region-wide information to help pinpoint places where ecosystem reconstruction will have the best return on investment,” Co-Director of Eco-index, Dr Kiri Joy Wallace (University of Waikato) said. Navigator X allows users to explore a 3D landscape with different coloured layers draped across the riverbanks, plains and slopes of Waitaha/Canterbury. Eco-index Data Scientists created the map by weaving the best available and trusted national environmental datasets with economic and ecological know-how. The coloured layers provide information about how “optimal” each area is for reconstructing native ecosystems. It allows users to consider a range of prioritisation options that represent their own reasons for undertaking ecosystem reconstruction. The prioritisation options include improving land stability, creating riparian benefits and supporting threatened environments. This new mapping tool is especially helpful for groups wanting to collaborate across large landscapes. “We see value in this map for supporting both rūnanga and catchment groups to get restoration work done in the right places. Greater benefits can be achieved for te taiao, including people, when we work collaboratively,” Wairewa Rūnanga Executive representative, Ana Gray (Kāti Irakehu, Ngāi Tahu) said. Navigator X is helpful because many of the diverse native forests, dunelands and wetlands that once cloaked the Waitaha/Canterbury landscape are missing. Reconstructing them will support biodiversity such as native birds, bats, reptiles, plants, fungi and microorganisms. Native ecosystem reconstruction will also improve local ecosystem services such as filtration and retention of rainwater to reduce floods, erosion control, and mitigation of natural hazards such as flooding, fire and landslides. “Navigator X does not provide the whole picture for ecosystem reconstruction but does add something new to the toolbox for decision-makers in large landscapes. We hope Navigator X for Waitaha/Canterbury will make prioritisation of reconstruction locations easier and more cost effective,” Eco-index Co-Director Dr John Reid (Ngāti Pikiao, Tainui) said. Navigator X does not provide any landowner, local authority or private information.

Sumitomo Forestry will acquire 51% of the equity shares of Metricon Group, Australia’s largest detached home builder, through its wholly owned subsidiary Sumitomo Forestry Australia. Metricon will become a consolidated subsidiary of Sumitomo Forestry. Source: Timberbiz The acquisition is expected to be complete by the end of the year and it has already passed through Australia’s competition requirements. Sumitomo Forestry will make Metricon, which sells mainly detached homes in the Australian States of Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia, a consolidated subsidiary, with a view to expanding the company’s housing business in Australia and to build a stable earnings portfolio in its overseas housing business. Metricon does not expect any major changes to its operations in Australia, the company has around 2500 employees. Metricon CEO, Brad Duggan, says that after months of discussions and negotiations, whilst this strategic partnership marks the beginning of a new chapter, at Metricon it will be business as usual. “Metricon has worked hard over the past 24 months to return the group to its position of strength, and we are ecstatic that this work has resulted in the establishment of such an important partnership with Sumitomo Forestry. This partnership enhances Metricon’s readiness to respond to the opportunities in the Australian housing market,” Mr Duggan said. “Both Metricon and Sumitomo Forestry see the great advantages that can be harnessed from working together. The Australian housing industry, more than ever, needs strong participants to solve the issues it currently faces, and this partnership will further build Metricon’s market leading position. “In Sumitomo Forestry, Metricon has found an exceptional partner that aligns strongly on the importance of legacy and commitment to excellence while also complementing the existing ownership group and management team. Together we are confident we will build a well-considered, long-term strategic future for Metricon, our team and customers. “With the sale and purchase agreement signed we expect to announce the successfully completed transaction in the coming weeks.” Metricon has established a dominant brand presence in Australia as a top builder, boasting a broad product lineup ranging from standard products for first-time home buyers to luxury brands, and in recent years has been expanding its business domain to include more affordable detached housing products, town homes, and public housing construction. Sumitomo Forestry entered the Australian detached homes business in 2008, after which it acquired Henley Properties Group in 2009, before going on to acquire Wisdom Properties Group (New South Wales) and Scott Park Group (Western Australia). If this acquisition goes ahead around 12% of Australian homes will be built by foreign owned companies. With the acquisition of Metricon as a consolidated subsidiary, the number of new housing starts by the Sumitomo Forestry Group in Australia will be more than 7,000 units per year, making Sumitomo Forestry Group the number one builder in Australia. Australia’s need for housing with an expected 1.2 million new homes in the next five years is an attractive proposition. Yasuhiro Odagane, Managing Director of Sumitomo Forestry Australia, says this acquisition is key to helping Sumitomo Forestry achieve its goal of addressing the long-standing housing shortage in Australia. “This acquisition enables our group to expand the business areas in each state, establishing Sumitomo Forestry as the number one builder in Australia and, most importantly, allowing us to make a substantial contribution to the provision of social infrastructure,” he said.

