May 29, 2006. /Lesprom Network/. Aracruz Cellulose has been awarded certification for all of the forests under its administration in the states of Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul, according to the standards of Cerflor, the Brazilian program that evaluates and verifies sustainable practices in the production of wood products. Since Aracruz's other forests, located in the States of Espirito Santo and Bahia, have already been certified, the company has therefore now successfully completed the certification process for all of the forests under its management. Cerflor (The Brazilian Forest Certification Program) is a voluntary program of certification conducted by Inmetro (the National institute for industrial standards and quality) with the participation of stakeholders. Cerflor has been recognized internationally by the PEFC (Program for the endorsement of forest certification schemes), which is the largest forest certification scheme in the world in terms of areas certified. Aracruz is also being assessed this year by Cerflor for the certification of its entire chain of custody, including the company's Barra do Riacho and Guaiba units. Aracruz has requested the cancellation of the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification of its forests at the Guaiba Unit in the State of Rio Grande do Sul. This certification was obtained prior to the unit's purchase by Aracruz. Aracruz believes that the certification by FSC for only one of its units does not add overall value to its businesses at the moment. The company will evaluate the possibility of having all of its forests certified by FSC at some point in the future. Aracruz is aware of the difficulties that exist today for FSC certification because of various factors, such as disputes with the indigenous communities over some of its land in the Barra do Riacho Unit in Espirito Santo. The company has been dealing with this dispute honestly and transparently, and is engaged in trying to reach a lasting solution based on the definition and guarantee of the rights of all the parties involved. Aracruz Celulose is a Brazilian company, the world’s leading producer of bleached eucalyptus pulp. The company is responsible for 30% of the global supply of the product, used to manufacture printing and writing, tissue, and high value added specialty papers.