News
CERFLOR: the newest commitment towards sustainability - 07.05.04
Veracel’s newest challenge is to earn National Forest Certification Program (CERFLOR) qualification. The goal is to have it implemented in the company within a maximum deadline of one year, seeking to obtain the certification of its forests when its pulp mill has entered into operation. “The first lumber that enters into the mill’s wood patio will be in compliance with the requirements of the program,” stated Forestry Director Antonio Sergio Alipio.
CERFLOR is a national benchmark for voluntary forestry certification. The evaluation will check if the forestry management practices adopted by Veracel are carried out in an economically sustainable, environmentally correct and socially beneficial manner, in conformance with what the principles of the program establish.
CERFLOR is based on five principles. The first is with regard to compliance with legislation. The forestry project must be managed through attitudes and actions that assure compliance with federal, state and municipal legislation. National legislation, agreements and international treaties must be publicized to all involved in the process of obtaining raw materials from forests.
The second principle is about the rational use of forest resources over the short, medium and long-term in the quest for sustainability. Forestry management must be planned, either through the company’s own resources or by third parties.
The third principle is aimed at ensuring biological diversity. The organization must manage the forest plantation in a manner that minimizes the negative impacts of its silvicultural activities on native flora and fauna. Respect for water sources, the soil and the air are part of the fourth principle. Forestry management and technological development programs must foresee and adopt techniques that take into account conservation of the soil, water resources and air.
The fifth and final principle is about environmental, economic and social development of the regions where the forestry activity is conducted. It states that there must be a relationship policy with employees and the communities in the areas under the influence of the forest management unit, as well as evidence of the benefits that the forestry activity offers in terms of social, environmental and economic aspects.