UPM biodiversity programme receives an honourable mention from FIBS

The UPM biodiversity programme received an honourable mention in the 2016 corporate biodiversity awards by Finland’s leading corporate responsibility network FIBS. The six finalists presented their proposals to a judging panel and audience in a pitching event.

“The UPM biodiversity programme has complex and extensive effects on biodiversity both in Finland and abroad. The programme contains numerous innovative experiments and solutions, and it is a frontrunner in the preservation and maintaining of biodiversity, as well as communicating about this at a national and international level,” says Lauri Kivekäs, chairman of the jury.

UPM created its strategic biodiversity programme 20 years ago. The aim of the programme is to incorporate forest biodiversity and its key requirements into the modern forest industry.

“The results of our work are encouraging. According to studies and monitoring programmes, we are focusing on the correct actions. Protecting valuable habitats and increasing the amount of deadwood and diversity of tree species are key,” says Timo Lehesvirta, Director, Forest Global. Lehesvirta is also one of the programme’s founders.

Close collaboration with scientists and other stakeholders is an essential part of the programme, and has paved the way for a new operating culture in the industry.

“Collaboration with different parties has brought in new perspectives and motivated our employees to change their ways of working and share new practices with our forest owner clients,” Lehesvirta says.

“We monitor the programme’s results closely and use them to further develop our operations,” he continues.

The UPM forest biodiversity programme is based on treating biodiversity as part of forest management, carrying out joint projects with stakeholders and preserving valuable forest land.
http://www.upm.com/About-us/Newsroom/Releases/Pages/UPM-biodiversity-programme-receives-an-honourable-mention-from-FIBS-001-Tue-13-Dec-2016-14-33.aspx

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