Media News Bulletin from PEFC Asia Pacific December 2020

Webinar: Building a Better Future with Certified Timber
 
 
As countries throughout Asia Pacific - and around the world - aim for net zero carbon emissions, the global construction sector has a key role to play, as buildings account for 39% of global emissions of CO2. PEFC believes that building with low carbon certified timber is a key part of the solution, so its webinar on 16 December on “Building a better future with certified timber” will help all participants better understand how timber construction supports climate mitigation, along with other global sustainability targets. Alongside Paul Jarquin, President and founder of REI Habitat and Mark Thomson, architect and Director of Eco-Effective Solutions, is Mark Wayne Probert from Binderholz, who will go through the manufacturing journey, from PEFC-certified forests to innovative mass engineered timber (MET). Read more & register here
 
Malaysia Sees Biggest Increase in Certified Forest Areas
 
 
A Gold medal was awarded to the Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC) for achieving the biggest increase in PEFC-certified forest area in 2020 – the best in the world - with over 950,000 hectares in 10 forest management units in Johor, Sabah and Sarawak. With PEFC's 25th General Assembly held virtually for the very first time, the Awards ceremony went online too. More than 100 representatives called in from all over the world to learn that Asian member countries won the top three PEFC awards for 2020. For top prize winner Malaysia, this represented an annual increase of over 20%, taking the PEFC-certified forest area in Malaysia to over 5.2 million hectares. Read all about it.
 
Going from Zero to 450,000 Hectares Wins Silver for India
 
 
Asia was the big winner in the global 2020 PEFC awards, with second place going the Network for Certification and Conservation of Forests (NCCF), the PEFC member for India. This award was particularly special, as the increase of 450,000 hectares represented the first PEFC-certified forest area in the country – this time last year, there were no certified hectares. Apart from certified forest areas, NCCF currently has 33+ PEFC-certified wood based brands under chain of custody certification. Read more.
 
Korea Grows Forests by 150% to win Bronze PEFC Award
 
 
Bronze position in the PEFC awards went to the Korea Forest Certificate Council (KFCC) for growing their certified forest area by more than 150%, up to 706,000 hectares. Korea achieved their first PEFC-certified forest area in 2019. In a country where 65% of the national area is made up of forests, "sustainably managed forests in Korea are essential and have a very important meaning,” said Ahn Kyu Hwan, Head of Project and Development at KFCC, as well as the Korea Forestry Promotion Institute (KOFPI). “In the future, KOFPI will continue to cooperate with PEFC to contribute further to the sustainability of domestic forests. There's more
 
Recognition for 10 Years on PEFC International Board
 
 
After ten years on the PEFC International Board of Directors and two years as vice Chair, Genevieve Chua steps down with these words to say about her experience: “Over the years, I have seen with great pride and satisfaction how PEFC has grown in size and recognition. We don't have it easy and have numerous challenges, yet we punch above our weight.” As head of OVOL (formerly Spicers) in Singapore - one of the largest paper companies in the world - she will continue to promote certified paper and printing. Read more.
 
Indonesia Wins "Experience Forests" Global Photo Prize
 
 
Indonesian amateur photographer Keril Chairil beat 8000 other entries from 12 countries to win the 2020 “Experience Forests, Experience PEFC” contest. His award-winning image ‘Morning Activities’, was taken at Situ Gunung Lake in West Java, Indonesia, capturing the magical atmosphere at a forest lake in the early morning. Chairil hopes his win encourages more to be aware of the beauty of the forest and respect for the environment surrounding them. This winning image will help promote Indonesia Forestry Certification Cooperation (IFCC) and how it promotes sustainable forest management in Indonesia. Go here for more
 
Setting Sustainable Goals Despite Pandemic Disruptions
 
 
While the pandemic has disrupted progress on implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Asia Pacific Resources International Limited (APRIL) Group - PEFC International Stakeholder member - has reinforced its commitments to achieve sustainable business growth, as well as to bolster the government’s endeavours to achieve the SDGs’ targets. The sustainable fibre and bio-based products producer has released “APRIL2030”, a transformative sustainable commitment that contains a series of tangible actions that are expected to make positive contributions to the climate, nature and the development of people. Read the full report in the Jakarta Post
 
Sweet Spot for PEFC on Confectionery Products in Japan
 
 
Glico - one of the Japan’s leading confectionery and beverage businesses - decided to use PEFC certified paper with its logo mark on more than 300 million packages a year for their products, including Mild Cafe au lait, its beverage for infants. While it was difficult to find space on some products, with the cooperation of related parties, the PEFC logo mark is successfully incorporated “under the roof” of the package. To express gratitude for Glico’s decision, Sustainable Green Ecosystem Council (SGEC) - representing PEFC in Japan - presented a certificate of appreciation to the company. Read More
 
APP Sponsors LOO Awards to Advance Certified Paper
 
 
Following the successful launch of the LOO (Let's Observe Ourselves) Campaign in 2008, the Restroom Association (Singapore) or RAS, further reinforces its four pronged approach by initiating the LOO Awards, sponsored by Asia Pulp and Paper (APP). This recognises any organisations and individuals who have contributed to help Singapore achieve a world recognised standard of restroom cleanliness. Here's more on The Loo Awards are here
 
