Tag Archives: Forestry

Business

Wood Resources Quarterly Figures show strong Timber Demand, claims FRA

Leave a comment

New figures from Wood Resources Quarterly show that China’s wood imports have increased hugely over the past ten years – which is great news for those investing in sustainable forestry, claims FRA.

Seattle, United States, June 23, 2012 — New figures from Wood Resources Quarterly show that China’s wood imports have increased hugely over the past ten years – which is great news for those investing in sustainable forestry, claims Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

Although Chinese timber imports for the first quarter of 2012 were down slightly, imports of logs have increased almost every year for ten years. The reason behind the growing demand has been the country’s expanding economy and house building. As a result China has become the world’s largest importer of sawlogs, according to the report.

In addition, the report showed that the US is now providing more of China’s timber imports, while Russia and New Zealand are exporting less to China. The reduction in the import of Russian timber could be partly down to the fact that Russia has increased taxed on exported lumber.

China’s lumber imports were 15 times higher in 2011 than they were in 2001 – demonstrating the major growth in demand from the emerging economy. The value of the timber imported to China is now around $8 billion, up from just $630 million in 2001.

“This increase in demand from China has led to an increase in the return that timber investors see after buying up sections of plantations – through firms like Greenwood Management – or through investing in forestry fund,” explained FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins.

FRA, a research and analysis consultancy specializing in sustainable forestry investment analysis, claims that investing in timberland is still a good bet for those who would like to diversify their portfolio. “Forestry and wood prices tend not to follow general economic trends – so if the stock markets are losing value, chances are, your timber investments will be holding up well,” explained Mr Collins.

FRA claims that Greenwood Management, along with several other timberland investment companies, offer an ethical investment choice for those who want a tangible asset in return for their investment.

About Forestry Research Associates

Forestry Research Associates is a research and advisory consultancy that focuses on forestry management, sustainability issues and forestry investment around the globe.

Media Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com

Business

FRA: UN Forestry Report says Forestry could ‘Revolutionise’ Economy

Leave a comment

FRA is welcoming a report from the UN, which says that countries need to introduce the right policies to ensure that their forestry assets fulfil their potential.

Bainbridge Island, WA, June 21, 2012 – Forestry Research Associates (FRA) is welcoming a report from the UN, which says that countries need to introduce the right policies to ensure that their forestry assets fulfil their potential.

The report claims that if the world’s forests were managed properly and sustainable, they could create a solid green economy. The report also includes the UN pledge to replant 18 million hectares of forests – a move that has been welcomed by FRA, a research and analysis consultancy specialising in forestry investment and sustainability.

UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) assistant director-general for forestry, Eduardo Rojas-Briales, stated, “Forests and trees on farms are a direct source of food, energy and income for more than a billion of the world’s poorest people.

“At the same time, forests trap carbon and mitigate climate change, maintain water and soil health, and prevent desertification.”

He went on to explain how the sustainable management of the world’s forests could revolutionise the world’s economy and could shift economic power more towards countries that have high concentrations of forests. He explained, “The sustainable management of forests offer multiple benefits – with the right programmes and policies, the sector can lead the way towards more sustainable, greener economies.”

FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins said that the report was an “exceptionally positive” new insight into the potential of the forestry sector. “This report reflects the importance of sustainable forestry management.

“We believe that investing in sustainable plantations and sustainably managed natural forests is essential for the future of the green economy.”

FRA supports projects such as those run by Greenwood Management in Brazil and elsewhere, which allow investors to buy up sections of plantation. These non-native plantations produce timber and charcoal products that are an alternative to using native forests and, as a result, help to reduce deforestation and add to the amount of forest land.

Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com

Business

Rousseff Government Vetoes Parts of Forestry Bill

Leave a comment

In response to growing pressure from environmentalists all over the globe, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has vetoed parts of the controversial forestry bill, in a move that has been welcomed by FRA.

Seattle, United States, May 30, 2012 — In response to growing pressure from environmentalists all over the globe, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has vetoed parts of the controversial forestry bill, in a move that has been welcomed by Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

The President had pledged to veto the bill if she won the election while on her campaign trail and pressure to fulfil her promise had been rising over the past month. The bill was passed through the country’s congress back in April and was threatening to allow land owners to develop more of the Amazon forest for agricultural purposes. It was also planning to introduce an amnesty for anyone who had been found illegally logging timber before 2008.

