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 all sourcing?

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. One or more board members have 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

5. Percentage or number of women board members?

1 (25%) - The company reports having 25% of women (1 out of 4) in its Board of Directors in 2019. Names, pictures and profiles are also available on the company's website and annual report

6. Percentage or number of women in senior management team?

0 (0%) - The company reports having no women (among 2 people) in its Senior Management Team. Names, pictures and profiles are also available on the company's website and annual report

7. Sustainability report published within last two years?

2,017

8. 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)

9. 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 (ULI?¨ge), Nature+ and the Berne University of Applied Sciences (BFH-HAFL)

10. Climate risks assessment available?

11. Natural capital assessment available?

12. Lists countries and operations?

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

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

1,103,500

14. 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

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

This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it doesn't use outgrower schemes for wood/wood fibre production

16. 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

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

97,056 - The company reports the total HCV area within its concessions in Gabon (53,195 ha) and in Brazil (17,125 ha). Total HCV area is 70,320 ha.
The company reports the preservation area within its concessions in Gabon (37,756 ha) and in Brazil (61,313 ha). Total preservation area is 97,056 ha.

18. Area of Intact Forest Landscape (ha)?

49,490 - The company reports that there are 49 490ha of IFL on the concessions, based on WRI data

19. Number of Forest Management Units (FMUs)?

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

20. 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

21. 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)

22. 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)

23. Company has provided valid legal documents to Open Timber Portal on use rights (at the time of SPOTT assessments)?

This indicator is disabled as the company reports that it doesn't operate in a geography currently covered by Open Timber Portal

24. Company has provided valid legal documents to Open Timber Portal on forest management (at the time of SPOTT assessments)?

This indicator is disabled as the company reports that it doesn't operate in a geography currently covered by Open Timber Portal

25. Company has provided valid legal documents to Open Timber Portal on timber harvesting (at the time of SPOTT assessments)?

This indicator is disabled as the company reports that it doesn't operate in a geography currently covered by Open Timber Portal

26. 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

27. 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

28. Number of company owned sawmills?

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

29. Maps or addresses of company owned sawmills?

30. Number of supplier mills?

31. Maps or addresses of supplier mills?

32. Procedures to trace raw materials to country of harvest?

The company is both FSC and PEFC CoC certified which covers the certified part of its supply. The company also reports that 100% of its supply is PEFC certified. Hence full points have been awarded

33. Procedures to trace raw materials to FMU level?

The company is both FSC and PEFC CoC certified which covers the certified part of its supply. The company also reports that 100% of its supply is PEFC certified. Hence full points have been awarded

34. Percentage of supply traceable to country level (above 80%)?

100% - The company states that 100% of traded timber is PEFC certified

35. Percentage of supply traceable to FMU level (above 75%)?

100% - The company states that 100% of traded timber is PEFC certified

36. 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

37. Zero conversion commitment applies to all sourcing?

38. Commitment to minimise the impact of logging roads?

39. 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)

40. 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)

41. Amount of deforestation recorded?

4.92 - The company reports 4.92 ha of deforestation for 2018, explaining the causes and context

42. 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)

43. Examples of species and/or habitat conservation management?

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)

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

The company is involved in biodiversity conservation activities with third parties (government, NGO) that cover both its concessions and surrounding areas

45. Identified species of conservation concern referencing international or national system of species classification?

46. 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)

47. 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

48. 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)

49. HCV commitment applies to all sourcing?

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

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

This indicator is disabled until sufficient number of HCV ALS licensed assessors are available for the location where the company operates

51. High Conservation Value (HCV) assessments available?

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

53. 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

54. 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

55. 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)

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

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

57. Company has provided valid legal documents to Open Timber Portal on impact assessments (at the time of SPOTT assessments)?

