Precious Woods Holding AG https://www.spott.org/timber-pulp/precious-woods-holding-ag/

1. Sustainable forestry policy or commitment for all its operations?

The company has a commitment to FSC P&Cs for its operations in Gabon and has published a commitments page covering all operations

2. Sustainability policy or commitment applies to direct and third-party suppliers?

3. High-level position of responsibility for sustainability?

The board of the company is responsible for sustainability issues and receives advice from a Sustainability Advisory Committee of external stakeholders including NGO representatives

4. Sustainability report published within last two years?

2017

5. Member of multiple industry schemes or other external initiatives to improve forest management or transparency?

ATIBT, FSC, Congo Basin Forest Partnership (CBFP), European Coalition for Sustainable Tropical Timber (STTC)

6. Activities with government, NGOs or academic institutions to improve the sustainability of forest products?

The company states it works with multiple stakeholders including World Conservation Society (WCS), the Franceville University of Science and Technology (USTM), the University of Amazonas (UFAM), Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech (ULIège), Nature+ and the Berne University of Applied Sciences (BFH-HAFL)

7. Lists countries and operations?

Brazil (forest concessions, sawmill, manufacturing facilities), Gabon (forest concession, sawmills, veneer plant)

8. Total area of natural forest designated for wood/wood fibre production (ha)?

1,103,500

9. Total area of forest plantation (ha)?

This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it does not produce wood/wood fibre from plantation forests

10. Area of plantation/natural forest within outgrower schemes (ha)?

This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it does not source wood/wood fibre from outgrowers

11. Unplanted (areas designated for future development as plantation forest) (ha)?

This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it does not produce wood/wood fibre from plantation forests

12. Conservation set-aside and/or HCV area (ha)?

108,508 - The company has 53,195 ha HCV areas in Gabon and 55,313.08 ha protected areas in Brazil

13. Area of Intact Forest Landscape (ha)?

14. Number of Forest Management Units (FMUs)?

4 - The company has 3 FMUs in Gabon and 1 FMU in Brazil

15. Maps of forest management units (FMUs)?

Static maps and geo-coordinates are available for Precious Woods Amazon. Georeferenced map for Precious Wood Gabon available through Global Forest Watch

16. Forest management plans available for all FMUs?

Summaries of Forest Management Plans are made publicly available on the company website and via the FSC database. Full points have therefore been awarded for this indicator on the basis of the company's FSC certified landbank, which stands at 823,866.81 ha (100% of total operational area)

17. Monitoring of forest management plan implementation?

Summaries of Forest Management Plan monitoring are made publicly available via the FSC database. Full points have therefore been awarded for this indicator on the basis of the company's FSC certified landbank, which stands at 823,866.81 ha (100% of total operational area)

18. Number of company owned pulp and paper mills?

This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it does not own pulp or paper mills

19. Maps or addresses of company owned pulp and paper mills?

This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it does not own pulp or paper mills

20. Number of company owned sawmills?

3 - The company owns two mills in Gabon and a mill in Brazil

21. Maps or addresses of company owned sawmills?

22. Commitment to zero conversion of natural forest?

FSC Principles and Criteria (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0 EN) require that conversion to plantations or non-forest land uses shall not occur, except in circumstances where there are clear, substantial, additional, secure, long-term conservation benefits. Full points have therefore been awarded for this indicator on the basis of the company's FSC certified landbank, which stands at 823,866.81 ha (100% of total operational area

23. Zero conversion commitment applies to outgrower scheme and independent suppliers?

24. Commitment to minimise the impact of logging roads?

25. Commitment to protect forest areas from illegal activities?

FSC Principles and Criteria (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0 EN) require that forests are protected from illegal harvesting, settlement and other unauthorized activities. Full points have therefore been awarded for this indicator on the basis of the company's FSC certified landbank, which stands at 823,866.81 ha (100% of total operational area)

26. Evidence of monitoring deforestation?

The monitoring of forest extent and condition is covered by FSC Principles and Criteria (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0 EN). Full points have therefore been awarded for this indicator on the basis of the company's FSC certified landbank, which stands at 823,866.81 ha (100% of total operational area)

27. Amount of deforestation recorded?

28. Commitment to biodiversity conservation?

The protection of rare, threatened and endangered species and their habitats is covered by FSC Principles and Criteria (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0 EN). Full points have therefore been awarded for this indicator on the basis of the company's FSC certified landbank, which stands at 823,866.81 ha (100% of total operational area)

29. Commitment to set aside areas for conservation?

FSC Principles and Criteria (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0 EN) require that areas are set aside for conservation. Full points have therefore been awarded for this indicator on the basis of the company's FSC certified landbank, which stands at 823,866.81 ha (100% of total operational area)

30. Examples of habitat management and/or habitat restoration of set-aside areas?

The management and restoration of habitat is covered by FSC Principles and Criteria (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0 EN). Full points have therefore been awarded for this indicator on the basis of the company's FSC certified landbank, which stands at 823,866.81 ha (100% of total operational area)

31. Implementing a landscape-level approach to biodiversity conservation?

The maintenance and restoration of appropriate landscape values, including environmental and economic resilience is covered by FSC Principles and Criteria (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0 EN). However, this commitment does not extend to active engagement with stakeholders outside of the Forest Management Unit. Half points have therefore been awarded for this indicator on the basis of the company's FSC certified landbank, which stands at 823,866.81 ha (100% of total operational area)

32. Commitment to protect species of conservation concern, referencing international or national system of species classification?

