Statement on the environment
DURABLE WOOD PRODUCTS USA, Inc. is conscious of its involvement
in an industry which is under world wide scrutiny because of international
concerns relating to the preservation of the rain forests, which
are regarded as the ‘lungs of the world’; the responsible
exploitation of renewable and non-renewable natural resources;
and, the profound relationship between forestry products commercial
activities and their impact on human development.
Accordingly, the Company has fashioned its corporate strategy
to achieve the following objectives:
- Adherence to International Conventions and National
Regulations:
The Company’s operations in some of the Guiana
Shield countries (Brazil, Guyana and Suriname) are in conformity with the International
Conventions and National Forestry Regulations relating to the management
of forestry concessions. It enforces the protection of the endangered
species listed by CITES (Convention on Trade in Endangered Species)
and of the bio-diversity of the eco-systems. It respects the Intellectual
Property Rights of the Indigenous Peoples, whose communities are
the beneficiaries of the Company’s field operations.
- Minimum Environmental Impact: The Company stresses the
need for low impact forestry operations, ensuring that its forestry
extraction
equipment is ‘state of the art’ while constantly
monitoring the effect of its logistics systems (timber extraction
trails) on
watershed management and, its use of biodegradable wood preservatives.
- Research and Development: The Company is committed to research,
training and development. It works closely with the local Forest
Producers Association, the Tropical Forests Research Institutions
and Environmental Protection Agencies in sponsoring Seminars,
Workshops, Field Demonstrations and Training Courses. It emphasizes
the efficient
use of equipment, knowledge of the ecosystem and techniques in
tree spotting, extraction, processing and shipment, in order
to minimize
on the negative impact of timber harvesting while maximizing
on the value-added benefits of marketing its quality assured
products.
- A ‘Green’ Image: DURABLE WOOD PRODUCTS USA, INC.
has an abiding interest in and is dedicated to maintaining its ‘green
image’ as an environmentally responsible Company, aware
of its corporate and social obligations to sustainable development.
The Company’s commitment to the welfare and development
of its workers and their families is of paramount importance
and its
contribution to the establishment of schools, health centers,
recreational facilities and income generating indigenous
craft production, is
evidence of its attention to social justice and human development.
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