The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) says Canada has the best resources of sustainable forest management, participating with partners for further developments.
A global increase in the fragmentation of undamaged forest landscapes were observed with Canada having the greatest reduction, according to a study published by the World Resource Institute (WRI).
In Canada, the deprivation was caused by an increase in forest fires initiated due to climate change, invasions such as the mountain pine beetle and other land exploitation rather than by forest sector activity.
Canada’s forest products industry appreciates the value of conserving forests, with an effort to improve environmental credentials, says, David Lindsay, president, CEO, FPAC.
In Canada, by provincial law all harvested areas must be renewed. Canada preserves 90percent of its original forest area and less than 0.2percent of forests are harvested each year. Fire, insects and disease harm around 0.5percent of the total area annually.
Canada has 150 million hectares of the world’s certified forests that conduct sustainable forest management. Canada’s forest products industry owns the best environmental reputation in the world.
Under Vision2020, FPAC member companies aim to further improve the environmental record by 35 percent in a decade.
The companies in collaboration with environmental groups under the Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement (CBFA) will avail the social, environmental and economic opportunities for better management.
The forest products industry helps to recover, preserve and manage ecosystems during global climate change. By working with environmental groups, scientists and governments a solution will be found to harness climate change and progressive ways to manage forests, adds Lindsay.
FPAC represents Canada’s wood, pulp, and paper producers nationally and internationally in government, trade, and environmental affairs.
The $58-billion-a-year forest products industry denotes 2percent of Canada’s GDP, providing 235,000 direct jobs across the country.