OneFortyOne is investing around $30 million in a renewable biomass power generation project at its Jubilee Sawmill in Mount Gambier. Source: Timberbiz The project, which includes the installation of a new boiler and steam turbine, represents a total investment of approximately $90 million. This initiative underscores our commitment to continuous investment, demonstrating our long-term dedication to the region, sustainability and innovation. The Jubilee Sawmill first started producing electricity in 1956, producing energy for Mount Gambier until the 1970s. The new turbine will generate more than enough electricity to power the entire Jubilee Sawmill site. The excess renewable electricity can be returned to the grid or used to enable future electrification of forklifts, trucks and other machinery. It is expected to be completed by 2026 and will provide the following benefits: This project will help us achieve over 70% of our Scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction target Over 50% reduction in OneFortyOne’s total combined Scope 1 and 2 emissions[1] Over 85% reduction in OneFortyOne’s total Scope 2 emissions[2] Over 9,000 tCO2e emissions avoided on 2021 levels Estimated total annual renewable electricity generated: 43,800 mWh. “The Jubilee Sawmill has been part of OneFortyOne since 2018 and since that time we have proudly invested in the team and the site every year,” OFO CEO Wendy Norris said. “The need to replace our current boiler, which is reaching its end of life, has presented us with a unique opportunity to rethink how we utilise steam and consume electricity at our site. “This investment not only supports our decarbonisation goals but also positions us for future opportunities in renewable energy. “By installing a steam turbine power generation system, we will be able to produce electricity from biomass, significantly repurposing wood fibre, preparing for our future energy needs.” South Australian Forest Products Association congratulated OneFortyOne on its investment. “The Green Triangle is renowned as Australia’s premier softwood plantation and processing hub, and now, with today’s announcement by OneFortyOne, the forest industries will take a great step forward on the path to decarbonisation,” said Mr Nathan Paine, CEO of the South Australian Forest Products Association. “OneFortyOne’s investment into a renewable cogeneration power project will deliver a 50% reduction in OneForty One’s total scope 1 emissions and over 85% of their total scope 2 emissions, saving over 9,000 tCO2e. Not only will this new cogeneration facility generate all the energy for the Jubilee sawmill, the largest sawmill in Australia, it is estimated to generate 20,000 mWh of excess renewable electricity which will be returned to the grid or in the future used to power vehicles and machinery,” said Mr Paine. “The decarbonisation of OneFortyOne’s Jubilee Sawmill is a clear statement piece to policy makers that forestry is the ultimate renewable, as forestry captures and stores more carbon than they emit, and better yet, is now using renewable energy sources to power their own sawmill practices. “Evidence shows that every cubic meter of finished softwood product sequesters a gross 900kg CO2-e and a net 718 kg CO2-e. As our industry seeks to decarbonise in an ambitious drive to reduce our emission, leadership like this from OneFortyOne demonstrates the focus, commitment and investment in creating a cleaner, safer and more prosperous future. “With businesses leading through the discovery and implementation of innovative technologies, just like OneFortyOne’s renewable project, it illustrates that new technologies and new pathways can, and will, decarbonise our economy,” said Mr Paine. “Congratulations to the team at OneFortyOne for further decarbonising the ultimate renewable industry.  The future is bright with forestry leading by example to achieve a cleaner, greener future.” The Premier of South Australia Peter Malinauskas said OFO’s investment into one of South Australia’s most significant industries was exciting for the State. “This is a welcome announcement, which means longevity of technology, reduced carbon emissions and renewable energy going back into the grid,” he said. “OneFortyOne’s investment in renewable power generation at Jubilee Sawmill is a significant step towards reducing our carbon footprint and enhancing our energy efficiency. We are excited about the future possibilities this project will bring and remain committed to investing in our business, valuing our fibre and emissions reduction.”