33. Commitment to sustainably manage the use of non-timber forest products (NTFPs)?

The sustainable extraction of forest products and the use rights of local communities and indigenous peoples is covered by FSC Principles and Criteria (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0 EN). Full points have therefore been awarded for this indicator on the basis of the company's FSC certified landbank, which stands at 823,866.81 ha (100% of total operational area)

34. Commitment not to use genetically modified organisms?

This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it does not produce wood/wood fibre from plantation forests

35. Commitment to only use alien species where impacts can be controlled?

This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it does not produce wood/wood fibre from plantation forests

36. Examples of species conservation activities?

The protection of rare, threatened and endangered species and their habitats, and the maintenance of ecological functions and values is covered by FSC Principles and Criteria (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0 EN). Full points have therefore been awarded for this indicator on the basis of the company's FSC certified landbank, which stands at 823,866.81 ha (100% of total operational area)

37. Commitment to conduct High Conservation Value (HCV) assessments?

FSC Principles and Criteria (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0 EN) require that assessments are conducted to determine the presence of High Conservation Values. Full points have therefore been awarded for this indicator on the basis of the company's FSC certified landbank, which stands at 823,866.81 ha (100% of total operational area)

38. HCV commitment applies to outgrower scheme and independent suppliers?

The company has committed to not be directly or indirectly involved in the destruction of High Conservation Values in forestry operations. This commitment is made through the FSC Policy for Association (FSC-POL-01-004). For this half points are awarded

39. Commitment to only use licensed High Conservation Value (HCV) assessors accredited by the HCV Resource Network's Assessor Licensing Scheme (ALS)?

40. High Conservation Value (HCV) assessments available?

41. High Conservation Value (HCV) management and monitoring plans available?

42. Commitment to the High Carbon Stock (HCS) Approach?

This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it does not produce wood/wood fibre from plantation forests

43. High Carbon Stock (HCS) assessments available?

This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it does not produce wood/wood fibre from plantation forests

44. Commitment to conduct social and environmental impact assessments (SEIAs)?

FSC Principles and Criteria (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0 EN) require assessment of environmental impacts and the incorporation of evaluations of social impact into management planning and operations. Full points have therefore been awarded for this indicator on the basis of the company's FSC certified landbank, which stands at 823,866.81 ha (100% of total operational area)

45. Social and environmental impact assessments (SEIAs) available?

SEIA assessment summary can be found in the Forest Management Plan for the company's Gabonese operations

46. Commitment to best management practices for soils and/or peat?

The company has confirmed that it does not have operations on peatland. The conservation of soils, including control of erosion and minimising damage during operations is covered by FSC Principles and Criteria (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0 EN). Full points have therefore been awarded for this indicator on the basis of the company's FSC certified landbank, which stands at 823,866.81 ha (100% of total operational area)

47. Commitment to reduced impact logging?

FSC Principles and Criteria (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0 EN) requires the avoidance of damage to forest resources and the preparation of written guidelines to minimise forest damage during harvesting. Full points have therefore been awarded for this indicator on the basis of the company's FSC certified landbank, which stands at 823,866.81 ha (100% of total operational area)

48. Commitment to no planting on peat of any depth?

This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it does not produce wood/wood fibre from plantation forests and it does not have landbank on peat

49. Commitment on peatland planting applies to outgrower scheme and independent suppliers?

This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it does not produce wood/wood fibre from plantation forests

50. Landbank or planted area on peat (ha)?

This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it does not have landbank on peat

51. Evidence of best management practices for soils and/or peat?

The company has confirmed that it does not have operations on peatland. The conservation of soils, including control of erosion and minimising damage during operations is covered by FSC Principles and Criteria (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0 EN). Full points have therefore been awarded for this indicator on the basis of the company's FSC certified landbank, which stands at 823,866.81 ha (100% of total operational area)

52. Commitment to zero burning?

This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it does not produce wood/wood fibre from plantation forests

53. Commitment to zero burning applies to outgrower scheme and independent suppliers?

This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it does not produce wood/wood fibre from plantation forests

