Naturally Wood

‘Naturally Wood’ is the sustainability strategy for the UK forest industries sector, which was developed in response to the World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg in 2002. The objective of the strategy is to enhance the contribution that the forest industries make to sustainable development.

The strategy covers the UK wood-processing industries producing sawn-wood, panel-board, pulp and paper and wood-based energy and UK pulp, wood and wood based product importers.

Forest industries should be seen as central to a sustainable UK society because they deliver social, environmental and economic value. Wood and wood products are also an integral part of everyday life and wood is natural and renewable. It also provides the benchmark against which other products should be judged. The aim is to deliver environmental, economic and social sustainability.

• The environmental aims are to eliminate illegally harvested timber from the UK market; increase woodland diversity; make transport and distribution more efficient; reduce waste and promote recycling and encourage wood as a major source of energy.
  
  
• The economic aims are to make the sector more competitive; develop product innovation; further develop the market for wood in construction and increase wood consumption in the UK and to promote a strong customer service focus.
  
  
• The social aims are to support communities; ensure safe working environments; develop a well-trained and skilled workforce and recognise forestry as a UK leisure amenity and a contributor to tourism.

Visit ‘Naturally Wood’ at www.fidc.org.uk/sustainableforestry/