Forest Management

FOREST MANAGEMENT COMMITMENT STATEMENT

Wescorp recognises the significance of ecological values, sustainability of natural resources, protecting biodiversity ad cultural heritage. The organization is committed to responsible forest management which includes supporting the principles and objectives of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and make efforts to continuously fulfil our environmental, social, and economic goals and enhance its performance.

Wescorp is committed to conduct all operational activities with integrity, transparency and accountability with zero-tolerance on bribery, corruption, fraud, and unethical business practices.

Wescorp is committed to respect and uphold the rights of its workers according to the principles of the International Labour Organization (ILO) along with any national or local legislations which shall include safe working environment, freedom from discrimination and fair treatment as well as compliant to fundamental human rights.

Wescorp recognises and respect the rights, traditional knowledge, customs and connection to Country of Indigenous Peoples which shall include commitment to meaningful engagement and protection of cultural heritage and values that may be affected by our operations.

Through these undertakings and other requirements, Wescorp aims to manage forests responsibly for the benefit of current and future generations.

FOREST MANAGEMENT POLICY

Wescorp and its leadership is committed and accountable to observing long-term sustainable practices to its forest management by establishing, implementing, maintaining, improving as well as integrating it to its operational activities and management objectives.

  • Resources: Ensure that appropriate assets, technology or machineries, awareness, competency or training are available and provided to employees for effectiveness of the forest management system.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Implement and maintain necessary systems that shall conform with government policies and legislations as well as other related requirements Wescorp adheres to (FSC, ISO, AS/NZS, etc.)
  • Sustainability:
  1. Consistently commit to practices that supports proper forest management practices through requirements or guidelines specified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Responsible Wood (AS4708).
  2. Develop and enhance biodiversity management specifically high conservation values (HCV) to foster stewardship and mitigate invasion of endangered ecosystems.
  3. Ensure plantations are developed and managed in ecological manner to generate responsible and appropriate results.
  4. Deliver ethically sourced and renewable goods supporting local employment and economic development.
  5. Forest pests and diseases: Prevent potential impacts of these on plantations (i.e. risk of epidemic or spread upon specified boundaries) by effectively developing and implementing solutions to eliminate its existence.
  • Ancestral Legacy & Tradition: Recognise and respect indigenous title rights and customs whilst constantly enhancing relevant cultural heritage strategies.
  • Stakeholder engagement: Seek opportunities in gathering feedback, complaints and recommendations towards the organisation’s forest management planning and operations.
  • Work, Health & Safety: Ensure employee’s well-being, fair treatment, labour conditions or worker’s rights by eliminating potential causes of incidents that will result to injuries or illness as well as supporting any required rehabilitation.
  • Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA): Continuously improve the forest management system by utilising this framework to its operations.
  • Innovative and dynamic strategies: Adapt or tailor forestry methods or practices constantly based on trends or performance, new research or discoveries as well as stakeholder engagements for improvement.

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Any concerns or inquiries regarding our forest management operations may be submitted through our Contact Us page or directly sending email to our Wescorp Pacific Sandalwood Manager – Fleur Coakley (fleur@wescorp.com.au). It shall be acknowledged as well as investigated in accordance with Wescorp’s Complaint & Dispute Handling process which is also available upon request.