FRA, a research and analysis consultancy, said it welcomed the decision to partially veto the bill and particularly welcomed the dropping of the amnesty out of the plans. A total of 12 articles were removed from the bill. It is thought that Rousseff would have been partly persuaded to go ahead with the veto in light of the fact that Brazil is hosting the Rio+20 Summit later in the year, at which some of the world’s great leaders will gather to work on environmental issues.

FRA, which promotes investment in sustainable forestry and the reforestation of the Brazilian forests, said that Rousseff could have gone further but that the most damaging parts of the bill have been removed. Its analysis partner, Peter Collins, said, “Here at FRA, we welcome the veto and continue to support projects such as those run by Greenwood Management in Brazil.”

Greenwood Management runs plantation projects in Brazil which help to supply sustainably grown timber products and coal to domestic and overseas customers, including the Brazilian steel industry, who may otherwise depend on timber form the Amazon.

About Forestry Research Associates

Forestry Research Associates is a research and advisory consultancy that focuses on forestry management, sustainability issues and forestry investment around the globe.

Media Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com

Business

FRA calls for Rousseff Forestry Act Veto

Leave a comment

FRA is joining the campaign to increase pressure on Brazilian President, Dilma Rousseff to veto the Forestry Bill.

Seattle, United States, May 21, 2012 — Forestry Research Associates (FRA) is joining the campaign to increase pressure on Brazilian President, Dilma Rousseff to veto the Forestry Bill.

FRA, a research and analysis consultancy specialising in sustainable forestry and forestry investments, has added its voice to those of environmental groups all over the world who are campaigning for the forestry bill to be thrown out by the popular president. The bill would allow those carrying out illegal logging to get away without paying fines through an amnesty. It would also open up areas of forest to loggers to make way for the cultivation of riverbanks regions.

During Rousseff’s campaign trail in 2010, she promised to veto the bill, which campaigners claim threatens the future of the Amazon rainforest and the un-contacted tribes that live in its depths.

The current laws ensure that around 80 per cent of the privately owned land in the Amazon remain as forest, while the new bill would allow landowners to cultivate more of this land.

FRA said that the bill represents a major threat to the good work that the Brazilian government has done over the past decade to try to limit deforestation. It said that the moves to draw industry away from the use of forest timber and towards the use of timber grown in sustainable plantations, such as those run by investment firms like Greenwood Management, has helped to significantly reduce the rate at which rainforests are being destroyed in the Latin American country.

“This bill represents the largest threat to the Amazon that we have seen for years,” stated FRA’s analysis partner Peter Collins.

He added, “We call upon President Rousseff to fulfil her pre-election manifesto by vetoing the plans to open up more of the Amazon to agriculture and development. We are also against the amnesty for illegal loggers that sends the wrong message to those involved in the practice all over the world.”

About Forestry Research Associates

Forestry Research Associates is a research and advisory consultancy that focuses on forestry management, sustainability issues and forestry investment around the globe.

Media Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com

Business

FRA highlights Forestry’s ROI and Sustainability Credentials

Leave a comment

FRA has highlighted a piece by Doug Jones of Remsoft in the Environmentalleader.com, which talks about achieving both sustainability and return on investment through investing in forestry.

Bainbridge Island, WA, May 09, 2012 – Forestry Research Associates (FRA) has highlighted a piece by Doug Jones of Remsoft in the Environmentalleader.com, which talks about achieving both sustainability and return on investment through investing in forestry.

Remsoft’s Vice President of Forestry explains that finding an investment that is ethical and offers potentially strong returns is a difficult ask these days. With such major demands on commodities, energy and food, sustainability is increasingly important issue for investors to consider, claims FRA. Mr Jones offers an example of an asset class that fits the bill: timber.

There is an ever-increasing demand for timber, according to Jones’ article, which cites figures published by the Oregon Resources Institute. These figures show that US citizens now consume 3.5 times more timber than they did back in 1970. With emerging markets like china, India and Brazil all desperately improving their infrastructure and building housing in urban regions, the demand for timber from these countries is also increasing.

The secret to sustainability, claims Jones, is developing a model by which timber can be grown and harvested, while forests are always growing. A rotation method can be used to achieve this – generating timber for sale, but also ensuring that standing forests are planted and maintained, which helps provide carbon dioxide absorption and habitats for animals.

As well as its sustainability credentials, forestry investment can also offer some serious ROI potential, according to FRA’s analysis partner Peter Collins. He said, “timber has consistently outperformed equities over the long-term and can offer an investment solution that has a low level of correlation with major economic trends – providing opportunities for investors to diversify their investment portfolios against risk.”

