Alex Messina
General Manager of Corporate Affairs, Alex Messina, said VicForests was proud of its Responsible Wood AFS certification which has been maintained for more than 10 years. The May 2018 Australian Forestry Standard (AFS) Surveillance Audit report, the latest for Responsible Wood certification, endorsed VicForests’ strong management practices and found the organisation conformed across all AFS indicators. The report made note of VicForests’ continual improvement of its management systems and the emphasis it placed on harvest planning and preparation, and the protection of biodiversity values. Source: Timberbiz
General Manager of Corporate Affairs, Alex Messina, said VicForests was proud of its Responsible Wood AFS certification which has been maintained for more than 10 years.
“This is a clear endorsement of VicForests’ management systems including harvesting operations and protection of biodiversity such as the Leadbeater’s Possum and Greater Glider,” Mr Messina said
“VicForests harvests native timber resources in a sustainable manner which protects local biodiversity and ensures the long-term future of Victoria’s forests.
“We go to great lengths to regenerate harvested areas with the same forest type that was there prior to harvesting. What we harvest, we grow back.
“Our practices are based on industry best-practice and a scientific approach to forestry management.”
VicForests has maintained Responsible Wood (Australian Forestry Standard) since 2007 and undertakes regular independent audits to monitor its management systems and operations in accordance with these requirements.
The Responsible Wood standard is endorsed by the international Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) – the largest such system in the world which covers around 240 million hectares of forest across 30 countries and equates to around two-thirds of the world’s total certified forest area.
The report highlighted one previous minor non-conformity which had been identified in an earlier audit. Corrective action to address this issue is in progress however the non-conformity was raised in this report as it has not yet been completed. This action is expected to be completed by December 2018.
VicForests will work with industry, stakeholders and the community to ensure it continues its strong record of sustainable timber harvesting and is best placed to achieve continued re-certification of Responsible Wood standard.
VicForests has also announced plans to seek Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Controlled Wood standard by 2020.
