The forest land owned by Asahi Breweries in Japan has once again retained its Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, reported Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

Bainbridge Island, WA, November 10, 2011 – The forest land owned by Asahi Breweries in Japan has once again retained its Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, reported Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

FRA, a research and analysis consultancy that promotes sustainable approaches to forestry and forestry investments, has welcomed the reports from the Scientific Certification Systems, which re-certified the forests.

Asahi bought the Shobaru and Miyoshi forests during World War II as a means to safeguard its access to cork. However, the brewery group then set about producing high quality timber products from the forests by using the best forestry practices. As a result, the forests won FSC certification for the first time in 2001 and has managed to hold on to the certification ever since.

Dr. Robert J. Hrubes, Senior Vice President of SCS, said, “FSC “Asahi Breweries has demonstrated its commitment to preserving a valuable forest resource.”

He added, “FSC certification provides independent recognition of the company’s efforts to support its community and natural resources.”

The area certified covers some 1,169 hectares on which mainly cypress and cedar trees grow. The forest is operated with a policy of long-term rotation, which helps to ensure the sustainability of the forest.

FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins, has spoken out to welcome the news of the re-certification, “Asahi Breweries forests are a great example of how forestry – if carried out sustainably and with responsible practices in mind – can be a lucrative and long-term investment option.”

For those interested in a shorter-term forestry investment with similarly strong ethical credentials, Greenwood Management has acres of fast-growing non-native plantations in Brazil.

These plantations can be invested in by anyone with as little as EUR 10,000 to spare and who is looking for an ethical, alternative investment option. Mr Collins added that the plantations help to provide alternatives to native timber for the production of charcoal for the booming Brazilian steel industry.

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