Sustainable Forest Management - Forest Certification

Our continued commitment to sustainable forest management...

Local policy on the environment and sustainable forest management
Management commitment
Employees commitment

Since 2001, all Abitibi-Consolidated Company of Canada woodlands operations in the Charlevoix Woodland division have been certified under standard ISO 14001. The sustainable forest management process under standard CAN/CSA Z809-02 officially began in October 2003 with the initiation of a public participation process involving a variety of working groups comprising 140 organisations and individuals with an interest in the Charlevoix Defined Forest Area (DFA). These organisations and individuals are defined as parties impacted by the sustainable forest management of the DFA. This process is governed by operating rules jointly established with concerned parties.

The DFA comprises common area 033-30 and the private lands owned by the Abitibi-Consolidated of Canada managed by the Charlevoix Woodland division.

The entire process is based on the long history of harmonization, cooperation and participation initiatives involving the Abitibi-Consolidated Company of Canada, Charlevoix Woodland division, and partners such as the DFA wildlife managers and local socioeconomic stakeholders.

Standard CAN/CSA Z809-02 will certify that the forest is managed in accordance with sustainable development principles. This Canadian standard requires that organisations comply with the set of criteria adopted by the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM) addressing several key aspects of sustainable forest management:

1. Conservation of Biological Diversity;
2. Maintenance and Enhancement of Forest Ecosystem Condition and Productivity;
3. Conservation of Soil and Water Resources;
4. Forest Ecosystem Contributions to Global Ecological Cycles;
5. Multiple Benefits to society;
6. Accepting society's responsibility for sustainable development.

CSA registration certificate

Current forest certification initiatives

Sustainable forest management plan (SFM)

The values, objectives, indicators and targets (VOITs) were identified and selected based on the 17 CSA SFM elements outlined in the following plain-language document. These VOITs were defined in conjunction with the members of the SFM stakeholders group. The sustainable forest management plan is currently being developed. Based on the current compliance gaps and forecasts for each indicator, the SFM plan outlines the strategies selected and the significant activities to be undertaken to achieve the objectives. The plan also outlines a monitoring program designed to assess the status of activities and progress toward the achievement of results.

Sustainable Forest Management Plan
Plain-language document

Sustainable forest management plan follow-up

This document is the first annual report on the progress of the Sustainable Forest Management Plan (SFM plan) carried out by Abitibi-Consolidated Company of Canada in the Charlevoix Woodland division.

2004 Annual Report - SFM Plan follow-up (plain language document)

2005-2006 Annual Report - SFM Plan follow-up (plain language document)

Tools developed to assess progress toward our objectives

Our geographic information system GÉOFOR is one of the means used to achieve our objectives and targets. This system, adapted for our practices, is a powerful tool for monitoring and complying with our objectives and targets.

Your opinion matters

We would like to know how you feel about issues related to sustainable forest management in the Charlevoix forest. What values are important for the management of the forest? What should the forest look like in the future? How should sustainability be measured? Your opinion can help shape the future. Please take the time to answer our public opinion survey.
You can also send us your comments at any time.

Audit

An audit designed to determine if the environmental and forest management system meets all the requirements of standard CAN/CSA Z809-02 has been scheduled for November 2004. Following registration, a certified third-party auditor will be retained annually to review the SFM plan to ensure compliance with the various SFM requirements and specifications. The certification must be renewed every three (3) years.

Certification report