Australian Forest and Wood Innovations, hosted by the University of Tasmania, has announced eight research projects that will be funded through its inaugural $5 million National Open Call for research. Source: Timberbiz This marks the first research funded through the Federal Government’s $100 million commitment for AFWI. AFWI’s $5 million funding will catalyse over $8.3 million in industry and research contributions bringing the total investment in research for the forestry and wood products industries to $13.3 million. The projects were recommended by AFWI’s Research Advisory Committee, a panel of industry and research experts, ensuring the projects align with industry needs, deliver transformative outcomes to the sector and support growth in research capacity. The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins, said that the selected projects span a diverse range of research areas aimed at addressing key opportunities and challenges faced by the forestry and forest products industries. “The first round of projects will play an important role by delivering research that seeks to provide climate change solutions, make the most of our available wood fibre, and support the sustainable management of Australia’s forests,” Ms Collins said. “I congratulate the eight successful projects from the inaugural National Open Call.” AFWI’s Chair of the Research Advisory Committee, Professor Rod Keenan, highlighted the importance of collaboration between industry and researchers. “These projects are the first step in developing new partnerships between industry and research organisations under the AFWI arrangements,” Professor Keenan said. “The Research Advisory Committee was impressed with the level of interest in this call and overall quality and breadth of applications. “In addition to addressing industry needs, the eight funded projects will support 36 early-career and higher-degree researchers, helping to cultivate the next generation of forestry research professionals, enhancing the long-term sustainability of the sector.” The eight projects selected for funding include: Evaluation of suitable timber species for Australian sports flooring systems Modernising Australian timber windows: addressing regulatory challenges, resource and material shifts Odour misinformation: a new way to reduce vertebrate pest damage to plantation seedlings Long-term creep behaviour of Australian structural glulam Developing more productive plantation trees better adapted to changing environments Enhancing fire resilience in Australian plantations Future lightweight timber framing: productivity Delivering fauna trends in forestry landscapes using sensors and AI The successful projects will be invited to enter into contract negotiations with AFWI and are expected to begin research in the coming months. The Australian Forest Products Association has congratulated the eight research proponents who have been successful in obtaining funding. “The announcement of the initial eight research projects to receive AFWI funding is another important milestone in the delivery of the Albanese Government’s $100 million election commitment to support Australia’s forest industries,” AFPA Chief Executive Officer Diana Hallam said. “News that the $5 million in AFWI funding is unlocking a further $8.3 million of matching investment from industry and research partners which will go a long way to support increased research capabilities and ensure Australia’s forest products sector is better able to meet the anticipated future demand for fibre. “Projects given the green light by AFWI’s Research Advisory Committee include the development of Future Lightweight Timber Framing solutions and Evaluation of Suitable Timber Species for Australian Sports Flooring Systems which will allow for Australian timber to be specified in sports floor designs and reduce the need for imported timber,” she said A number of projects will increase the Australian forestry sector’s ability to adapt and mitigate against climate change, including the projects – Enhancing Fire Resilience in Australian Plantations and Developing more productive plantation trees better adapted to changing environments. “I congratulate the large number of AFPA members who have supported applications and will now partner with research institutions through the National Open Call to deliver projects including: Pentarch Forestry Group, Australian Sustainable Hardwoods, Sustainable Timber Tasmania, Reliance Forest Fibre, Forico, HQ Plantations, Hancock Victorian Plantations, Australian Bluegum Plantations, Timberlands Pacific, Wespine Industries, Hyne Timber, AKD, SFM, Midway, African Mahogany Australia, WAPRES and Forestry Corporation NSW. “I thank Minister Julie Collins for her continued support of this great Australian industry through this important initiative.” Ms Hallam said. A complete list of project partners and details can be found on www.afwi.au

