UPM biodiversity programme receives an honourable mention from FIBS

Tue, Dec 13, 2016 13:30 CET

(UPM, Helsinki, 13 December 2016 at 14:30 EET) - The UPM biodiversity programme received an honourable mention in the 2016 corporate biodiversity awards by Finland's leading corporate responsibility network FIBS. The six finalists presented their proposals to a judging panel and audience in a pitching event.

"The UPM biodiversity programme has complex and extensive effects on biodiversity both in Finland and abroad. The programme contains numerous innovative experiments and solutions, and it is a frontrunner in the preservation and maintaining of biodiversity, as well as communicating about this at a national and international level," says Lauri Kivekäs, chairman of the jury.

UPM created its strategic biodiversity programme 20 years ago. The aim of the programme is to incorporate forest biodiversity and its key requirements into the modern forest industry.

"The results of our work are encouraging. According to studies and monitoring programmes, we are focusing on the correct actions. Protecting valuable habitats and increasing the amount of deadwood and diversity of tree species are key," says Timo Lehesvirta, Director, Forest Global. Lehesvirta is also one of the programme's founders.

Close collaboration with scientists and other stakeholders is an essential part of the programme, and has paved the way for a new operating culture in the industry.

"Collaboration with different parties has brought in new perspectives and motivated our employees to change their ways of working and share new practices with our forest owner clients," Lehesvirta says.

"We monitor the programme's results closely and use them to further develop our operations," he continues.

The UPM forest biodiversity programme is based on treating biodiversity as part of forest management, carrying out joint projects with stakeholders and preserving valuable forest land.

On 22 November, FIBS also gave UPM an award for its biodiversity reporting included in the company's 2015 Annual Report.

For further information, please contact:
Timo Lehesvirta, Director, Forest Global, tel. +358 400 752 212

See also video: Forests enrich your life

UPM leads the way in reforming bio and forest industries. We are building a sustainable future in six business areas: UPM Biorefining, UPM Energy, UPM Raflatac, UPM Specialty Papers, UPM Paper ENA and UPM Plywood. Our products are made of renewable raw materials and are recyclable. We serve our customers worldwide. The group employs around 19,600 people and its annual sales are approximately EUR 10 billion. UPM shares are listed on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki. UPM - The Biofore Company - www.upm.com

FIBS is Finland's leading corporate responsibility network. It currently has nearly 300 members, both companies and communities, from all industries. FIBS helps companies make better business: it provides information on new innovative ways to develop business and offers unique networking opportunities with companies from different sectors as well as with other organisations. http://www.fibsry.fi/fi/english/home

UPM biodiversity programme receives an honourable mention from FIBS

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