Forest sustainability

Sustainable forest management means the stewardship and use of forests and forest lands in a way, and at a rate, that maintains their biodiversity, productivity, regeneration capacity, vitality and their potential to fulfill, now and in the future, relevant ecological, economic and social functions, at local, national, and global levels, and that does not cause damage to other ecosystems. (Resolution H1 of the Helsinki Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe, 1992)

Our approach to forest management is based on the economic, social, and environmental aspects of sustainability. Sustainable forestry ensures that forests maintain their vitality for future generations. Compliance with national legislation and regulatory obligations is only the starting point for our work. We actively support and implement voluntary forest conservation and restoration measures on lands owned, leased, and managed by Stora Enso, and in other areas where we purchase wood. 98% of forests owned or managed by us are certified today.

We are constantly developing our knowledge within sustainable forestry. As a part of this pursuit, we collaborate with key players in the field, from small start-ups to academia. One example is our long-term research collaboration with SLU, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, running research and development, education, competence building, and innovation within forestry and bio-based materials.

Sustainability is a long-term commitment

Forests have very long life-cycles. In Nordic countries, trees need several decades to grow to their full size. Changed behaviors in forest management are not immediately visible. Changes that we implement now may not be measurable for another 30 years. For us, sustainability is a long-term commitment.

Focusing on a few key areas helps us pool resources, and make us more efficient. We aim at increasing both forest growth and biodiversity at the same time and not seeing those two aspects as a trade-off. Our work is about finding the smartest way of working sustainably for the long haul.