UPM, Operating in 10 Asia Pacific Countries, Joins PEFC
 
 
“We look forward to joining PEFC to further strengthen our role in promoting sustainable forest management globally,” said Inka Musta, Senior Manager, Global Forest Affairs at UPM, our new international stakeholder member. UPM, headquartered in Finland, owns 770,000 hectares of PEFC certified forests and operates throughout the world, including in 10 Asia Pacific countries. Pictured is UPM's Changshu mill in China. The 25th PEFC General Assembly, the first one to ever be held virtually, has welcomed two new country members: Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Read all about it.
 
Collaborative Projects for Smallholder Rubber Producers
 
 
CEO Ben Gunneberg presented at the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR) webinar in November, elaborating on PEFC’s approach to standard-setting and certification. He also showcased some of the current collaborative projects with their national members and companies to support smallholder rubber producers, and how these will benefit all GPSNR members and the work of the global platform which is based in Singapore. Southeast Asian countries account for 97% of global natural rubber production. Listen in to what Ben Gunneberg has to say.
 
 
If you need more information on any of the items above, or any other work by PEFC in Asia Pacific, feel free to contact:
Or go to PEFC International: www.pefc.org
 

PEFC Webinar: Building a better future with certified timber

Countries around the world are aiming for net zero carbon emissions by 2050 as a response to the Paris Agreement to keep global temperature rise below 2 degrees Celsius. The global construction sector has a key role to play in achieving net zero, and PEFC believes that building with low carbon certified timber is a key part of the solution.

Join our PEFC Webinar: Building a better future with certified timber to learn how timber construction supports climate mitigation and other global sustainability targets, and the important role that PEFC certification plays. The webinar is free to attend and takes place 16 December at 11:00-12:00 CET. Register now.

We will be joined by three experts in the field of sustainable construction and strong advocates of timber as a building material:

Mark Wayne Probert from Binderholz will take us through the manufacturing journey, from sustainably managed forests to innovative mass engineered timber (MET) technology. Highlighting why the use of PEFC-certified timber is so important to the company, and showcasing MET projects.

Paul Jarquin, President and founder of REI Habitat, the first property developer in France to become PEFC certified, will focus in on the situation and opportunities in France. With the French government mandating that all new public buildings will be built from at least 50% timber or other natural materials, France is leading the world.

Finally, Mark Thomson, architect and Director of Eco-Effective Solutions, will focus in on why architects should be specifying certified timber. He’ll explain the inherent properties of timber in building, from their role in climate change mitigation, to their aesthetics.

Please note that the webinar will be in English, and you need to register in advance in order to receive the link. 

Spaces are limited – register for free now!

Why should you attend?

This webinar will provide you with a solid background on the sustainability wins for timber construction. You’ll come away with a better understanding of the social, environmental and economic benefits of designing and building with certified timber. 

Our expert speakers will share with you a range of innovative projects, illustrating the numerous and varied advantages that building with certified timber brings.

Finally, the webinar will demonstrate why sourcing and building with certified timber is so critical, and how PEFC certification provides assurances of responsible sourcing.

Don't delay – register now!

Who should attend?

While everyone is welcome, the webinar will be of particular interest to those working in the construction sector – whether you are already using timber, or are interested in finding out more about the sustainability advantages of timber construction.

From architects, specifiers and developers, to structural engineers, contractors, house builders and the timber supply chain, join us to learn how together we can build a better future with responsibly-sourced timber.

Register now!

Source: https://www.pefc.org/news/pefc-webinar-building-a-better-future-with-certified-timber

 

2020 PEFC Photographer of the Year – winner announced!

12 countries, 8000 photos, 1 winner. We are delighted to announce the 2020 PEFC Photographer of the Year, chosen from nearly 8000 photos entered into the ‘Experience Forests, Experience PEFC’ photo contest.

The Award went to Keril Chairil, for his beautiful image ‘Morning Activities’, taken at Situ Gunung Lake in West Java, Indonesia. The image captures the magical atmosphere at the forest lake in the early morning.

“Thank you to the judges for choosing my photo as the winner of the 2020 PEFC Photographer of the Year Award! It is great that my photo can open people’s eyes for the importance of forests,” said Keril Chairil.

“We received so many stunning forest photos this year, choosing a winner was really not easy! But the whole jury agreed that Keril’s photo is exceptional,” said Ben Gunneberg, PEFC International CEO.

“We just love the fishermen, the greenery, the water reflections – what is not to like about this photograph?”

Victor Rodriguez, a photographer and member of the PEFC International jury, shares why the jury chose this photo as the winner.

“The action is eye-catching and is the key to this image – the casting of the net and the link between the fishermen and life under water. This reminds us that humans can be part of nature in a beautiful way,” he explains.

“The fishermen are surrounded by a peaceful, and almost static environment. The light is really soft and adds some magic to the scene, while the colours contribute to the general serene mood.”

