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FSC spotlight on responsible forest management in Forest Week

Australian timber industry news - Wed, 16/10/2024 - 01:26
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has successfully concluded its third annual FSC Forest Week, spotlighting the crucial role of responsible forest management in addressing urgent environmental challenges. Source: Timberbiz With the world set to convene at the upcoming COP16 and COP29 summits, FSC calls on businesses, communities, governments, and individuals to continue their efforts in protecting the world’s forests and urges decisive action to ensure forestry remains a priority in global climate discussions. In Australia and New Zealand, leading organisations such as Coles Group, ALDI Australia, Officeworks, VISY, Mitre 10, Wellington Zoo, and more, came together to celebrate their support for FSC’s responsible forestry. This year’s campaign, themed “Small steps together create big change for all,” highlighted the power of collective action in addressing the climate and biodiversity crises. With participation from over 1,300 partners across more than 40 countries, the campaign featured community outreach, corporate engagement, and forest walks. These activities showcased a unified approach to tackling critical issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and promoting the well-being of Indigenous communities. “I’m incredibly proud of the tremendous support from our members, certificate holders and promotional licence holders across Australia and New Zealand,” said Melanie Robertson, CEO of FSC Australia and New Zealand. “The rapid growth of our campaign has been crucial in raising awareness of FSC, bringing sustainable forestry into focus for consumers. This collective effort is driving meaningful action on the climate and biodiversity crises, highlighting the essential role responsible forest management plays in securing a healthier future for our planet.” This year’s campaign amplified the message that impactful change does not always require large-scale efforts. Rather, everyday choices, such as purchasing FSC- certified products, can contribute to broader efforts of protecting forests and those who depend on them. Additionally, it highlighted the critical role these actions play in combatting biodiversity loss and climate change. “We are thrilled to see the growing global influence of FSC Forest Week,” said Trevor Armel, FSC International Director of Marketing. “The mounting climate and biodiversity crises demand urgent action, and this initiative has proven to be a catalyst for responsible behavior, inspiring people and businesses to protect our forests and ensure a sustainable future.” Building on the success of this year’s campaign, FSC calls upon individuals, businesses, and communities to engage on the critical discussions around the climate and biodiversity crisis, and help drive the transition toward a greener, healthier planet for all.

Research projects chosen for funding from Australian Forest and Wood Innovations

Australian timber industry news - Wed, 16/10/2024 - 01:26
Two research projects supported by Growers Research Advisory Committee members have been selected among eight projects to receive funding through Australian Forest and Wood Innovations’ inaugural $5 million National Open Call for research. Source: Timberbiz Funded through cash and in-kind investments, both projects seek to improve the resilience and adaptability of Australian plantations, and to support growers in maintaining and increasing plantation productivity in the face of changing climate and weather conditions. These projects are: Developing more productive plantation trees better adapted to changing environments, through Tree Breeding Australia. Enhancing fire resilience in Australian plantations, through The University of Melbourne. The GRAC represents Australian forest growers and managers and is managed by Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA) in its role as an Industry Services Company. The following growers have provided additional voluntary funding through the Grower Collaborative Commitment (GCC) process. Their significant financial contributions support research projects expected to deliver high value for grower members and the wider forestry and wood products industry. African Mahogany Aust AKD – Australian Kiln Driers Australian Bluegum Plantations Forestry SA Forico Global Forest Partners (Snowy Mountain Forests) Global Forest Partners (Southern Cross Forests) Green Triangle Forest Products HQPlantations HVP Plantations OneFortyOne Plantations Peppermint Estate PF Olsen Reliance Forest Fibre Sustainable Forest Management (Lenah/Tas) Sustainable Timber Tasmania Timberland Pacific Pty Ltd (Green Triangle) Timberland Pacific Pty Ltd (Tasmania) WAPRES In addition, the following project partner collaborators are providing cash and/or ‘in-kind’ contributions to the two AFWI projects: Project 1: Developing more productive plantation trees better adapted to changing environments: Forico HQPlantations HVP Plantations Project 2: Enhancing fire resilience in Australian plantations: HVP Plantations Reliance Forest Fibre Australian Bluegum Plantations HQPlantations Timberlands Pacific Global Forest Partners (Southern Cross Forests) Forico Wespine Industries Craig Taylor, Chair of GRAC, welcomed AFWI’s support to further research and data collection that will empower growers and the industry as a whole. “Increasing our understanding of how plantations are impacted by changing climates, varying site types and environmental factors such as fire will equip growers around the country to develop stronger, more resilient and more productive plantations,” said Mr Taylor. “In turn, this creates benefits across the supply chain and supports the industry’s ability to meet consumer demand and improve efficiency while innovating its growing and harvesting processes. “The breadth of research required cannot be achieved through industry funding alone. We welcome AFWI’s financial support and collaboration with industry members to facilitate more research and increase our collective knowledge in these crucial fields.” Supported by grower members in conjunction with AFWI funding and coordinated by FWPA, the two projects will examine aspects of plantation resilience and productivity. Project 1: Developing more productive plantation trees better adapted to changing environments Led by Tree Breeding Australia, this genetics-focused project seeks to fill gaps in historic data sets by expanding field trials of tree species to include a broader range of environments. Recognising the need to understand climate change risks and potential expansion beyond traditional production areas, the trials will specifically target drier and more challenging environments to measure the impact on species such as radiata pine, southern pines, blue gum and shining gum among others. Combining this data with existing research, the project will support the development of genetically superior trees capable of sustaining future productivity in softwood and hardwood plantations – even when grown in more challenging environments. In addition, the knowledge gained will improve productivity, quality and forest health in more traditional or predictable sites. Project 2: Enhancing Fire Resilience in Australian Plantations Bushfire activity is predicted to increase globally as a result of climate change, posing an increasing threat to Australian plantations and regional communities. This project addresses critical gaps in fire risk management to enhance fire resilience, inform adaptive practices, and mitigate risks under a changing climate. By refining softwood plantation models and developing hardwood plantation models for the Australian Fire Danger Rating System, it aims to enhance fire prediction accuracy under future fire regimes. This study will provide growers with data for investment decisions, risk management strategies, and recommendations for fire management under changing climates. The project will improve sector resilience, ensure reliable wood production, protect communities, and contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing fire impacts and carbon emissions. Eight projects were identified through AFWI’s Open Call for research and will share in $5 million in funding. Leveraged by more than $8.3 million in industry and researcher cash and in-kind contributions bringing the total investment in research for the forestry and wood products industry to $13.3 million. AFWI was established in March 2024 and is a collaboration between the Australian Government and the University of Tasmania. The eight selected 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. A summary of these projects can be found on the AFWI website https://www.afwi.au/

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by Dr. Radut