Celebrating Innovation, Collaboration, and Sustainability
Responsible Wood was proud to sponsor and participate in the recent Australian Forest Contractors Association (AFCA) Business Summit. The event brought together industry leaders, contractors, and stakeholders to discuss the future of forestry and forest contracting in Australia. With a packed agenda covering topics such as innovation, effective communication, real-world perspectives, and adaptability in a changing world, the summit highlighted both the sector’s opportunities and challenges.
Forest contractors are at the heart of sustainable forest management, performing vital on-ground work to ensure forests are managed responsibly when sourcing forest products. Their efforts align closely with the requirements of AS/NZS 4708:2021 Sustainable Forest Management Standard, developed by Responsible Wood. This standard integrates cultural, economic, environmental, and social criteria to support sustainability while protecting workers, supporting regional forestry communities, and maintaining forest biodiversity, health and productivity.
Jonathan Tibbits, Marketing and Communications Manager for Responsible Wood praised the summit for its engaging discussions and practical insights.
“It was great to hear firsthand from contractors who live and breathe this stuff every day. Their experiences in the bush, including the highs and lows, add a depth of understanding that helps inform and shape the future of forestry, and inform the development of our standards. It’s these voices from the ground up that are crucial as we tackle industry challenges and continue to refine our certification standards to ensure real-world relevance.
One of the key takeaways from the summit was the recognition of the evolving landscape of forestry, driven by factors such as climate change, market demands, and new technologies. These dynamics underscore the importance of the AS/NZS 4708 standard in providing a framework that not only safeguards environmental and social values but also supports economic viability, enabling forest contractors to adapt and thrive in a challenging and competitive industry.
The sessions explored critical issues like adapting to shifting market drivers, navigating uncertainties, and embracing innovation to remain resilient. The shared focus on strategic thinking and collaboration resonated with attendees, leading to strong discussion and setting the tone for tackling the road ahead.
Tibbits added,
We’re excited to take these insights forward. By combining multi-generational industry knowledge with the principles of sustainable forest management, we can help shape a resilient future for forestry in Australia, where certification standards aspire to bring meaningful impact to a national operating context.
Our thanks go to Tim Lester, Adan Taylor, and the AFCA team for hosting such a valuable event. Responsible Wood remains committed to supporting initiatives like this that promote sustainable practices and foster collaboration across the forestry sector.
