SFMP 2.0: Tracking Sustainability in Action – Companies
# APRIL Group: Pioneering Sustainable Forest Management and Community Engagement
## A Decade of Commitment: The Success of SFMP 2.0
For over a decade, APRIL Group has been at the forefront of sustainable forest management, demonstrating a profound commitment to environmental stewardship, climate action, and community well-being. The company’s Sustainable Forest Management Plan (SFMP) 2.0, launched in 2014, has served as a robust framework for achieving ambitious goals, setting a benchmark for responsible industry practices. This comprehensive plan has guided APRIL’s operations, fostering a culture of continuous enhancement and accountability.### biodiversity Conservation: A Cornerstone of APRIL’s Strategy
A key pillar of SFMP 2.0 is APRIL’s dedication to biodiversity conservation. The company has actively pursued its 1-for-1 target, a commitment to conserve and protect one hectare of forest for every hectare of plantation managed. As of 2024, APRIL has achieved an notable 77 percent of this target, with projections indicating full achievement in the coming years. This notable progress underscores APRIL’s unwavering commitment to preserving the planet’s natural heritage.### Science-Driven Peatland Management: Protecting a Vital Ecosystem
SFMP 2.0 also emphasizes the critical role of science in guiding APRIL’s operational activities. This is particularly crucial in the ecologically sensitive peatlands of Riau province, where the company manages a vast area of nearly 600,000 hectares encompassing plantation, conservation, and restoration lands. APRIL’s dedicated in-house science team, comprising over 250 scientists, conducts world-class primary research focused on the greenhouse gas impacts of land management.
#### Independent Expertise for Responsible Peatland Stewardship
In alignment with SFMP 2.0 principles, APRIL established the Independent Peat Expert Working Group in 2016.This esteemed group provides independent, science-based recommendations for responsible peatland management. Their guidance has been instrumental in achieving a considerable reduction of 1.3 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in emissions from land use changes since 2019, highlighting the tangible impact of science-backed decision-making.### Community Growth: An integral Part of Sustainability
Beyond its environmental commitments, SFMP 2.0 deeply integrates APRIL’s support for local communities. The company recognizes that community development is not merely a component of its operations but is intrinsically linked to its long-term success and the achievement of its sustainability goals.
#### Empowering Communities Through Health,Education,and Poverty Eradication
“Our work with local communities includes support for health care and education,women’s involvement in community development programs,and also efforts to eradicate extreme poverty,” stated Sihol Aritonang,president director of PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper,APRIL’s operating arm. This holistic approach ensures that the benefits of APRIL’s operations extend to the people who live and work in the regions where it operates.
### Robust Governance: Ensuring Clarity and Accountability
The success of SFMP 2.0 is further bolstered by its robust governance architecture. The Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC), an independent body comprising national and international experts from industry, academia, NGOs, and the public sector, plays a pivotal role in overseeing the plan’s implementation.
#### Strategic Guidance and Continuous Oversight
The SAC not only oversees the annual independent assurance process and reports but also provides strategic recommendations to APRIL. this continuous independent oversight,facilitated through regular SAC meetings and Stakeholder Forums,ensures transparency,accountability,and the integration of expert external input into APRIL’s sustainability journey.
### A Future of Growth Through Sustainability
APRIL Group’s approach-setting ambitious, science-backed goals, embedding them into its business strategy, and steadfastly upholding its commitments-has proven to be a winning formula.Over a turbulent decade, APRIL has demonstrated that decisive action on sustainability can be a powerful enabler of business growth, rather than a hindrance to progress. This commitment positions APRIL as a leader in responsible industry practices, paving the way for a more sustainable future.