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Recently His Majesty King Charles planted an Acer rubrum, ‘October Glory’, in the grounds of Buckingham Palace, to commemorate the achievements of The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy and in recognition of His Majesty’s longstanding commitment to environmental conservation and the enduring bond between the nations of the Commonwealth. Source: Timberbiz Launched at the 2015 Malta Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy was the first environmental initiative in The Late Queen’s name. The project ended in 2022, after pan-Commonwealth sign-up was achieved. Envisioned by its partners as a network of forest conservation projects across the Commonwealth, the project celebrated Queen Elizabeth II’s remarkable service to the Commonwealth, while preserving vital indigenous forests for future generations. The Royal Commonwealth Society served as managing partner working alongside the Commonwealth Forestry Association and Cool Earth. The project’s remarkable achievement saw some 115 sites and projects across the Commonwealth conserve more than 12 million hectares of indigenous forests and botanical gardens, ensuring a lasting legacy in honour of The Late Queen and safeguarding these vital ecosystems for future generations. “The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy was a remarkable example of the Commonwealth’s united effort to create a sustainable future for its 2.7 billion citizens,” Dr Linda Yueh CBE, Executive Chair of the Royal Commonwealth Society, said. “It brought together governments and organisations to conserve diverse forests, including UNESCO World Heritage sites and those Queen Elizabeth II personally visited during her 70 years of service. “We are deeply honoured that His Majesty The King, Patron of the Royal Commonwealth Society, commemorated this achievement by planting an Acer rubrum, ‘October Glory,’ in the grounds of Buckingham Palace, creating a lasting symbol of the Commonwealth’s commitment to environmental conservation and The late Queen’s legacy.” Alan Pottinger, Executive Director of the Commonwealth Forestry Association, said:“It has been an honour for the Commonwealth Forestry Association to play a role in The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy and thereby help raise awareness amongst the Commonwealth’s citizens of the value of trees and forests for individuals, for our communities, and for the future of our planet. It is a fitting tribute to Queen Elizabeth II that her son and stalwart champion of the environment, King Charles III, should help to commemorate the successful completion of the project.”

As part of Engineers Week in Ireland, Combilift opened its doors to local schools in an initiative aimed at promoting STEM education and announced that the Regional VEX Robotics championships will be held within the Combilift Head Quarters, with winners getting a chance to qualify in the world championships. Source: Timberbiz By hosting this event, the company aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry applications, encouraging students to explore careers in engineering and technology. At the event, St Macartan’s VEX Robotics Team, winners of the 2025 the North West Regional Finals, presented their award-winning robot to over 250 students from local schools and talked about the process and skills involved in designing, building and programming a robot. To get a full overview of the competitions a friendly match was held, highlighting the excitement and technicalities of the high calibre VEX competitions. Brendan Mc Avera, St Macartan’s College teacher said: “I am the computer science teacher and in 15 years of teaching, this is probably the best thing I’ve ever been involved in. It really shows the inspiration you can get back from your students when you give them a project to do, and they put their heart and soul into it, and they get their rewards since they’ve won three awards this year” Through interactive demonstrations and hands-on experiences, young learners gained insight into the real-world applications of STEM and the vital role robotics plays in modern industries. “By engaging with these cutting-edge technologies, students can develop skills specific to robotics, hydraulics, and programming, as well as other vital skills such as teamwork, strategy, and problem-solving. These abilities are essential for students’ curricula and are transferable to their future careers in STEM, including potential apprenticeships at Combilift or paths in engineering,” Combilift CEO Martin McVicar said. “Listening to the skills these students have developed; it makes you proud. It feels like you have a Formula One team in front of you. When you look at the different roles each person plays and the skills they have developed, these abilities will serve them well throughout their lives.” Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/T3rqK47gk2M?feature=share

The Softwood Plywood Consortium (SPC) applauds the EU’s launch of a new anti-dumping investigation into unfairly priced Brazilian Softwood plywood imports, and the imminent registration at the border of all such imports to the EU. This timely decision is in response to a complaint filed by the SPC on behalf of four leading European softwood plywood producers, including UPM Plywood. Source: Timberbiz The complaint was lodged on 20 January 2025 by the Softwood Plywood Consortium (SPC). The product subject to investigation is plywood consisting of lamellas not exceeding 6mm thickness, with both outer plies of coniferous wood. Imports of softwood plywood from Brazil have increased significantly in recent years, with Brazilian producers now surpassing EU producers as the primary suppliers of the EU market. With Brazil’s production capacity far exceeding total EU consumption, Brazil has become the world’s largest exporter of this product accounting for nearly half of all softwood plywood sold within the EU. “Brazil’s own market is contracting and restrictions in other markets, such as the United States, are causing Brazil to divert its excess production to the EU at totally unfair prices,” an SPC’s spokesperson said. “The concern is that Brazil is exporting at dumped prices, meaning Softwood Plywood is being sold at a price below its normal value in Brazil. This investigation is therefore crucial to ensure the future of the entire EU softwood plywood value chain, from forest owners, loggers and suppliers to producers.” The investigation led by the European Commission will now examine whether Brazilian producers are indeed dumping softwood plywood in the EU, and what the consequences of those practices for European businesses are. Under recent procedural changes, initiation of the investigation will automatically require all imports of Brazilian Softwood Plywood to be registered at EU borders. This will enable European customs officials to collect additional duties retroactively should they be imposed as a result of the Commission’s findings once this investigation is concluded. SPC and its supporters are committed fully to cooperating with the European Commission to ensure a successful outcome for the industry and its workers.