54. Evidence of management and monitoring fires?

The company only provides evidence for fire management activities

55. Details/number of hotspots/fires in FMUs controlled by the company?

56. Time-bound commitment to reduce GHG emissions intensity?

The company has a general commitment to reduce CO2 emissions. However this commitment is not time bound and does not mention GHG intensity specifically

57. Progress towards reducing GHG emission intensity?

In 2017, the company reported a -13% reduction in direct C02 emissions. However, GHG intensity figures are not reported

58. Report GHG emissions from land use change?

This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it does not produce wood/wood fibre from plantation forests

59. Methodology used to calculate GHG emissions?

WRI classification

60. Time-bound commitment to improve water quality?

61. Progress towards commitment on water quality?

62. Protection of natural waterways through buffer zones?

63. Evidence of treatment of pulp and paper mill effluent?

This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it does not own pulp or paper mills

64. Evidence of sawmill run-off containment and wastewater treatment?

65. Time-bound commitment to improve water use?

This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it does not own pulp or paper mills

66. Progress towards commitment on water use?

This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it does not own pulp or paper mills

67. Commitment to eliminate chlorine and chlorine compounds for bleaching?

This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it does not own pulp or paper mills

68. Evidence of minimising or recycling solid waste produced during sawmilling processes?

The company uses wood waste for energy generation in Brazil. It also reduces wood waste by supporting local communities in Brazil to use wood waste generated during sawmilling and energy generation processes (e.g. ashes) in vegetable gardens and for handicrafts

69. Commitment to minimise the use of chemicals, including pesticides and chemical fertilisers?

FSC Principles and Criteria (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0 EN) require the adoption of environmentally friendly non-chemical methods of pest management and avoidance of the use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers. Full points have therefore been awarded for this indicator on the basis of the company's FSC certified landbank, which stands at 823,866.81 ha (100% of total operational area)

70. No use of World Health Organisation (WHO) Class 1A and 1B pesticides?

FSC Principles and Criteria prohibit the use of World Health Organization Type 1A and 1B and chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides. Full points have therefore been awarded for this indicator on the basis of the company's FSC certified landbank, which stands at 823,866.81 ha (100% of total operational area)

71. No use of chemicals listed under the Stockholm Convention and Rotterdam Convention?

FSC-STD-30-001 v1-0 8.1 prohibits the use of chemicals listed under the Stockholm Convention and Rotterdam Convention. Full points have therefore been awarded for this indicator on the basis of the company's FSC certified landbank, which stands at 823,866.81 ha (100% of total operational area)

72. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach?

FSC Principles and Criteria (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0 EN) requires the adoption of environmentally friendly non-chemical methods of pest management and avoidance of the use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers. However, specific provisions are not set out for natural forest operations. Half points have therefore been awarded for this indicator on the basis of the company's FSC certified landbank, which stands at 823,866.81 ha (100% of total operational area)

73. Chemical usage per ha or list of chemicals used?

The company provides information on chemicals used in its operations in Gabon but no similar information found for its Brazilian operations

74. Commitment to human rights, referencing the UN Declaration of Human Rights or UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights?

The company has committed to not be directly or indirectly involved in the violation of human rights in forestry operations. This commitment is made through the FSC Policy for Association (FSC-POL-01-004), which defines human rights as those established through the UN Declaration of Human Rights

75. Commitment to human rights applies to outgrower scheme and independent suppliers?

The company has committed to not be directly or indirectly involved in the violation of human rights in forestry operations. This commitment is made through the FSC Policy for Association (FSC-POL-01-004), which defines human rights as those established through the UN Declaration of Human Rights

76. Commitment to respect indigenous and local communities' rights?

The company has committed to not be directly or indirectly involved in the violation of human rights in forestry operations. This commitment is made through the FSC Policy for Association (FSC-POL-01-004), which encompasses the rights of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples as established by the ILO Convention 169

77. Commitment to respect legal and customary property rights?

FSC Principles and Criteria (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0 EN) require that legal and customary property rights are respected. Full points have therefore been awarded for this indicator on the basis of the company's FSC certified landbank, which stands at 823,866.81 ha (100% of total operational area)

78. Commitment to free, prior and informed consent (FPIC)?

79. FPIC commitment applies to independent suppliers?

All the company's suppliers in Europe are PEFC certified which requires FPIC. However the certification only covers FMUs and not all of the suppliers' operations

80. Details of free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) process available?

81. Details of process for addressing land conflicts available?

FSC Principles and Criteria (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0 EN) require that appropriate mechanisms are employed to resolve disputes over tenure claims and use rights. However, details of the process used for resolving land conflicts are not recorded. Half points have therefore been awarded for this indicator on the basis of the company's FSC certified landbank, which stands at 823,866.81 ha (100% of total operational area)

