Rainforest Alliance terminates APP

Pekanbaru (EoF News) – Rainforest Alliance has terminated its contract with Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) in HCVF monitoring audits in Sumatra which will take into effect on February 17, 2007, due to “the company has not demonstrated a comprehensive, consistent or dedicated approach toward conservation management necessary to maintain or enhance the forest ecosystems fundamental to the survival of the HCVs present there.” Through its public statement that available to Eyes on the Forest on Monday Rainforest Alliance announced the termination of SmartWood’s involvement in APP’s HCVF monitoring audits.
Rainforest said that the findings from the verification audits clearly indicate to Rainforest Alliance that the efforts made by APP are insufficient to manage and protect these HCVFs through two intensive field evaluations within one complete year. “Changes in HCVF boundaries, including some clearing of HCVFs identified for conservation, have occurred, which directly contravenes agreements between APP and the Rainforest Alliance.
The company has also not addressed in a consistent or timely manner the Corrective Action Requests (CARs) raised by SmartWood,” said the statement. Rainforest Alliance provide opportunity for APP to resume the partnership under some conditions such as “APP puts in place a harvesting moratorium on all company and joint venture concessions within which the conversion of natural forest to plantations are planned..” as well as other accomplishments should do. *Find the RA public statement

***