HELSINKI,
Oct. 22, 2010
(Press Release) -
UPM has developed a global biodiversity programme that aims to maintain and increase natural biodiversity on UPM forest land, and to promote best practices in forestry and wood sourcing. UPM's biodiversity programme is regarded as a front-runner and is being showcased at the UN COP 10 biodiversity conference in Nagoya, Japan in October.
Around the world there is growing recognition that biological diversity is a global asset of huge value to present and future generations. At the same time, the threat to species and ecosystems has never been as great as it is today.
The United Nations declared 2010 to be the International Year of Biodiversity.
"As the Biofore company, our operations are based on the sustainable utilisation of woody biomass. This means that biodiversity is our business. We have dedicated professionals in each country who are implementing our biodiversity programme and carrying out innovative projects aimed at promoting biodiversity as part of sustainable forest management," says Mr Robert Taylor, Environmental Director, Engineered Materials and Functions, UPM. "Our projects are also being used by other organisations as case studies, for example by WWF in the New Generation Plantations Project and the German Business and Biodiversity Initiative."
UPM's biodiversity programme focuses on six key elements for biodiversity: native tree species, deadwood, valuable habitats, forest structure, water and natural forests and is implemented through country level targets and action plans.
The Nagoya event has created much interest globally amongst political leaders and the general public. In Japan, society values nature and a sustainable lifestyle. Concerns about environmental degradation are rapidly rising. For any company to be successful in Japan, it must demonstrate the environmental sustainability of its products and communicate it widely," says Mr Timo Varhama, General Manager, UPM Japan.
In addition to the global biodiversity programme, UPM is presenting its paper, label, timber and UPM ProFI products at the conference.
