Celebrating National Forestry Day 2024

On National Forestry Day – Tuesday, 20 August 2024 – we take a moment to reflect on the important role that Australia’s forest industries play in our daily lives and the broader global effort to combat climate change. The theme for this year, Nature’s Carbon Store, highlights the vital contribution of the forest sector to climate solutions, as forests are one of the most effective natural tools we have in the fight against global warming.

As Diana Hallam, CEO of the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA), eloquently stated,

“Australia’s forestry supply chain is responsible for renewable and vital everyday items from timber house-frames to home furnishings and paper and packaging products like cardboard boxes and paper cups. These are climate-friendly items we cannot live without!”

At Responsible Wood, our commitment to sustainable forest management aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our certification standards ensure that forests are managed in a way that preserves their ecological integrity, supports biodiversity, and promotes long-term environmental, economic, and social sustainability. By adhering to these global principles, we contribute directly to key SDGs, including:

• SDG 13: Climate Action: Through the sustainable management of forests, we help mitigate climate change by promoting the absorption and storage of carbon in forest products.
• SDG 15: Life on Land: Our standards safeguard biodiversity and ensure that forests continue to provide habitat for countless species, supporting ecosystems that are critical for life on earth.

The PEFC and Responsible Wood certification schemes are integral to supporting sustainable forestry practices in Australia and beyond. These certification schemes are not just about meeting standards; they are about setting them. Each certified forest is independently verified on the ground by experts who audit the management systems of certified forest managers. This rigorous process ensures that the forests are managed according to world-class standards that promote sustainability, transparency, and accountability.

Through extensive consultation with a broad range of stakeholders, we develop standards that promote sustainable forest management at the highest level. Our commitment to transparency ensures that forest products are sourced through supply chains that are as ethical as they are efficient.

With demand for timber and wood fibre expected to quadruple by 2050, the Australian forest products sector is significant in leading the world in sustainable forest management. This leadership is demonstrated through our active replanting efforts, prudent environmental regulations, and the commitment to preserving forest landscapes for future generations.

Marketing and Communications Manager for Responsible Wood, Jonathan Tibbits reflected on National Forestry Day,

“Certification provides a strong framework for ensuring that the economic benefits derived from forests continue to support local communities, while safeguarding the ecosystems for future generations. This is what sustainable forestry is all about.”

Australia’s forest industries are more than just a source of raw materials; they are a cornerstone of the national economy, providing 80,000 highly skilled direct jobs and supporting another 100,000 indirect jobs, many of which are in rural and regional areas. The sector contributes $24 billion to the economy annually and stands as Australia’s 6th largest manufacturing sector.

On National Forestry Day, we encourage everyone to recognise the excellent work being done by these industries, which provide us with sustainable products that are essential to our way of life. From the timber in our homes to the paper products we use every day, the importance of sustainable forestry cannot be overstated.

As we celebrate this day, let us also reaffirm our commitment to continually improving our sustainable forest management practices that ensure our forests remain a vital part of our environment and economy for generations to come.