Promoting Sustainable Forests and Responsible Supply Chains

Responsible Wood recently launched two pilot forestry field trips to educate and provide information about sustainable forestry and forest product certification.

There is still a lot of misinformation and misconceptions about forestry, making the topics of setting sustainability standards, certification, and implementing sustainable forest management systems difficult to explain. To help address this, Responsible Wood organised these initial field trips in Victoria and Queensland, in an attempt to provide a valuable opportunity to observe sustainability and real forestry practices in action. The field trips were aimed at showcasing the importance of responsible supply chains and promoting sustainable forest management.

Going bush: field trip participants in Queensland.

The field trips, attended by architects, designers, builders, manufacturers, and wholesalers offered firsthand experiences that highlight the field trip partners’ commitment to driving positive change in the forestry industry. Simon Dorries, CEO of Responsible Wood, reflected on the success of the field trips,

What we showcased at theses field trips represents a dedication to promoting sustainable practices and providing valuable insights for all attendees. Sustainable forestry is more than just harvesting trees.

The field trips immerse participants in the real world of sustainable forest management, allowing them to witness the thorough planning and operational execution of some of our largest forest managers in Victoria and Queensland. Participants had the opportunity to observe the use of advanced technologies in monitoring and protecting biodiversity, as well as the implementation of best practice, science-based forest management techniques.

The positive feedback received from participants speaks to the dedication and commitment demonstrated by these organisations in ensuring the long-term health, sustainability, and productivity of forests.

Learning how to grow pine trees: participants visit the HQP Nursery.

A significant aspect of the field trips involves tracing the journey of timber from the forest to the end consumer. Participants gained an insider’s perspective of a Responsible Wood certified supply chain, witnessing the transparency and accountability maintained at each stage by Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH) in Victoria and Hyne Timber in Queensland. This firsthand experience is aimed at equipping participants with the right information to help them make informed choices as users and specifiers of timber products.

Responsible Wood Sustainability Manager, Matt de Jongh, emphasised,

These field trips shine a light on the positive impact of responsible forest management on biodiversity. You get to see first hand the integration of protective measures for flora and fauna, the preservation of critical habitats, and the protection of forest soils and water.

He continued,

“Witnessing these processes fosters a deep understanding of the crucial connection between thriving ecosystems and sustainable wood production.”

In the forest: field trip participants visit responsibly managed forests in Victoria.

Jonathan Tibbits of Responsible Wood adds,

These field trips represent an important milestone for Responsible Wood, taking new steps towards actively engaging architects, designers, builders, manufacturers, and wholesalers in the pursuit of sustainable and ethically sourced timber.

Building upon the success of these field trips, Responsible Wood aims to conduct similar trips across Australia throughout the year. By providing opportunities for industry professionals and stakeholders to witness sustainable forestry practices in action, Responsible Wood aims to continue to inspire and educate, showcasing a collective commitment to a sustainable industry with products that are around for many generations to come.

Chain of custody processing in action: participants visit Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH) in Heyfield