New artist impressions of the Forestry Centre of Excellence being built in Mount Gambier have been released as new research and development projects are launched. Source: Timberbiz, The SE Voice The Centre of Excellence is a collaborative project between the South Australian Government, the University of South Australia (UniSA), and the forest industry. The Centre is on the same site as the UniSA Mount Gambier campus, the new Mount Gambier Technical College, and the Mount Gambier TAFE – providing a unique opportunity to create an education, training, and research precinct. The design for the facility is due to be finalised in November 2024 with building construction due to commence in April 2025 and an expected completion in January 2026. Vital research underway in temporary facilities was showcased at a special launch on site today, and includes projects on: structural timber market access improving safety fire detection from cameras and satellites suppression, recovery, and analysis of digital forestry data using artificial intelligence immersive data analytics using VR and AR to understand the implications of climate change on plantation growth yield and water use. Following a global search, Professor Jeff Morrell was appointed as the Forestry Centre of Excellence’s inaugural director, due to commence in mid-January 2025. Previously, Professor Morrell, was director for the Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life based at the University of the Sunshine Coast. The FCoE links to the forest industry’s key attributes of collaboration, connection, and partnerships through research, training education, development, and extension activities. These have been reflected in the new FCoE brand of interlocking abstract trees also unveiled today. Premier Peter Malinauskas, who is visiting the region today, said the Green Triangle plantation forest region is one of the powerhouses of the Australian forest and forest products industry. “The South Australian portion of the region contributes more than $860m to the state’s gross product annually – making it one of our most productive primary industry sectors,” he said. “We are delivering on our election commitment to establish a world-leading Forestry Centre of Excellence to strengthen this already thriving industry.” Minister for Primary Industries, Regional Development and Forest Industries Clare Scriven welcomed the progress. “These latest exciting steps in the establishment of the Forestry Centre for Excellence will further drive existing and future research, development, and extension activities, covering the social, economic, and environmental aspects of forestry in the Green Triangle region,” she said. “This centre will support the full forestry supply chain including plantation management, harvesting and haulage and timber processing and will also aim to cover the technical, safety, and training aspects relevant to those sectors, whilst building greater connections with our First Nations people. “This is a momentous occasion recognising the hard work and investment put in by my Government, UniSA, Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub, South Australian Forest Products Association, and the wider Green Triangle forest industries.” UniSA Chancellor John Hill said the University of South Australia was honoured to host the new Forestry Centre of Excellence, which had evolved from Forest Research Mount Gambier, established in 2018 by the State and Federal Government, UniSA and the forestry industry. “The model of recruiting UniSA researchers into the forestry industry has resulted in a more efficient, safer, progressive, and profitable industry, establishing standards for best practice,” he said. “Together with the State Government, we are proud to continue this partnership and help advance research and development projects to ensure the industry’s economic prosperity committing more than $6m towards the centre’s operations and building along with significant in-kind support.” Ms Tammy Auld, Governing Council Chair of the South Australian Forest Products Association said that as the first of its kind in South Australia, the Forestry Centre of Excellence puts Mount Gambier on the map of forest innovation, as the Centre brings together local, national and international experts across the diverse research field in forest and wood-fibre innovations. “The long-term goal of the FCoE will be to enhance the industries global competitiveness and ultimately increase economic and employment opportunities for the forest industries and the region,” Ms Auld said. “In the lead up to the 2022 State Election, industry sought State Government’s support to establish a Forestry Centre of Excellence that will elevate research outcomes and focus on forest research, education, and product development. “With thanks to the Minister for Forest Industries Clare Scriven, and her tireless efforts, industry’s vision has come to life with long-term funding and future opportunities for the next generation of forest researchers,” Ms Auld said. “Over the past almost 150 years, the forest industries have been critical in supporting the growth of our community and economy. With over 21,000 South Australians directly and indirectly employed in forestry, we have the potential to grow employment and the industry overall as part of the State Government’s ambitions to reindustrialize South Australia. “SAFPA is excited about the future of forestry in South Australia and look forward to officially opening the Centre in 2026.”