82. Commitment to mitigate impacts on food security?

The company has published a case study from Brazil and the FMUs in Gabon include one 'Agricultural MU' (Serie de development agricole) which is dedicated to communities agricultural activities. However, no clear commitment is made

83. Commitment to provide essential community services and facilities?

FSC Principles and Criteria (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0 EN) require certified organisations to contribute to the social and economic development of local communities. Full points have therefore been awarded for this indicator on the basis of the company's FSC certified landbank, which stands at 823,866.81 ha (100% of total operational area)

84. Commitment to respect all workers' rights?

85. Reference to Fundamental ILO Conventions?

The company has committed to not be directly or indirectly involved in the violation of any of the ILO Core Conventions. This commitment is made through the FSC Policy for Association (FSC-POL-01-004)

86. Total number of employees?

1,340

87. Percentage or number of temporary employees?

0 - The company has confirmed to ZSL that it does not have temporary employees

88. Percentage or number of women employees?

11%

89. Commitment to pay minimum wage?

The company states to pay the minimum wage but evidence is not provided

90. Commitment to address occupational health and safety, referencing the ILO Code of Practice on Safety and Health in Forestry Work?

FSC Principles and Criteria (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0 EN) require that all applicable laws and/or regulations covering health and safety of employees and their families are met or exceeded. FSC-POL-30-401:200 requires that the ILO Code of Practice on Safety and Health in Forestry Work is also applied. Full points have therefore been awarded for this indicator on the basis of the company's FSC certified landbank, which stands at 823,866.81 ha (100% of total operational area)

91. Time lost due to work-based injuries?

12.3 - Days lost per accident (2017)

92. Number of fatalities as a result of work-based accidents?

0

93. Provision of personal protective equipment and related training?

94. Percentage area (ha) verified as being in legal compliance by a third party?

100% - FSC share of timber production sold (2017): 100%. The FSC certificate for Mil Madeiras Preciosas (Precious Woods Amazon) covers 227,044.81 ha, but the companies stated landbank in Brazil is 506,699 hectares. This non-certified concession area is non-operational

95. Percentage wood/wood fibre supply verified as being in legal compliance by a third party?

100%

96. Time-bound plan for achieving 100% FSC FM certification of FMUs?

FSC share of timber production sold (2017): 100%. The FSC certificate for Mil Madeiras Preciosas (Precious Woods Amazon) covers 227,044.81 ha, but the companies stated landbank in Brazil is 506,699 hectares. This non-certified concession area is assumed to be non-operational. The company states that all forest operations are FSC FM and PEFC certified.

Could you please clarify if the uncertified area in Brazil is still non-operational? The latest FSC audit report (source 2151, p13) suggests there are no areas excluded from the scope of certification however it also lists areas excluded

97. Commitment to source only wood/wood fibre that meets FSC Controlled Wood requirements?

98. Percentage area (ha) FSC FM certified?

823,867 (100%) - FSC share of timber production sold (2017): 100%. The FSC certificate for Mil Madeiras Preciosas (Precious Woods Amazon) covers 227,044.81 ha, but the companies stated landbank in Brazil is 506,699 hectares. This non-certified concession area is assumed to be non-operational

99. Percentage of wood/wood fibre supply from outgrower scheme and/or independent suppliers that is FSC FM certified?

0 - The company's suppliers are 100% PEFC certified but not FSC FM certified

100. Percentage area (ha) PEFC certified?

The indicator has been disabled as the company is 100% FSC certified

101. Programme to support outgrower scheme smallholders?

This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it does not source wood/wood fibre from outgrowers

102. Percentage of outgrower scheme smallholders involved in programme?

This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it does not source wood/wood fibre from outgrowers

103. Process used to prioritise, assess and/or engage suppliers on compliance with company's policy and/or legal requirements?

104. Suspension or exclusion criteria for suppliers?

105. Percentage of suppliers assessed and/or engaged on compliance with company requirements?

106. Commitment to ethical conduct and prohibition of corruption?

107. Whistleblowing procedure?

The company only state to allow whistleblowing and that there shall 'not be retaliation or harassment of employees who report violations or other concerns'. However, a clear description of the whistleblowing procedure is not provided

108. Own grievance or complaints system?

FSC Principles and Criteria (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0 EN) require that appropriate methods are employed for resolving grievances. However, this commitment does not appear to extend beyond the Forest Management Unit. Half points have therefore been awarded for this indicator on the basis of the company's FSC certified landbank, which stands at 823,866.81 ha (100% of total operational area)

109. Grievance or complaints system is accessible to internal and external stakeholders?

FSC Principles and Criteria (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0 EN) require that appropriate methods are employed for resolving grievances. However, it is not clear whether the system in question is open to both internal and external stakeholders. Half points have therefore been awarded for this indicator on the basis of the company's FSC certified landbank, which stands at 823,866.81 ha (100% of total operational area)

110. Details of grievances disclosed?