Fletcher Challenge Forests’ Management Recognised

International Recognition for Fletcher Challenge Forests’ Management

AUCKLAND, 11 October 2000, -- Fletcher Challenge Forests and Scientific Certification Systems announced that Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) accreditation has been granted for the company’s New Zealand forest estate management. Fletcher Challenge Forests is the largest company in New Zealand to have its entire estate awarded certification as a “well-managed” forest in accordance with the FSC’s ecological, economic and social standards.

Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) assembled a team of experts in areas of social science, economics, forest management, ecosystem management, forest and soil science and chemical management. The comprehensive assessment process involved interviews with staff as well as various educational, environmental and community groups and local iwi, on-site inspections and documentation review processes. The report prepared by SCS was then peer-reviewed by a further group of independent auditors, before certification was awarded.

Fletcher Challenge Forests New Zealand’s Acting Chief Executive, Ian Boyd, said today “Obtaining an independent evaluation of our forestry practices has provided the international endorsement our forest management deserves. Our performance was measured against 15 aspects of forest management, covering a range of financial, social and environmental factors. Forest Stewardship Council Certification will provide Fletcher Challenge Forests with a significant marketing opportunity in those markets which demand environmental responsibility.”

Fletcher Challenge Forests is now seeking chain-of-custody certification for its timber products, which will give further assurance to customers that timber purchased from Fletcher Challenge Forests’ production plants are produced from its certified “well managed” forests.

To: Business Editor From: GINNY RADFORD
DIRECTOR COMMUNICATIONS
FLETCHER CHALLENGE FORESTS

Telephone: 64-9-571 9812 / 021 968 935
Fax: 64-9-571 9871

OR CONTACT: MARTIN PLOM - Telephone: 410 599 1376

Further information on Fletcher Challenge Limited can be viewed at the Fletcher Challenge World Wide Web site at www.fcl.co.nz, or Fletcher Challenge Forests at www.fcf.co.nz

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