Spring has sprung, lambs are frolicking, daffodils are blooming, and the feeling of warmer temperatures and better times is hanging heavy in the air. Unfortunately, like the frolicking lambs, logs are still worth bugger all in the export market with September prices flat with August at around $113/m3 for A grade. However, that feeling of better times is likely to come to fruition for logs (but probably not lambs) as shipping rates ease and in-market sales prices increase, albeit very marginally. If you run the abacus over what October might look like you get a number in the early NZ$120’s/m3 for North Island ports. This increase will be as welcome to forest owners as Darlene Tana’s departure from parliament will be to the Greens (and everyone else). On port log inventories in China have increased by over 200,000m3 in August to 3.4million m3 as supply has been stronger than expected, however, offtake has also recently increased by around 10,000m3 per day to 60-65,000m3 per day which should help balance the books. The NZ:US exchange rate has continued to be strong at US$0.62 which has not helped pricing levels. As a rule of thumb, every cent appreciation in the $NZ takes around $NZ3/m3 off the bottom line. There’s still no change in the residential construction activity in China and there’s not likely to be for a while as there’s currently enough empty new housing stock to rehome the entire Chinese population and still not touch the sides. This is being reflected in the log mix demand, with less demand for the lower industrial grades (Ki and KIS) and more demand for the higher grades (A grade), especially the longer lengths. This is due to demand now coming from the furniture and packaging sectors which require higher quality logs rather than construction and likely represents the new norm going forward. Construction numbers at home don’t look terribly flash either with consents down 22% compared to 2023. While we don’t have the ridiculous over supply issues that China does, we do have other issues. Construction Minister, Chris Penk said recently that it was “too hard and too expensive to build” and committed to cutting red tape and lowering building costs. This will be great news for homeowners as anyone that has dealt with building consents will understand the cost that bureaucracy adds to a build. Domestic log demand has, however, remained relatively stable despite the current trading conditions facing merchants. The recent closure of the Winstone Pulp and Sawmills in Ohakune as a fallout of the recent power price spikes has rocked the local communities with the loss of 230 jobs. WPI was a major employer in the central plateau and the loss of another domestic log customer also makes it that much harder for the forest owners in that region. This does highlight how many of these sawmills (and other primary processors) were initially setup as a business case with low cost, renewable power generation as part of the equation, are now having to deal with power pricing that would never have been contemplated in their wildest dreams. In contrast, some sawmills have their own power generation from the burning of residues and would actually be better off running solely as a power generator during these periods. The electricity crisis may have wins for those holding NZU’s as generators throw coal (imported Indonesian coal that is) and gas into boilers as fast as they can. This has generated a 170% increase in emissions from the same period last year and the highest total emissions level since June 2021. This increase in emissions will chew a hole into the NZU stockpiles held by generators which will need to be replaced at some point. Interestingly, coal-based generation emissions increased 265% in the second quarter of this year which is an increase of around 500,000 tonnes of CO2 – something to think of as you’re driving your EV to work, scowling at anyone with an exhaust pipe while believing you’re saving the planet. The latest NZU auction failed without bids high enough to clear the auction floor price of $64/NZU. Following this the NZU price reached a five-month high of $62.25 before settling back down into the mid $61 territory. Total NZU holdings have now dropped to 144 million, which is the first time below 150 million since mid-2021. If you were a betting person, you’d be looking at holding your NZU stash. All in all, there’s a bit of light at the end of the tunnel, albeit a candle flickering in the wind. Export prices look to be firming, summers’ coming, and things will dry out. Pricing will be very unlikely to reach the peaks of previous summer rally’s and in terms of supply, we definitely don’t need a big price spike related supply slug to hit China later this year. So as summer progresses, help the industry out – get out there and build that deck, crack on with that house extension and put new palings on the fence. Our farming cousins would appreciate it if you could also chew on a lamb chop while doing it! Marcus Musson is a Forest360 Director. He holds a Bachelor of Forest Science with Honours from Canterbury University, New Zealand, and specialises in steep slope cable harvesting, marketing and value recovery initiatives.  

