36 INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2023 Ongoing critical market demand for Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified timber, Programme of the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) as an extension to the certification array and overall quality management. Our Japanese markets still require a minimum of 30% FSC material whilst our Chinese clients are asking for PEFC material. Certification creates market access hence the critical necessity to maintain the NCT certification status. Increasing need to ensure sustained access to optimum genetic material. Climate change and client demand for top quality product places pressure on NCT to plant only the best genetic material. High priority placed by the industry as a whole, on environmental sustainabiliy, is a priority adopted by NCT, which guides our ongoing dcision making. Ensuring a stable reservoir of certified timber. NCT Tree Farming maintained FSC certification on all NCT-owned farms and on the larger managed farms. In addition, PEFC certification has been achieved on the smaller managed farms. NCT ended its association with the formal ISO 9001 Quality Management System and adopted own Quality Management System. This will extend the scope of quality management across all NCT divisions. Ensuring optimum planting material A third-generation E. smithii grafted seed orchard was established on the NCT Enon plantation. This orchard will be an important source of improved seed for members plantations. The NCT farms host most of the hybrid clone screening trials, allowing material to be thoroughly tested before it is commercialised for members to plant on their farms. An NCT Research Scientist has been appointed to increase research capacity. The roll-out of proven, appropriate, and latest genetic material (both Eucalyptus and Acacia) to small-growers via the ongoing and successful Project Regeneration was continued. (continued next page . . . . ) Key operational challenges, complexities and events impacting on environmental aspects Key actions taken / Services rendered in environmental context Environment NCT understands that successful and sustainable timber production is totally reliant on environmental health and diverse, unimpeded ecological service renderings. Environmental awareness and appropriate management procedures and protocols are maintained on own farms and encouraged on member farms. Advice and extension is provided and subscriptions and adherence to certification principles are adhered to. As a responsible contributor to the global forestry industry, NCT remains fully invested in natural capital for the sake of sustainable production today and into the future, forever.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjgyNjA0