Precious Woods Holding AG

1. Sustainability policy or commitment for all timber, pulp and paper operations?

The company has a commitment to FSC P&Cs for its operations in Gabon.

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

3. High-level position of responsibility for sustainability?

4. Sustainability report published within last two years?

2016

5. Member of 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/academic institutions to improve the sustainability of forest products?

7. Lists countries and operations?

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

8. Total land area managed/controlled for the production of wood/wood fibre (ha)?

1160800

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

1160800

10. Total area of forest plantation (ha)?

This indicator is disabled as the company does not produce wood/wood fibre from plantation forests.

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

This indicator is disabled as the company does not source wood/wood fibre from outgrowers.

12. Unplanted (areas designated for future planting as forest) (ha)?

This indicator is disabled as the company does not produce wood/wood fibre from plantation forests.

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

46185.8 - Figures are for Permanent and Absolute Preservation Area in Brazil, Precious Woods Amazon. Figure unavailable for Precious Woods Gabon.

14. Maps of forest management units (FMUs)?

Static maps available for Precious Woods Amazon (2016). Georeferenced map for Precious Wood Gabon available through Global Forest Watch.

15. Forest management plans available?

16. Monitoring of forest management plan implementation?

17. Number of company owned pulp and paper mills?

This indicator is disabled as the company does not own pulp or paper mills.

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

This indicator is disabled as the company does not own pulp or paper mills.

19. Number of and names of supplying pulp and paper mills?

This indicator is disabled as the company does not source from independent pulp or paper mills.

20. Commitment to address deforestation?

The company has committed to not be directly or indirectly involved in the significant conversion of forests to plantations or non-forest use. This commitment is made through the FSC Policy for Association (FSC-POL-01-004).

21. Commitment to zero or no net deforestation?

The indicator has been disabled as the company only has natural forest based production.

22. Zero or no net deforestation commitment applies to outgrower scheme and independent suppliers?

The indicator has been disabled as the company only has natural forest based production.

23. Evidence of monitoring deforestation?

The company states that all important botanical and topographical information is systematically captured, however, no figure provided on levels of deforestation.

24. Commitment to minimise the impact of logging roads?

The company recognises the importance of road planning to minimise impacts on forest areas and provides a few case studies, but does not make an unequivocal commitment.

25. Commitment to set aside areas for conservation?

26. Evidence 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 860,369 ha (100% of total operational area).

27. Commitment to biodiversity conservation?

28. 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 860,369 ha (100% of total operational area).

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

The company commits to the protection of endangered animals regarded as an essential element of biodiversity conservation. However, it does not reference a system of species classification.

30. Commitment to sustainably manage the use of non-timber forest products?

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 860,369 ha (100% of total operational area).

31. Commitment to protect forest areas from illegal activities?

32. Commitment not to use genetically modified organisms?

This indicator is disabled as the company does not produce wood/wood fibre from plantation forests.

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

This indicator is disabled as the company does not produce wood/wood fibre from plantation forests.

34. Evidence of species conservation activities?

35. 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 860,369 ha (100% of total operational area).

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

The company has committed 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.

37. High Conservation Value (HCV) assessments available?

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

39. Commitment to conduct High Carbon Stock (HCS) assessments?

This indicator is disabled as the company does not produce wood/wood fibre from plantation forests.

40. High Carbon Stock (HCS) assessments available?

This indicator is disabled as the company does not produce wood/wood fibre from plantation forests.

41. 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 860,369 ha (100% of total operational area).

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

Socioeconomic and environmental survey conducted for PW operations in Amazon.

43. Commitment to best management practices for soils and 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 860,369 ha (100% of total operational area).

44. 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 860,369 ha (100% of total operational area).

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

This indicator is disabled as the company does not produce wood/wood fibre from plantation forests.

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

This indicator is disabled as the company does not produce wood/wood fibre from plantation forests.

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

This indicator is disabled as the company does not produce wood/wood fibre from plantation forests.

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

The company has confirmed that it does not have operations on peatland.

49. Commitment to zero burning?

This indicator is disabled as the company does not produce wood/wood fibre from plantation forests.

50. Commitment applies to outgrower scheme and independent suppliers?

This indicator is disabled as the company does not produce wood/wood fibre from plantation forests.

51. Evidence of management and monitoring fires?

The company has published a Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting Plan. No equivalent identified for Precious Woods Gabon.

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

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

54. Report GHG emission intensity?

16100 - Reports total CO2 emissions (in t CO2-equivalent) and reduction of C02 emissions.

55. Progress towards reducing GHG emission intensity?

53540 - Reports year on year total CO2 emissions and C02 reductions in annual report, but this reporting is not linked to a target.