Forestry NOW 2024 – Australian Forest and Timber’s annual State of the Industry Review which includes observations from our political leaders, national industry leaders and more – is now live at https://forestrynow.com.au/ And it’s worth taking the time to check out the digital profiles in Forestry Equipment NOW which include details on company information, products and services. You can easily access the digital profiles by clicking on the logo.

Planet Labs PBC, a provider of daily Earth data and insights, has released its Forest Carbon Monitoring product, consisting of quarterly, 3-metre resolution measurements of forests globally. Source: Business Wire This new product offers partners and customers an unprecedented dataset to support voluntary carbon markets, regulatory compliance, and deforestation mitigation. “The climate crisis is the biggest challenge humanity faces in the 21st century, yet our greenhouse gas emissions are still rising,” said former US Vice President Al Gore. “Planet’s Forest Carbon Monitoring system is an important tool that helps the world monitor, protect, and manage one of the important resources in absorbing carbon from the atmosphere — our global forests. This kind of information is vitally important to governments, scientists, and advocates working to safeguard humanity’s future.” This quarterly dataset estimates aboveground carbon, canopy height, and canopy cover over the entire Earth dating back to 2021, setting a new standard for monitoring forest growth and change. Forest Carbon Monitoring equips stakeholders with a cost-effective way to monitor forested areas, scaling from a single tree to the entirety of the Amazon rainforest. In order to measure forest carbon stocks, stakeholders typically use ground measurements, fly expensive airborne missions over select areas, or pay for temporally and spatially patchy satellite data. But by leveraging Forest Carbon Monitoring data built using Planet’s extensive archive of PlanetScope imagery and a global library of airborne and spaceborne LiDAR data, with processing by AI users can derive precise, scalable, and affordable measurements without sacrificing scientific rigor. Achieving this level of granularity at a consistent cadence is indispensable for emerging voluntary carbon markets and governments. For countries implementing policies to reduce deforestation and sequester carbon, establishing an accurate baseline to quantify the current state of their forests is a critical step. Then they can draw on Forest Carbon Monitoring data to track changes and assess policy impact and effectiveness. “To protect our planet and preserve its resources, we have to value carbon and nature into our economy. Step one is measurement. To date we faced the choice between tape measures around tree trunks, which is accurate but not scalable, or inaccurate global systems. Planet’s forest carbon data is meant to fix that gap: scalable and precise forest carbon data, at the individual tree level, updated quarterly,” said Planet CEO and co-founder Will Marshall. “We believe this dataset will underpin global carbon markets — a multi-trillion-dollar transition.” Forest Carbon Monitoring can be leveraged by companies aiming to comply with the new EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Measuring tree canopy and carbon stock change of sourcing regions can help mitigate and track any commodity-driven deforestation risks. And in the case of EUDR, ensuring compliance can help companies avoid fines and help jurisdictions sustainably maintain agricultural exports. Planet partner, BeZero Carbon, a global ratings agency for carbon markets, gained exclusive early access to the Forest Carbon Monitoring product and has leveraged it to further enhance its carbon ratings methodologies. With the 3-metre resolution dataset, BeZero’s carbon ratings offer insights with increased granularity and spatial accuracy. Last year, BeZero was also the first partner to utilize Planet’s Forest Carbon Diligence product, an archive of 30-metre resolution forest carbon data going back as far as 2013. Leveraging both of Planet’s Forest Carbon products — the deep archive of data and the high-resolution monitoring data — BeZero’s customers can better manage risk in their investments and closely track the performance of carbon projects. “Tackling climate change requires significant investment in carbon projects. BeZero Carbon’s 80-strong science team interrogates these projects using the most timely and