Conservation protections

We’re committed to managing our forests responsibly and preserving biodiversity. We protect Representative Sample Areas, Potential Old-Growth Forests, and ensure 10% strict protection of our forests. In 2023, these protections totaled 12.56% of our forest area (accounting for overlap).

Representative Sample Areas (RSA)

According to the FSC®(FSC-C131270) International Generic Indicators, a Representative Sample Area (RSA) is defined as: “Portions of the Management Unit delineated for the purpose of conserving or restoring viable examples of an ecosystem that would naturally occur in that geographical region” (full definition available here).

The same document defines Conservation/Protection as terms used interchangeably to describe management activities aimed at ensuring the long-term preservation of identified environmental or cultural values. These activities can range from minimal or zero interventions to a specific range of actions compatible with maintaining these values.

Based on these definitions, we have designated 5,591 hectares (11.09% of the total area) as Representative Sample Areas (RSA) for conservation/protection (RSA list available here).

The management approach for these areas ranges from strict non-intervention (full protection) to limited non-commercial activities, such as conservation felling, sanitary logging, or tending operations, with the volume of such interventions restricted to a maximum of 10% of the stand’s total volume.

Potential Old-Growth Forest (OGF)

In light of the European Commission’s March 2023 publication of the Guidelines for Defining, Mapping, Monitoring and Strictly Protecting EU Primary and Old-Growth Forests (available here), we conducted an internal analysis to assess the potential impact on our current portfolio.

Through this analysis, we have identified approximately 1,400 hectares that could potentially meet the new criteria for old-growth forests (Potential OGF list available here).

However, to confirm this, a more detailed methodology is required, as the guidelines remain broad at this stage.

Given these uncertainties, we have proactively decided to temporarily suspend any forest interventions that could alter the current forest structure until further clarity is provided through national legal standards. This approach is aligned with the precautionary principle, prioritizing environmental safety and sustainability, especially in situations of scientific uncertainty. It is important to note that, at this time, the identified area does not meet the existing legal criteria to be classified as Virgin or Quasi-Virgin forests, as confirmed both by authorities and third-party checks.

Potential 10% strict protection

In line with the European Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, which aims to place at least 10% of the EU’s land and marine areas under strict protection, the Ministry of the Environment, Waters, and Forests (MMAP) has initiated the process of identifying potential areas for strict protection, based on the guidelines from the European Commission’s General Directorate for the Environment (available here).

As part of this participatory process, WWF has submitted its proposals for the criteria to identify strict protection areas. These criteria focus on forest habitats and areas within the national forestry fund, taking into account high conservation values specific to the country and the principle of multiple protection roles (full details available here).

Based on WWF’s proposal, we have identified 5,398 hectares (10.71% of the total area) that could be designated for strict protection, contributing to the European Biodiversity Strategy 2030 (Potential 10% list available here).

On these areas, we have proactively decided to temporarily suspend any forest interventions that could alter the current forest structure until further clarity is provided through national legislation. It is important to note that, as the national process for identifying strict protection areas is still ongoing, it is possible that additional priorities will emerge in the final version from the Ministry, which could lead to changes in the currently identified list of areas.