Following criticism of several cases of insufficient nature consideration, SCA implemented an extensive training program during the winter and spring to ensure a satisfactory standard of consideration for nature in its forestry operations.
It was during autumn 2007 that several cases of insufficient consideration for nature were brought to light in SCA’s forestry operations and SCA was also criticized by its own environmental auditors in connection with the autumn’s FSC audit of the company’s forestry. SCA decided then to implement a comprehensive program of measures to ensure that the company maintains high quality in terms of nature consideration.
Recently, another two fellings, in Norrbotten, were highlighted by Greenpeace and the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation (SSNC). The fellings took place last year at about the same time as the previously criticized fellings and were thus conducted before SCA implemented its action program.
“We have reached the conclusion that both of the fellings were subject to deficiencies and that our nature conservation instructions were not complied with,” says Hans Djurberg, Chief Forester at SCA’s Norrbotten forest district. “These areas are included among those for which we are again reviewing our plans and no felling will be conducted until this review has been completed.”
During the winter, all forest machinery operators who work for SCA, meaning contractors, contractor employees and SCA’s own employees, received training and underwent a knowledge test. SCA has also revised its plans for the fellings that have yet to be implemented.
To read the entire press release from SCA Forest Products, please go to http://www.forestproducts.sca.com/ and click "News".