FRA supports the work of Greenwood Management, which operates plantation projects in Brazil, growing sustainable, fast growing breeds including teak and eucalyptus.

Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com

Business

FRA backs Pakistan’s look into Forestry’s Climate change benefits

Leave a comment

FRA has welcomed the news that efforts are being made in Pakistan to monitor climate change impacts and scenarios.

Bainbridge Island, WA, May 05, 2012 – Forestry Research Associates (FRA) has welcomed the news that efforts are being made in Pakistan to monitor climate change impacts and scenarios.

The research and analysis consultancy claims that the work being done by the Pakistan Forest Institute (PFI) is a good thing for the country and for the global environment. “The PFI is looking into the different climate change impacts in various regions throughout Pakistan and how this affects forestry resources,” stated FRA’s analysis partner Peter Collins.

The PFI explained to the APP: “It is the first professional attempt to address the emerging issues of climate change and global warming and its overall impact on the environment and weather of the country and region.”

Most importantly, claims the FRA, Pakistan is looking at the ways in which the forestry industry can help to mitigate the impact of climate change.

Mr Collins added, “There are a number of ways forestry can help reduce climate change, by providing habitats and most importantly, by absorbing CO2 emitted by industry.”

FRA claims that developing countries, like Pakistan, can actually benefit financially from simply planting trees and selling carbon credits to industrial countries that emit huge amounts of CO2, like the US.

More and more investors in the West are turning their attention to timber for these reasons, added FRA, which advocates investment in sustainable forestry schemes, such as the ones operated by firms like Greenwood Management in Brazil and Canada.

The research being carried out by the PFI is looking to ascertain the exact forest cover in the country and how this can be utilized or enhanced to try to reduce the effects of climate change in the region.

PFI’s officials added an explanation of the benefits of forestry plantation, “Non Timber Forests Produce (NTFP) is important source of revenue for forests dwellers and plays key role in poverty alleviation.”

Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com

Business

Forestry Popular with Risk-Averse Investors claims FRA

Leave a comment

Environmental Finance has published an article outlining how fund managers are reporting a rise in interest in forestry investment of all kinds.

Seattle, United States, May 5, 2012 — Environmental Finance has published an article outlining how fund managers are reporting a rise in interest in forestry investment of all kinds. Forestry Research Associates (FRA) says that the future looks bright for forestry, as traditional investments continue to deter pension funds.

Timberland Investment Resources (TIR) was speaking at the Forestry, Sustainability and Biomass conference in London today. The delegate stated, “We have lived through extraordinary times for investors. And the fact is, forestry did what it said it would do on the tin.”

FRA claims that this sums up the attraction of forestry investment for many investors who have been burned by their stocks and shares after huge amounts were lost from markets overnight during the economic crisis. The ongoing uncertainty in the Eurozone region is a further cause for concern for many, who want to diversify their portfolios to protect them from risk.

“Forestry is a risk-averse option.” claims FRA’s analysis partner Peter Collins. He added, “Timber assets offers a stable option as they have continually outperformed equities over a number of years.”

FRA claims that another advantage is the fact that if the timber prices are low when trees reach harvestable size, investors are not forced to chop down their trees. Instead they can simply leave them growing for as long as it takes for timber prices to reach the desired level before selling. “Trees continue to grow, along with the potential ROI,” added Collins.

There are a number of ways to invest in timberland and forestry, explained FRA. One of the most popular among risk-averse investors is to buy up sections of sustainable plantations, which offer a tangible asset in exchange for anything from around EUR10,000 in the case of an investment through Greenwood Management, for example.

Greenwood Management runs teak and eucalyptus plantations in Brazil.

About Forestry Research Associates

Forestry Research Associates is a research and advisory consultancy that focuses on forestry management, sustainability issues and forestry investment around the globe.

Media Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com

Business

FRA supports Re-Emergence of Finnish Forestry

Leave a comment

The Finnish forestry industry is on the up once more, according to FRA, whose outlook is backed by a new study.

Seattle, United States, May 3, 2012 — The Finnish forestry industry is on the up once more, according to Forestry Research Associates (FRA), whose outlook is backed by a new study.

FRA is a research and analysis consultancy, specialising in forestry and timberland investments. It claims that, after a period of downturn, the forestry industry in Finland is ripe for investment once more.

FRA’s view on the state of the industry in the Scandinavian country reflects the general outlook within Finland itself, according to a research report commissioned the Finnish Forest Association. The report found that the general confidence in the industry is returning after a tough few years.