56. Report GHG emissions from land use change?

The company has confirmed that they do not produce wood/wood fibre from plantation forests (via email, 24 July 2017).

57. Methodology used to calculate GHG emissions?

58. Time-bound commitment to improve water quality?

This indicator is disabled as the company does not own pulp or paper mills.

59. Progress towards commitment on water quality?

This indicator is disabled as the company does not own pulp or paper mills.

60. Protection of natural waterways through buffer zones?

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

This indicator is disabled as the company does not own pulp or paper mills.

62. Time-bound commitment to improve water use?

This indicator is disabled as the company does not own pulp or paper mills.

63. Progress towards commitment on water use?

This indicator is disabled as the company does not own pulp or paper mills.

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

This indicator is disabled as the company does not own pulp or paper mills.

65. 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 860,369 ha (100% of total operational area).

66. 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 860,369 ha (100% of total operational area).

67. 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 860,369 ha (100% of total operational area).

68. 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 860,369 ha (100% of total operational area).

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

Precious Woods Gabon indicate that the following chemicals are used: Verimat (degreaser), Protegrume (insecticide). No equivalant information could be found for Precious Woods Amazon.

70. 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.

71. 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.

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

The company commits to respect indigenous and local communities' rights but do not refer to the UN Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples or ILO Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention. However reference to ILO Convention 169 is covered by FSC Policy for Association.

73. 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 860,369 ha (100% of total operational area).

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

FSC Principles and Criteria (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0 EN) require that free, prior, and informed consent is obtained. However, this commitment does not 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 860,369 ha (100% of total operational area).

75. FPIC commitment applies to independent suppliers?

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

77. Details of process for addressing land conflicts available?

FSC Principles and Criteria (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0 EN) require 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 860,369 ha (100% of total operational area).

78. 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 developpement agricole' which is dedicated to communities agricultural activities. However, no firm commitment is made.

79. Commitment to respect all workers' rights?

FSC Principles and Criteria (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0 EN) require that the long term well being of workers is maintained or enhanced and the right to organise and voluntarily negotiate is respected. 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 860,369 ha (100% of total operational area).

80. 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).

81. Total number of employees?

1291

82. Percentage or number of temporary employees?

83. Percentage or number of women employees?

0.11%

84. Commitment to pay minimum wage?

85. 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 (2002) 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 860,369 ha (100% of total operational area).

86. Time lost due to work-based injuries?

8.7 - Days lost per accident (2016).

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

0

88. Provision of personal protective equipment and related training?

The company does not provide training details for PW Amazon.

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

1% - FSC share of timber production sold (2016): 100%. The FSC certificate for Mil Madeiras Preciosas (Precious Woods Amazon) covers 206,269 ha, but the companies stated landbank in Brazil is 506,699 hectares. This non-certified concession area is assumed to be non-operational.

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

1% - PEFC share of traded timber sold.

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

FSC share of timber production sold (2016): 100%. The FSC certificate for Mil Madeiras Preciosas (Precious Woods Amazon) covers 206,269 ha, but the companies stated landbank in Brazil is 506,699 hectares. This non-certified concession area is assumed to be non-operational.

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

93. Time-bound plan to source 100% FSC certified wood/wood fibre from independent suppliers?

94. Percentage area (ha) FSC certified?

860369 (100%) - FSC share of timber production sold (2016): 100%. The FSC certificate for Mil Madeiras Preciosas (Precious Woods Amazon) covers 206,269 ha, but the companies stated landbank in Brazil is 506,699 hectares. This non-certified concession area is assumed to be non-operational.

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

96. Percentage area (ha) PEFC certified?

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

97. Programme to support outgrower scheme smallholders?

This indicator is disabled as the company does not source wood/wood fibre from outgrower smallholders.

98. Percentage of outgrower scheme smallholders involved in programme?

This indicator is disabled as the company does not source wood/wood fibre from outgrower smallholders.

99. Programme to support independent smallholders?

This indicator is disabled as the company does not source wood/wood fibre from independent smallholders.

100. Percentage of independent smallholders involved in programme?

This indicator is disabled as the company does not source wood/wood fibre from independent smallholders.

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

102. Suspension or exclusion criteria for suppliers?

103. Percentage of suppliers assessed and/or engaged?

104. Commitment to ethical conduct and prohibition of corruption?

105. Whistleblowing procedure?

The company only states "there shall not be retaliation or harassment of employees who report violations or other concerns. Anyone who engages in retaliation will be subject to serious disciplinary action, including possible termination of contract".

106. 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 860,369 ha (100% of total operational area).

107. 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 860,369 ha (100% of total operational area).

108. Details of grievances disclosed, if anonymity not requested, including the following: - date - issue - complainant category - actions taken - status?