The contest

For the fourth time, our ‘Experience Forests, Experience PEFC’ photo contest invited photographers and forest lovers from around the world to show us their best forest photos – and again, we received thousands of stunning images!

National contests were run by our members in 12 countries, and the photos entered show the beauty of forests worldwide. The winners of the national contests entered the international contest to compete for the ‘2020 PEFC Photographer of the Year’ Award.

The top 12 images were presented on Facebook Live and will star in our 2020 photo calendar.

 

First time in history: Indonesian Photographer is Awarded as the 2020 PEFC Photographer of the Year!

Since 2017 IFCC has been consecutively participating in the PEFC International Photo Contest by holding its national contest. “This is the 4th year for IFCC holding the photo contest and the 4th year for me involving in the judging process of this annual contest. As one of the judges, I feel that it is getting harder from year to year to assess and select the photos since all of the competed photos are so remarkable. About 6,000 to 7,000 photos were competed during the last 4 years in this annual photo contest and we can see how grateful we are as the beauty of Indonesian forests is showcased through thousands of photography shots. By holding this IFCC photo contest regularly,  we hope that more people will love and participate in preserving the beauty of Indonesia's forests so that the forest functions are maintained”, expressed Zulfandi Lubis, the IFCC Executive Director.

Over 3 years holding the contest, there were always IFCC Photo Contest winners who are selected into the top 12 photographers in the PEFC International Photo Contest, but never once winning the 1st place. This year is the Indonesia’s year! The photo that was taken in Situ Gunung Lake located in the National Park of Mount Gede Pangrango Sukabumi, Indonesia, has successfully attracted and satisfied the assessment of the international juries. The photographer of this amazing shot is Chairil.

“Wow.. We just love the fishermen, the greenery, the water reflections – what is not to like about this photograph?“, said Ben Gunneberg, PEFC International CEO, when moderating the PEFC Photo Contest 2020 winner announcement through PEFC International Facebook and its Youtube channel on 10th November 2020.

“Everything works in this picture. The light, the movement captured. It’s fabulous. It’s really magic,” impressed Lucas, an experienced photography enthusiast.  

Victor Rodriguez, a photographer and key member of the PEFC International jury, explained about the reasons of why Chairil’s photo is chosen as the winner, “The action is eye-catching and is the key to this image – the casting of the net and the link between the fishermen and life under water. This reminds us that humans can be part of nature in a beautiful way. The fishermen are surrounded by a peaceful, and almost static environment. The light is really soft and adds some magic to the scene, while the colours contribute to the general serene mood,” he explains.  

“Congratulations to Chairil who have reached remarkable achievement as the winner of the international photo contest which competing around 8,000 photos from various countries worldwide. As one of the judges and citizens of Indonesia, I am proud of you, Chairil. It was quite difficult selecting from thousands of photos into choosing 5 winners at the national level since the photos are all outstanding. Congratulations once again and I hope this achievement will be pioneering to produce the next “Chairil” in the future IFCC Photo Contest”, said Zulfandi.

“The PEFC Photo Contest 2020 has given a very deep impression, where each participant are competing to capture the beauty of nature from their own perspective. It's not easy to produce a photo that is so meaningful and has a full story of it. Congratulations to the winner. Hopefully the beauty of Indonesia can be reflected in his next masterpieces,” said Lucky Candra Kusumo, one of the judges of IFCC Photo Contest 2020. Lucky is a professional photographer and has experienced in landscape and street photography since 10 years ago. "The Earth is too beautiful to not to be captured", he concluded.  

Chairil was really speechless when receiving a news from PEFC International informing that he is awarded as 2020 PEFC Photo Contest of the Year. He is still cannot believing that he wins the first place in the international photography competition. He feels so grateful that he can be the winner. As a photographer, he mentioned that by sharing his photos entitled “Morning Activity” to public he wishes that he can encourage many people to be more aware and respect towards the environment surrounding them. Photography is a way he can do to support sustainable forest management here in Indonesia.

Chairil has been very passionate in photography since 11 years ago and starting that time he admitted that photography is totally his hobby. He showcases many of his shots in Instagram. Feel free to visit his virtual photo gallery in Instagram at @7kaylie.

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Chairil said that the existence of IFCC Photo Contest is really good for forest conservation as there are so many photographers participating and sharing their photos about forests and their stories, so that it can help IFCC to indirectly monitor it. Chairil advised that if possible, the next photo contest should not only showing the beauty of the forest but also the opposite in order to attract people’s awareness on the forests area which need more attention. Chairil is very enthusiastic to participate in the next IFCC Photo Contest and will always support this event. He expects that IFCC Photo Contest will be happening every year.

“Congratulations to the PEFC Photo Contest 2020 and the winner for his best work. This event is very important in supporting efforts to conserve and manage natural resources and exploring the creative works of art. Hopefully PEFC can always facilitate this kind of activity in the future,” expressed Dones Rinaldi, one of the IFCC Photo Contest 2020 judges. Dones has been doing landscape and wildlife photography since 1974.

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