MEMPHIS,
Tenn., Aug. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- International
Paper (IP) reaffirms its dedication to conserving forest
ecosystems, nature and biodiversity with a $15.3 million investment to renew strategic
alliances with key conservation partners, including the American
Forest Foundation (AFF), National
Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), The Nature Conservancy (TNC)
and World Wildlife Fund (WWF). These collaborations are pivotal to
IP's business strategy and Vision 2030 goal to conserve and restore
1 million acres of ecologically significant forestland.
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"International Paper's success depends on the sustainability of
forests – and so does the future of our planet," said
Sophie Beckham, vice president and chief sustainability
officer, International Paper. "Renewing these strategic
partnerships underscores our commitment to positively impact nature
while delivering low-carbon, sustainable, fiber-based products to
our customers."
Among these partnerships, IP's collaboration with AFF has been
key through the Family Forest Carbon Program (FFCP). Developed by
AFF and TNC, this program facilitates family forest owners' access
to climate finance from carbon markets. Supported by IP, the FFCP
has expanded significantly in the Central Appalachian area and is
set to launch activities in the Southeastern U.S., focusing on
afforestation and improved forest management practices. IP's
ongoing support allows the FFCP to invest in critically important
applied research to identify which forests provide the most
additional carbon mitigation when they enroll in the program.
The Forestland Stewards Partnership (FSP) with NFWF,
extended in 2022 with a $10 million
commitment over five years. Launched in 2013, FSP has successfully
established, enhanced or conserved more than 1.6 million acres of
iconic southern forestlands. Focused on longleaf pine and
bottomland hardwood restoration, this partnership aims to further
wildlife conservation and sustainable forestry practices in the
Southeastern U.S.
Since 2018, IP's collaboration with TNC has led to advancements
in sustainable forestry practices. This work reaches beyond IP's
traditional supply chain to identify natural climate solutions that
can be replicated in forests around the world. With the first two
phases complete, IP renewed its partnership to scale up efforts
towards responsible forestry, carbon sequestration and biodiversity
monitoring in the Central Appalachian region of the U.S. and in
Mexico.
Additionally, as one of the first five companies to join WWF's
Forests Forward program, IP is taking action on responsible
sourcing and aiding efforts in priority sourcing regions to support
nature, climate and people. The latest collaboration involves
helping local partners in the Mobile Basin of Mississippi and Alabama address a critical issue: the
preservation of heirs' property. The initiative provides legal
services, assistance and resources to help historically
disenfranchised Black landowners retain generational land and
conserve working forests.
"These partnerships are essential for enhancing sustainability
across our value chain," noted Beckham. "By collaborating with AFF,
NFWF, TNC and WWF, International Paper will scale our impact, learn
from trusted partners, and drive positive change for people and the
planet."
For more information about all of IP's longstanding
partnerships, please visit our website or IP's 2023
Sustainability Report.
About The Nature Conservancy (TNC)
Guided by science,
we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's
toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together.
We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans
at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and
helping make cities more sustainable. The Nature Conservancy is
working to make a lasting difference around the world in 77
countries and territories (41 by direct conservation impact and 36
through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages
local communities, governments, the private sector, and other
partners. To learn more, visit nature.org.
About The American Forest
Foundation (AFF)
The American Forest Foundation is a national conservation
organization that empowers family forest owners to make meaningful
conservation impact. The organization's flagship program, the
Family Forest Carbon Program, helps landowners implement forest
management practices to protect the health of their woodlands and
help the planet. To learn more about the American Forest Foundation and the Family Forest Carbon
Program, visit www.forestfoundation.org/carbon.
About the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
(NFWF)
Chartered by Congress in 1984, the National Fish and
Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) protects and restores the nation's fish,
wildlife, plants and habitats. Working with federal, corporate,
foundation and individual partners, NFWF has funded more than 6,800
organizations and generated a total conservation impact of more
than $10 billion. NFWF is an equal
opportunity provider. Learn more at nfwf.org.
About World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
WWF is one of the
world's leading conservation organizations, working for 60 years in
nearly 100 countries to help people and nature thrive. With the
support of 1.3 million members in the
United States and more than 5 million members worldwide, WWF
is dedicated to delivering science-based solutions to preserve the
diversity and abundance of life on Earth, halt the degradation of
the environment, and combat the climate crisis.
Visit worldwildlife.org to learn more;
follow @WWFNews on Twitter to keep up with the latest
conservation news; and sign up for our newsletter and news
alerts here.
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SOURCE International Paper