The Australian Government is providing development funding for technical assistance and capacity building support which will further strengthen Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) sustainable forest management. Source: Timberbiz Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Policy, Matt Lowe, said the PNG Forestry Twinning Program aims to collaborate in support of the forestry and forest industries of both countries. “The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is collaborating with the Papua New Guinea Forest Authority (PNGFA) to support frameworks and policies to enhance plantation forestry in PNG for sustainable wood supply in the region,” Mr Lowe said. “We have a long and collaborative history with PNG, one that’s built on strong institutional connections improving sustainable forest management practices and combating illegal logging. “The twinning program supports Australia’s international commitments to the industry while strengthening our relationship through shared expertise and technical cooperation. “Ongoing engagement in the forestry sector allows us to combine the knowledge and expertise of effective plantation development and forest industry governance through workshops and short-term deployments. “Supporting our closest neighbour to grow, develop and protect their forestry sectors shows our commitment to strong international relationships and a harmonised approach to a sustainable future.” The twinning program will deliver on commitments made in the Forestry Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding between the department and PNGFA that was entered into in February 2023. The PNG Forestry Twinning Program is currently funded under the PNG Institutional Partnerships Program by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The Federal Government will provide a $6.4 million grant over three years to the University of Melbourne to continue collaborative biosecurity research crucial to protecting the nation’s agricultural, fisheries and forestry industries. Source: Timberbiz The University of Melbourne will host the Centre of Excellence for Biosecurity Risk Analysis (CEBRA) program over the next three years, with potential to extend for a fourth year, as it helps bolster the country’s defences from increasing biosecurity threats. The Government will invest around $2 million annually in CEBRA to benefit trade, agriculture, the environment and community through: development of advanced monitoring or detection tools predictive modelling to assess and mitigate threats before they arrive research that informs regulatory decision-making, ensuring cost-effective and informed policies ensuring the latest scientific findings are integrated into policy and operational on-ground decision-making. CEBRA conducts collaborative research to strengthen government biosecurity efforts, providing evidence-based insights that shape risk analysis, regulatory interventions, inspections and surveillance. Strengthening research is part of national and departmental commitments outlined in the DAFF Biosecurity 2030 Roadmap and the National Biosecurity Strategy and National Biosecurity Strategy Action Plan. “Australia’s biosecurity system is among the best in the world, but it faces increasing challenges, and the government is proud to fund the University of Melbourne to continue CEBRA’s research to help us meet these challenges,” Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Julie Collins said. “The rise in threats from plant pests, diseases and invasive species is being driven by a variety of factors such as a changing climate, expansion of trade, increased tourism and shifts in land use patterns. “Effectively managing these growing pressures calls for innovative solutions to biosecurity risks underpinned by quality research,” she said. “Whether it be modelling frameworks designed to assist with policy formation and response strategies for emergency animal diseases, such as foot-and-mouth disease, or automated image analysis to identify the biofouling risks of vessels, CEBRA’s work is integral to protecting Australia from all manner of diseases, plant pests and invasive species.”  

Rayonier and The Rohatyn Group (TRG), an investment firm specializing in emerging markets and real assets, announced an agreement for Rayonier to sell the entities that hold its entire 77% interest in the New Zealand joint venture to a special purpose vehicle formed by Ents LP, an investment fund managed by TRG, for US$710 million. Source: Timberbiz This sale marks the conclusion of Rayonier’s previously announced strategic review of its New Zealand business and will result in Rayonier becoming exclusively focused on its US operations, while positioning the New Zealand business for continued growth under TRG’s management. The transaction is expected to close in 2025, subject to the receipt of regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other closing conditions. Consistent with Rayonier’s large dispositions completed in 2023 and 2024, this transaction aligns with Rayonier’s previously stated goal of enhancing shareholder value by capitalizing on the disconnect between public and private timberland values and reducing leverage amid a higher interest rate environment. Further, exiting New Zealand will concentrate Rayonier’s capital in core US markets with favourable long-term growth prospects, reduce Rayonier’s exposure to log export markets, and simplify and streamline Rayonier’s portfolio, financial reporting, and overall value proposition. In addition, the transaction will position the New Zealand business to drive new growth as it benefits from TRG’s extensive experience managing similar assets in New Zealand and globally. TRG has specific expertise and a capital base very well suited to large-scale forestry assets with a focus on long-term value creation, diversifying market opportunities, and maximizing investment returns. “After completing a comprehensive review of strategic alternatives for our New Zealand business, we believe the decision to sell our joint venture interest is the best path forward to create value for our shareholders,” said Mark McHugh, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rayonier. “Rayonier’s presence in New Zealand dates back to 1988, and over time the value of our New Zealand business has appreciated considerably. The team in New Zealand has done an outstanding job in managing these highly productive assets with a long-term mindset, and this joint venture has contributed meaningfully to Rayonier’s growth and success over time. “Despite these positive attributes, the New Zealand business lacks meaningful synergies with our core US operations, and we further believe that the value of the New Zealand joint venture is not fully appreciated in the public markets. Thus, after careful consideration, we believe now is the appropriate time to sell our interest and opportunistically redeploy capital. “To this end, we are pleased to transfer the stewardship of this business to TRG, a well-regarded manager of forestry assets in the region.” Nick Rohatyn, Partner, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of TRG  said the company was delighted to acquire Rayonier’s New Zealand business and looks forward to continuing a highly productive and successful operation over the long term. “Like Rayonier, TRG’s team has a long history of involvement in the New Zealand forestry industry, and we are excited about adding their New Zealand assets to complement our global portfolio of high-quality timberland investments,” he said. TRG Partner and Head of Forestry & Agriculture, Mike Claridge, added, “Our organization has been investing in the New Zealand forestry sector since 1998. We have long admired Rayonier’s business here, and particularly the professionalism of the team and their suppliers, who are widely recognized as leaders in the New Zealand industry. We look forward to working closely with the team and building on their success to create a sustainable, long-term forestry enterprise.”