ME Newswire: Rainforest Realities Offers a Gateway into Forests and the Life Within

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Rainforest Realities Offers a Gateway into Forests and the Life Within

JAKARTA, Indonesia - Friday, September 9th 2011 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The world’s tropical forests provide valuable natural resources and play a vital role in balancing the Earth’s ecosystem, yet few people ever have an opportunity to experience them firsthand. Starting today, Asia Pulp & Paper Group (APP) is unveiling Rainforest Realities, a unique portal to give a window into this part of the world and share stories of real people and on-the-ground efforts to create jobs and improve the lives of people living in the communities where the company operates while helping protect and preserve the natural environment.

A collection of insightful articles, rare video footage, vivid photography and two-way discussion forums, Rainforest Realities is a destination to discover the stories of real people, learn about the issues and engage in transparent, open dialogue. These stories were captured from multiple expeditions into Indonesia’s forests and tours of APP pulpwood supplier concessions, mills and the communities surrounding its operations. The goal is to provide facts about Indonesia, the pulp and paper industry, APP and its partners, and the serious issues and challenges we all face together.

“As one of the largest companies in the pulp and paper industry, we are deeply committed to protecting natural habitats and wildlife and supporting the people who live among them. From an Agro-Education Park for youth and a floating mobile clinic, to a Sumatran tiger sanctuary and the creation of a Biosphere Reserve, we’re fortunate to meet some amazing people and be part of many innovative programs making a positive impact. Through Rainforest Realities, we want to give more people a window into this part of the world to let them see what’s really happening,” said Aida Greenbury, APP Managing Director.

“Here on Rainforest Realities, we’ll also address tough issues related to climate change, deforestation and illegal wood, for which we have a zero tolerance policy. By bringing greater awareness to the facts surrounding these issues, we hope to engender more support for sustainable forestry practices, the protection of these areas, and vital programs that create jobs and support indigenous communities.”

The Rainforest Realities website features six sections:

Biodiversity– Home to indigenous plants and animals, tropical forests support the greatest biodiversity on Earth. Discover stories about the conservation efforts in place from the Sumatran tiger to the Javan rhino and the creation of wildlife corridors and biosphere reserves to animal relocation and research programs – to help preserve and protect the life within the rainforest.
Wood Legality & Deforestation– A commitment to wood legality represents a commitment to helping eradicate illegal logging and its devastating effects, while supporting the government of Indonesia’s master plan to turn degraded forests into healthy and productive plantation forests. Get to the root cause of deforestation and illegal logging, such as poverty and land clearing for agriculture. Also learn about global and regional frameworks for wood legality and traceability that impact international trade, national economies and products people buy.
People, Planet, Profit– A responsible commitment to sustainable growth in the pulp and paper industry requires maintaining a delicate balance of social, environmental and economic interests. Gain deeper insight into the challenges and solutions for balancing this “Triple Bottom Line” of People, Planet and Profit.
Community– As the worldwide population nears 7 billion and continues to climb, we face several challenges, including a global water crisis, poverty, starvation and health, among others. Find out how developing countries like Indonesia are addressing the serious needs of a growing population and how public-private partnerships between government and industry are providing jobs, education, clean water, housing and health care to those in need.
Eco-Innovation– Advancing the science of the pulp and paper industry is the key to meeting the growing demand for paper products while continuing to decrease the footprint we leave on the environment. Step inside our R&D Centers to see how scientists are researching faster growing, healthier trees; discovering new plant species; developing silvicultural systems that grow more pulpwood on less land; and much more.
Blog– The Rainforest Realities Blog, which has been active since April 2011, will continue to be a place for open dialogue about the latest news, events and issues related to the world’s forests and the life within them. We invite experts with interesting insights, ideas, solutions and concerns about the pulp and paper industry and environmental issues to share their perspectives through guest posts and commentary.

APP hopes that readers will not only enjoy the stories, but will actively join the conversation by commenting on blog posts or articles or suggesting future topics to be covered.

“We’re dealing with some complex issues on Rainforest Realities,” said Greenbury. “We hope people will ask questions and share their own ideas and opinions. We may not have all of the answers, but we’ll share what we know and work to give people an unvarnished view into the forests and related issues. We’re committed to 100% transparency and openness.”

Visit Rainforest Realities at www.rainforestrealities.com.

ABOUT APP

Asia Pulp & Paper Group (APP) is brand umbrella for paper products manufactured by a number of mills in Indonesia, inter alia PT. Indah Kiat Pulp & Paper Tbk, PT. Pindo Deli Pulp and Paper Mills, PT. Pabrik Kertas Tjiwi Kimia Tbk, PT. Lontar Papyrus Pulp & Paper Industries, PT. Ekamas Fortuna and PT. The Univenus. APP is headquartered in Indonesia and markets its products to over 120 countries. The majority of APP’s production facilities hold Chain-of-Custody certification from LEI and PEFC.

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