The Nature Conservancy and International Paper Company completed the first of a two-phase effort to develop a suite of state-of-the-art forestry practices that others can use to create long-term solutions to global climate challenges. With initial work completed in Indonesia and Gabon, the partners are scaling up these efforts to inform responsible forestry, carbon sequestration and biodiversity monitoring in the Central Appalachian region of the U.S. and in Mexico.
This work reaches beyond International Paper’s traditional supply chain in an effort to identify natural climate solutions that can be replicated anywhere around the world.
Specifically, the first phase of the partnership focused on strengthening and expanding the use of Reduced Impact Logging for Climate Mitigation (RIL-C), a menu of responsible practices that can help land managers improve carbon sequestration in working forests. Recent research published by TNC and 21 other institutions in Science Advances demonstrates that nature-based solutions such as RIL-C can help absorb one-fifth of the carbon pollution produced in the United States—30 percent more than previously estimated.
The partners also tested bioacoustics monitoring, which analyzes a forest’s sounds before and after logging occurs. So far, both approaches show promise for protecting biodiversity and keeping working forests working while balancing the economic and environmental goals of local communities.
International Paper is a leading global producer of renewable fiber-based packaging, pulp and paper products.
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends.
