August 20, 2012
TNPL is promoting pulpwood plantations through farm forestry and captive plantations schemes since 2004 in the degraded lands belonging to socially weaker sections, mainly small/marginal farmers. Since, these plantations fulfill the norms to obtain FSC Forest Management and Chain of Custody Certificate, TNPL engaged M/s Rainforest Alliance, USA, a FSC accredited certification body to get FSC FM/COC certificate. TNPL has prepared a Plantation Management Plan with objectives of rehabilitation and restoration of degraded farm lands, improve the social economic status and sustainable management of plantations to ensure sustainable supply of raw materials.
To assess the impact of plantation activities, TNPL conducted a detailed study on the socioeconomic status of farming/non farming community and environmental status in the plantation area. TNPL has mapped boundary demarcation of 19,561 ha of farm forestry land located across Tamil Nadu in 8620 Forest Management Units, individually, using Global Positioning System (GPS) and submitted for audit. FSC team consisting of experts from India and abroad from Indonesia and United States conducted regular audit both in field and in the mill.
Based on audit finding, FSC issued the Forest Management and Chain of Custody Certificate (RA-FM/COC-006000) for five years from 6th July 2012 to 5th July 2017. The certificate covers 19,561 ha comprising of 8,620 units, both captive and farm forestry plantation, which is the largest area certified by FSC in India. Out of the total FSC-FM certified Forest area of 39,160 ha in India, TNPL Plantation area contributes 50% of area i.e 19,561 ha. With the issue of certificates in Forest Management (FM) and Chain of Custody (COC), FSC label can be printed on the products made out of FSC certified wood. This will ensure the consumers that the input material has been produced from scientifically managed, environmentally responsible forest plantation.