This indicator is disabled as the company reports that it doesn't operate in a geography currently covered by Open Timber Portal

72. Time-bound commitment to improve water quality (BOD and COD)?

73. Progress towards commitment on water quality (BOD and COD)?

74. Commitment to protection of natural waterways through buffer zones?

75. 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

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

77. Time-bound commitment to improve water use intensity?

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

78. Progress towards commitment on water use intensity?

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

79. 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

80. 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)

81. 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)

82. 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)

83. 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)

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

58. 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)

59. 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)

60. 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

61. Commitment on peatland planting applies to all sourcing?

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

62. 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

63. 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)

64. 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

65. Commitment to zero burning applies to all sourcing?

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

66. Evidence of management and monitoring fires?

The company only provides evidence for fire management activities

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

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

The company only has a vague commitment to reduce CO2 emissions which is not time bound and does not mention GHG intensity specifically

69. Progress towards reducing GHG emission intensity?

The figures reported in the 2018 Annual Report show an augmentation of GHG emissions. The figures reported are absolute and not referring to GHG intensity

70. 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

71. Methodology used to calculate GHG emissions?

WRI classification

85. Commitment to human rights, referencing the UN Declaration on 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

86. Commitment to human rights applies to all sourcing?

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

87. 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

88. 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)

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

90. FPIC commitment applies to independent suppliers?

A full point has been awarded as 100% of the companies wood/wood fibre supply is PEFC certified

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

92. Examples of local stakeholder engagement to prevent conflicts?

Precious woods states that it undertakes community mapping with indigenous communities to ensure the respect of land rights

93. 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)

94. Commitment to support the inclusion of women across forestry operations, including addressing barriers faced?

95. 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)

96. Company has provided valid legal documents to Open Timber Portal on population rights (at the time of SPOTT assessments)?

This indicator is disabled as the company reports that it doesn't operate in a geography currently covered by Open Timber Portal

97. Commitment to respect all workers' rights?

98. 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)

99. Commitment to eliminate gender related discrimination with regards to employment and occupation?

100. Company has provided valid legal documents to Open Timber Portal on labour regulations (at the time of SPOTT assessments)?

This indicator is disabled as the company reports that it doesn't operate in a geography currently covered by Open Timber Portal

101. Percentage or number of temporary employees?

This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it doesn't have temporay employees

102. Percentage or number of women employees?

10.6%

103. Payment of minimum wage?

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

104. Reporting of salary by gender?

105. 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)

106. Time lost due to work-based injuries?

9.2 - Days lost per accident (2018).

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

0

108. Provision of personal protective equipment and related training?

109. Time-bound plan for achieving 100% third-party legality verification of FMUs or achieved?

100% - The company already is 100% FSC certified

110. Time-bound plan to source only wood/wood fibre that is in legal compliance verified by a third party?

100% - The company states that 100% of traded timber is PEFC certified

111. 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

112. Percentage of all wood/wood fibre supply traded/processed verified as being in legal compliance by a third party?

100% - The company states that 100% of traded timber is PEFC certified

113. Time-bound plan for achieving 100% FSC FM certification of FMUs or achieved 100% FSC-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

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

115. 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

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

0 - The company's wood supply from third parties (independent suppliers - 18,700 m3 in 2018) is 100% PEFC but not FSC FM certified

117. Percentage of all wood/wood fibre supply traded/processed that are FSC certified (above 75%)?

88.5% - The company's own production is 100% FSC certified and represents 88.5% of all the company's wood supply in 2018. Supply from third parties (11.5%) is not FSC certified

118. Percentage area (ha) PEFC certified (excluding FSC certified area)?

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

119. 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

120. 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

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

122. The company has a Due Diligence System (DDS)?

123. Suspension or exclusion criteria for suppliers?

The company states that it excludes suppliers that are not PEFC or FSC certified

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

100% - The company states that 100% of their suppliers were PEFC certified in 2018, hence respecting its exclusion criteria for suppliers

125. Commitment to ethical conduct and prohibition of corruption?

126. Company has provided valid legal documents to Open Timber Portal on legal registration (at the time of SPOTT assessments)?

This indicator is disabled as the company reports that it doesn't operate in a geography currently covered by Open Timber Portal

127. Disclosure of the company's management approach to tax and payments to governments?

128. Company has provided valid legal documents to Open Timber Portal on taxes, fees and royalties (at the time of SPOTT assessments)?

This indicator is disabled as the company reports that it doesn't operate in a geography currently covered by Open Timber Portal

129. 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

130. Own grievance or complaints system open to all stakeholders?

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)

131. Details of grievances disclosed?