Two recent reports confirm it: Sustainability is smart. One study found that large companies committed to sustainability have outperformed their peers by 10-15%, with the difference becoming more pronounced over time. Another market-based study concludes that "the business case for green remains compelling, especially in a tough market"  Read more

A new report prepared by the Rainforest Alliance presents data from 209 Forest Stewardship Council / Rainforest Alliance Certified forestry operations. The report shows that on average, certified operations designated 16 percent of their total forest area as strict reserves. They also had a lower rate of serious accidents than the forestry sector in general  Read more

Illlegal loggers in Brazil are facing trouble: According to a recent ITTO report, large-scale illegal logging operations have been detected in the Brazilian state of Pará. In another state, the authorities are applying satellite image technology to fine violators  Read more

One of Europe’s largest pension funds, Danish ATP, is not afraid of investing in times of deep economic crisis. Not as long as the investment objects are forests managed according to ATP's quality criteria, which are using FSC forestry certification criteria as the baseline Read more

In a new report, the organization Markets Initiative recommends that major paper consumers develop environmental paper policies specifying a preference for a combination of recycled, FSC certified wood and agricultural fibres. The report provides examples of succesful environmental leadership in the paper supply chain
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Russia now has a national PEFC forest certifition scheme: PEFC-International has announced its endorsement of the Russian National Forest Certification System. With its vast area of uncertified forests, Russia holds a great potential for developing into a key global supplier of certified wood
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The organisations behind the Global Forest Risk Registry - previously termed the Global Risk Assessment website  - have now planned the next version: A Google Earth-like solution that will provide information on the risk of controversial forestry activities anywhere in the world. This is expected to become a powerful tool providing information relevant for companies that need to comply with the FSC Controlled Wood requirements, the American Lacey Act and expected EU regulations. Sponsors are invited to support the initiative  Read more

...that the oldest tree in the world is a 9,550 years old Spruce located in Sweden? Scientists discovered the tree in 2008.  The visible part of the spruce is comparatively new, but analysis showed its root system had been growing for almost 10,000 years. Previously, pine trees in North America were thought to be the oldest, but with only 4,000 to 5,000 years of age these have turned out to be mere teenagers! Read more 

Photograph courtesy of Leif Kullman, Umeå University