OREANDA-NEWS. November 20, 2012. International Paper planted new trees in the Tikvin district of the Leningrad region as part of a new Russian federal initiative “Let Forests Live”. Planting new forests within this initiative underlines International Paper’s continued care about the environment, communities and the ecosystems where the company operates.

In 2011 International Paper acquired forest harvesting ZAO “Tikhvin KLPKH”. Now as one of the largest leaseholders in Tikhvin region, International Paper is especially dedicated to bringing global standards to this region in the areas of forest management and reforestation. In 2012 the company already applied forest care management practices in more than 1,000 hectares.

International Paper’s contribution to improving the forests was welcomed by Russian Forestry Department in the North-West region, following the systemic practice of illegal logging by unidentified parties. Now with support of Russian Forestry Department in the North-West region, International Paper intends to support the local authorities in their efforts to reduce illegal logging in the future. As a part of this commitment International Paper will plant trees in the Tikhvin forest areas, which were affected by the unauthorized forest felling in previous years as a part of the "Let Forests Live" action.

President of International Paper in Russia Franz Marx commented: “We are delighted to be a part of this great initiative and hope that our action will bring more attention to the modern practices in sustainable forest management needed in Russia”.

“Let Forests Live” is a campaign organized by Russian Federal Forestry Agency that involves governmental, non-profit and business institutions to take part in various activities from forest planting to informational lectures and seminars to be carried during October 2012.

International Paper plants more than 2 million of seedlings in Leningrad region, renewing in average 3 trees instead every one being cut.