complete data possible, so that investments can be made with a clear view of credit quality,” said Dr. Phil Platts, VP of Geospatial and Earth Observation at BeZero Carbon. “Planet’s Forest Carbon Monitoring product is the first and only dataset delivering high cadence, global forest carbon estimates at 3-metre resolution. That level of granularity can make a big difference for monitoring forest intactness, management practices, or scattered trees on farmland. “We rate hundreds of projects, of all kinds, all over the world. Doing so requires an enormous range of data, which we evaluate and combine project by project. Having Planet data in the mix is incredibly helpful, and we are using it to detect individual trees, right up to jurisdictional accounting.”

From food insecurity, climate change and biodiversity loss, to lack of access to services, gender inequalities, poverty and outmigration, the world’s mountain regions today face major global challenges. Source: Timberbiz A new generation is gearing towards innovative solutions and new strategies to increase the resilience of mountain communities and conserve mountain environments. In celebration of International Mountain Day 2024, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is inviting institutions and individuals over 18 to submit proposals for transformative projects that contribute to a sustainable tomorrow for mountains, for a chance to win the 2024 Mountain Future Award. Project submissions should emphasize the following areas: Innovation – Innovation should be a key aspect of the project proposal. This could encompass technological (including digital), social, policy, financial, and/or institutional innovations that address complex social, economic and environmental challenges in mountains. Adaptation – Project proposals should promote climate adaptation. This could include adaptation strategies tailored to mountain ecosystems and communities, resilient agrifood systems, climate smart agriculture, ecosystem-based approaches to natural resource management, the integration of Indigenous knowledge systems or traditional techniques, and the promotion of circular economy. Youth – The active, meaningful participation of youth in decision-making is essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of mountain solutions. Project proposals should emphasize youth leadership, such as being youth-led and/or youth-focused, promoting universal and accessible training for young persons in mountains, and empowering young people to be agents of change through digital technology, research and entrepreneurship opportunities that contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of mountain resources. Submissions will be judged by a panel of mountain experts from FAO and the Mountain Partnership. The Mountain Future Award will be presented to the three best project proposals during the official International Mountain Day event. Along with international recognition, the three awardees will each receive seed funding of US$5000. The winning proposals will also receive project incubation assistance from the FAO Mountain Partnership Secretariat. Project proposals will be assessed by an expert jury on the following criteria: Impact on mountain communities through promoting climate adaptation, conserving mountain biodiversity and ecosystems and/or enhancing food security and/or reducing disaster risk. Innovative aspects of the project, level of innovation, including technological (including digital), social, policy, financial, and/or institutional innovation, application and feasibility of the innovative aspects. Involvement of youth to contribute to a sustainable future in mountain areas. Eligibility Applicants may be individuals or institutions. Applicants must be the original creators of the original project proposal they submit. Eligible proposals can include those for new projects and projects in the initial planning stages. Projects that are already being implemented are not eligible for the Award. The closing date for submissions is 30 October 2024. You can submit your project proposal in English, Spanish or French via the online form. If you experience trouble using the online form, please submit your proposal via email to the IMD team at Info-IMD@fao.org. The application form should be followed when submitting project proposals. Those awarded will be notified via email and invited to the International Mountain Day event in December 2024 where the award ceremony will take place.