Some 76 per cent of those questioned said they felt confident in Finland’s forestry industry’s international competitiveness. This was up from just 61 per cent who said the same back in 2007.

There was also a discovery that three quarters of the people questioned agreed that forestry by-products should be increasingly used in biomass power stations to generate energy.

FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins, said, “We very much welcome the news that the outlook among Finland’s forestry industry is more positive than it has been in recent years.

“We hope that this signifies the start of a new period of prosperity for the industry and that investors will be drawn to the asset class as an alternative to stocks and shares.”

FRA supports investment in forestry as an asset class and claims that it has regularly outperformed equities over the past ten years or so. Collins added, “With the increasingly volatile nature of traditional investments, it’s no wonder that wise investors are looking for new places to invest their cash.”

FRA supports timber investments through sustainable plantations that provide the chance for investors to buy up areas of forest and support the forestry industry and the communities that rely on it.

About Forestry Research Associates

Forestry Research Associates is a research and advisory consultancy that focuses on forestry management, sustainability issues and forestry investment around the globe.

Media Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com

Business

FRA welcomes Forestry Investment Program positivity

Leave a comment

Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burkino Faso have all given insights into their intended responses to the Forest Investment Program (FIP), claims FRA.

Bainbridge Island, WA, May 03, 2012 – Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burkino Faso have all given insights into their intended responses to the Forest Investment Program (FIP), claims Forestry Research Associated (FRA).

The research and analysis group said that reports from allafrica.com show that representatives from each of the three African nations have pledged to continue their support for the REDD+ scheme in exchange for funding under the FIP.

Speaking at the annual FIP pilot scheme meeting in Brazil, Burkino Faso’s officials said that the country maintains a strong political affiliation and support to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+). The country also pledged to improve synergies between the REDD+ work and other industries, such as agriculture and environment. It wants to invest in private sector forestry.

Meanwhile, both Ghana and Burkino Faso mentioned that they were finding management of stakeholders’ expectation a challenge.

The DRC said that it has made some headway in keeping track of investments under the scheme, through the launch of an online National REDD+ Projects register, which monitors the projects that are receiving the funding. However, it added that the private sector is still sceptical due to high taxes and complexities.

FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins, said, “We support the REDD+ program and are pleased to see that developing nations are still being rewarded for protecting their forestry industries for generations to come.”

FRA believes that schemes like the FIP and carbon trading programs help communities living in developing nations to realize and benefit from the value of standing forests. “This helps to reduce the reliance on non-sustainable forestry practices and underlines the benefits of managed forestry,” added Mr Collins.

Investors all over the world can do their bit to promote sustainable forestry and managed forestry by investing in plantation projects like those run by Greenwood Management in Brazil.

Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com

Business

FRA Flags Up ‘Future Climate’ Tree Species Trials

Leave a comment

An interesting research project is taking place in the UK, which could lead to some exciting plantation investment opportunities in the future, according to FRA.

Seattle, United States, March 30, 2012 — An interesting research project is taking place in the UK, which could lead to some exciting plantation investment opportunities in the future, according to Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

The Forestry Commission’s Forest Research division is carrying out a series of tests to try to establish species of trees that could survive and flourish in a ‘future climate’. Project REINFFORCE, as it is being known, is being funded by the European Union, explained FRA, which supports renewable forestry and forestry investment projects all over the world.

The project is growing 30 different tree species in 37 West Atlantic regions, including three trial sites in Britain. Forest Research is also carrying out three trials in Swinley, Berkshire and Peebles.

FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins, explained that the research is intended to find species that are most likely to be resilient to the challenges that may become more common in the future. For example, they are looking for species that may withstand high temperatures, a lack of water and more pests.

FRA claims that investing in these species once they have been established as the species of the future will be a good move for those looking to invest in an asset class that will see prices rise. Mr Collins explained: Sustainable forestry is undeniably an attractive investment opportunity these days, particularly in light of the volatility of the stock markets.”

FRA claims that people want to put their cash somewhere ethical and that investing in forestry research such as this project will help the human race to adapt to the changing climate. In addition, planting more trees is never a bad thing for the fight against climate change as trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere making forestry one of the most cost-effective ways to limit carbon emissions.

FRA supports a range of forestry investment schemes, including the plantation schemes run by Greenwood Management in Brazil.

About Forestry Research Associates

Forestry Research Associates is a research and advisory consultancy that focuses on forestry management, sustainability issues and forestry investment around the globe.

Media Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com