Feb 25, 2008. /Lesprom.com/. New Australian Government figures released show that the Australian forest industry has kept the nation on track to meet its targeted reductions in greenhouse gas emissions under the Kyoto Protocol, NAFI informed. NAFI’s acting CEO Allan Hansard welcomed the report and said it was yet another indication that the forest industry was the most climate friendly industry in Australia. “The report shown that forestry offset 21 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, and is projected to continue to offset around 20 million tonnes until the year 2020,” Mr Hansard said. “If the industry meets its target of 3 million hectares of plantations by the year 2020 - under the Plantations for Australia: 2020 Vision - it is likely that the 20 million tonne figure will be much higher. The figures in this report do not include the 5 million tonnes of carbon stored in wood products every year. NAFI is working with other forest industry associations to ensure a unified position, that recognises the full set of benefits the forest industry can offer, is presented to Government,” Mr Hansard added. NAFI, Australia's National Association of Forest Industries, provides the national voice for the hundreds of firms and thousands of individuals who comprise the Australian forest industries.