UPM expands its Baltic Sea collaboration to include forestry water protection
THE BALTIC SEA COMMITMENT OF UPM
UPM has drafted a new Baltic Sea Commitment for the years 2025–2030, focusing on water protection, supporting research and enhancing science-based practices, and developing educational materials to promote sustainable forestry.
IN PROGRESS
Commitment made in 2025
DURATION
2025–2030
As a part of developing their sustainable forestry, UPM is taking steps in water protection. Through collaboration with the Baltic Sea Action Group (BSAG), UPM advances practices that benefit both local aquatic ecosystems and efforts to reduce the nutrient load in the Baltic Sea. By sharing its criteria and solutions, UPM sets an example of water-responsible forestry for other forest owners and stakeholders.
Objectives of the Commitment
1
Water Protection
UPM commits to developing water protection practices, guidelines and protocols to promote sustainable sourcing in wood procurement in collaboration with BSAG, emphasizing practical solutions with the greatest impact on local aquatic ecosystems and the Baltic Sea.
Furthermore, UPM commits to communicating its new water protection criteria and solutions to inspire other forest owners to adopt water-responsible forestry practices.
2
Supporting Research
UPM will provide at least 5 long-term research plots (in mineral soils and peatlands), each measuring 3 x 1 hectares, for studying various forest management methods as part of a research network. After establishment and harvesting, these plots will be freely available to research institutions within the network.
UPM will also identify a suitable location for a research project aimed at promoting e.g. the sustainable use of peatlands. The implementation of this project depends on external funding, and UPM’s participation will be determined based on the overall project framework.
3
Educational Materials
UPM will participate in the production of educational materials related to water protection in forestry in cooperation with BSAG, and support the implementation of these materials where applicable to promote sustainable practices among forest owners and operators.
By pursuing these objectives, UPM further develops their sustainability efforts in forestry and water protection. In collaboration with BSAG, UPM is committed to fostering innovation, improving local ecosystems, and contributing to the health of the Baltic Sea.
As part of our Forest Action responsibility programme, we want to be at the forefront of advancing sustainable water protection practices in forestry. Our collaboration with the Baltic Sea Action Group, which has continued for over 15 years, is an excellent way to be involved in this development.
Tuomas Kara, Environmental Manager, UPM Forest
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