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Published: 29 October 2012
Response to ‘Entertainment giant uses influence to help protect tropical forests’
In response to last week’s news item ‘Entertainment giant uses influence to help protect tropical forests’ – based on media statements from the Disney Corporation and US-based Rainforest Action Alliance (RAN) – ECOS was contacted by the Asia Pulp & Paper Group (APP) with the following statement:
‘Contrary to claims made by RAN, Asia Pulp & Paper Group (APP) does not sell paper products to Disney.’
‘We understand concerns by Disney and RAN about the sustainable management of forests by the pulp and paper industry and similarly value the need to protect Indonesia’s rainforests.’
‘To that end, APP is implementing a series of new policies and operational processes under our Sustainability Roadmap Vision 2020 to protect High Conservation Value Forests (HCVF) and to respect the rights of local and indigenous communities.’
‘As of June 1st 2012, all of APP’s owned pulpwood suppliers have ended natural forest clearance and peat land conversion while HCV assessments are performed. Further suspension of natural forest clearance is underway across our independent supplier concessions.’
‘To help bring positive change on the ground we are working closely in both Indonesia and China with The Forest Trust (TFT), which is providing advice, guidance, capacity building and monitoring on issues around High Conservation Value forests, High Carbon Stock forests, peat land clearance, community conflict and other operational issues affecting environmental and social performance.’
‘We will continue to keep stakeholders and the wider NGO community updated on our progress and welcome further input.’
‘We welcome Disney, RAN and all interested parties to a constructive dialogue and to review how our policies and their implementation on the ground meet our common objectives of forest protection.’
‘By seeing these forest protection policies and their implementation by APP and its suppliers, we hope that Disney and RAN can understand how we will minimise risk for unwanted fibre.’
Source: APP
