Kerumutan, Riau, 7 August 2017 – Asia Pulp & Paper Group (APP), for the 4th consecutive year, held a tree planting event as part of its commitment in supporting the restoration and conservation of forests in Sumatra and Kalimantan. This time, the occasion took place at the conservation area of APP’s pulpwood concession in Sorek District, Kerumutan, Riau.
This year, APP is collaborating with the Japan Agency for Environmental Business and International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) to increase public awareness on the importance of planting trees and protecting forest, part of APP’s long-term commitment in addressing global climate change. The event was attended by the representative of Pelalawan Regent H.M. Harris and also the representative of the Head of Riau Natural Resource Conservation Agency (BBKSDA) Dr. Ir. Mahfudz MP. On this special occasion, APP and the local communities planted Red Balau trees on 20 hectares of land at the conservation area of APP's pulpwood supplier concession in Sorek District.
Red Balau is a native species from Sumatra that grows naturally on shallow peat swamps. The native species also contributes to ecological benefits in restoring the ecosystem in Sumatra. Additionally, the species is relatively resistant to fire and has a good survival rate in degraded peat forest area.
The presence of APP’s partners from Japan symbolises the support for APP in realising its commitment towards forest conservation in Indonesia. “Today’s event marks the fourth time since 2014 for APP to conduct this tree planting initiative. We are committed to support the protection and restoration of natural forest in Sumatra and Kalimantan,” said APP Japan Chairman Tan Ui Sian representing APP management.
Tan added that the visit by volunteers from Japan for the tree planting event in Riau has resulted in positive influence on Indonesians to continue to play their part in forest conservation. The event will also serve to convey a message that it is the responsibility of everyone to conserve the forest and protect the environment.
ITTO Project Manager, Dr. Ma Hwan-ok stated, “We need more actions in restoring degraded forest landscapes in Sumatra. Planting trees on such degraded forests is the best way to restore the environment in achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals 13 (Climate action) and 15 (Life in land)."
This initiative is also supported by Professor Akira Miyawaki, the Professor Emeritus of Yokohama National University in Japan. He emphasises the importance of forest conservation through planting trees which are native to the vegetation of the targeted area for restoration program. “Together, we are capable of creating a sustainable environment for the future,” said the founder of Japan Agency for Environmental Business, Mitsunori Kamiya.
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About Asia Pulp & Paper
Asia Pulp & Paper Group (APP) is a trade name for a group of pulp and paper manufacturing companies in Indonesia and China. APP is responsible for delivering quality products to meet the growing global demand for tissue, packaging, and paper, with an annual combined pulp, paper, packaging product and converting capacity of over 20 million tons per annum. On any given day, APP’s products find their way into the hands of consumers in various branded forms from all over the world.
Ensuring supply chain integrity and commitment to the Sustainable Roadmap Vision 2020 are crucial to APP’s operations. Learn more about APP’s path to operational excellence by reading our Sustainability Reports and Forest Conservation Policy at www.asiapulppaper.com.
FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
- Jarvis Sha (+62 21 29650800 ext. 21061, email: [email protected])
- Fievielia Sugita (+62 21 29650800 ext. 21063, email: [email protected])
