Posted on September, 28 2000

Gland, Switzerland - WWF, the conservation organization, today announced that one million hectares - an area one third the size of Belgium - of Swedish state-owned forests have been certified under the principles of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This takes the percentage of Sweden's forested area certified by the FSC to 45%, the highest rate in the world.

By becoming FSC-certified, the Swedish National Property Board (SNPB) - the state's land and buildings management authority - has committed to responsible forestry management in its one million-hectare forest. This will enhance the commitments already made by the private sector. Sweden now has 10.2 million hectares of FSC-certified forest, and many Europe-based companies depend on it as the demand for FSC-labeled timber and paper increases. As a major provider of wood products to Europe, Sweden has supplied 17% of Germany's timber demand in 1997.

"The areas managed by the Swedish State contain some of the most valuable forest ecosystems in Sweden and are home to threatened forest dwelling plants and animals here, such as the golden eagle," said Lars Kristoferson, Secretary General of WWF in Sweden. "FSC certification means that their long-term health is now an important goal. Furthermore, this area is very important for the indigenous Sami people and their traditional reindeer herding which is also taken into consideration in the certification process."

The SNPB's move towards certification involves a series of improvements of forestry practices, including establishing long-term conservation goals and strategies. In addition, educational programmes and guidelines for employees and contractors have been developed to provide access to knowledge about conservation, and FSC principles.

"We chose to apply for FSC-certification in order to support the social and environmental benefits on the ground which this system provides," said Christer Wadelius, Director General of the SNPB. "This was the only system which allows different stakeholders to have direct influence and we welcomed that. FSC is the most credible alternative available to us."

WWF now hopes that the FSC-certification of the Swedish state forests will inspire other European countries to follow suit.

For further information:

Stefan Bleckert, Program Director Forests, WWF-Sweden, +46 8 624 74 37, +46 703 94 32 13, stefan.bleckert@wwf.se

Marie von Zeipel, Press Officer WWF-Sweden, +46 8 624 74 03, + 46 706 29 10 77, marie.vonzeipel@wwf.se

Olivier van Bogaert, WWF International, tel.: +41 22 364 9554; e-mail: ovanbogaert@wwfint.org

NOTES TO EDITORS

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization which enables the certification of well managed forests. Visit the FSC web site for more information: www.fscoax.org

The Swedish National Property Board The Swedish National Property Board (SNPB) is responsible for the management of land and buildings, such as palaces and museums, belonging to the state. The SNPB also manages large tracts of land west of the cultivated zone in the northern mountainous region of Sweden. The SNPB is responsible for the care, preservation and development of its property for the benefit of the citizens of Sweden. The total land area managed by the SNPB is 6.5 million hectares land, of which 1.1 million hectares is forest land. Of this 35% is used for active forestry and 65% consists of reserves and non-classified land not suitable for forestry.