WWF's new Forests Forward Impact Report reveals that 26 leading companies, including US-based businesses, from nine sectors are improving forest management or going beyond responsible sourcing to support forest conservation projects around the world.
Through Forests Forward, WWF's flagship program for corporate leadership on forests, WWF projects financed by private sector partners are helping conserve a total forest area of 1.3 million hectares in some of the most vital and vulnerable landscapes through actions such as forest restoration.
An additional 2.7 million hectares of tropical forest are benefiting from improved forest management measures implemented by forest management companies participating in Forests Forward. Responsible sourcing efforts being implemented by partner companies are also translating to many more hectares of improved forest management across the globe.
"Now more than ever, companies understand that better forests mean better business," said Linda Walker, senior director, corporate engagement for forests, at WWF-US. "The Forests Forward Impact Report underscores the business case for scaling up corporate action to conserve forests. From building responsible supply chains to supporting nature-based solutions like forest restoration, Forests Forward partners have demonstrated that leadership is essential to sustaining thriving forests."
Companies participating in WWF's Forests Forward program have a considerable reliance on forests and the services and products they provide. They act upon voluntary ambitions related to responsible sourcing, improving forest management and financing critical work in forest landscapes, benefiting nature and people.
Forests Forward, launched in 2021, builds upon 30 years of collaboration and innovation with the private sector to develop market-based solutions to forest loss and degradation.
Alarming new data show record-breaking tropical forest loss in 2024, threatening the vital ecosystem services forests provide and worsening the impacts on nature and climate. Since more than half of the world's forests are managed wholly or partly for production, the private sector has a critical role in turning the tide on forest loss, complementing equally important efforts by governments and other forest stakeholders.
"WWF's Forests Forward partners are demonstrating that the private sector can be a force for nature," said Dr. Kirsten Schuijt, director general of WWF International. "Together, our innovative approaches and positive impacts are proving that conserving forests is not only beneficial for the planet but also a wise and sustainable business strategy."
With less than five years until 2030 deadlines for global goals on nature and climate, the Forests Forward Impact Report emphasizes how critical the private sector is in filling finance gaps. It also outlines how forests play an outsized role in addressing biodiversity loss and economic equality.
Quotes from Forests Forward partner companies:
Alex Michalko, Director of Climate & Responsible Sourcing, HP Inc.:
"Through our partnership with WWF, we are focused on large-scale, long-term landscape conservation that involves investing in innovative, durable forest conservation solutions and building partnerships with environmental organizations that prioritize the needs of local communities and ecosystems."
Tonia Elrod, Vice President, Sustainability, The Procter & Gamble Company:
"As we celebrate more than 15 years of working with WWF, P&G continues our long-term collaboration with WWF through Forests Forward to strengthen our responsible sourcing efforts. Forests Forward reflects P&G's ongoing commitment to provide consumers with responsibly sourced products that support our forests, wildlife and local communities."
James McDonald, Chief Sustainability Officer, Sylvamo:
"Our entire business depends on the sustainability of forests, and our longstanding partnership with WWF executes a shared commitment to sustaining them through conservation, restoration and responsible sourcing. Together, we're advancing nature-based solutions so forests can continue to thrive for future generations while supporting the communities and biodiversity that depend on them."
Ulf Johansson, Global Raw Material Manager, Inter IKEA:
"The whole forest industry must step up and share the wood they are using, where it is from and how the forest is managed. It is fundamental for sustainable development. For IKEA, it doesn't end with our own supply chain. We are proud to have supported WWF's conservation efforts over 23 years in a total of 22 countries, including long-term support for critical landscape programmes and enabling innovative new approaches to improve forest management."
Samuel Sigrist, CEO, SIG Group:
"We turned to WWF to work with us to go beyond our achievement of sourcing 100% of our paperboard responsibly as Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®)-certified. Our partnership with WWF has unlocked huge potential for SIG to create positive impacts for at-risk forests and local communities globally. We want to show others how they can contribute best to supporting thriving forests by investing in landscapes."
Gastón Vizcarra, President, Candela Perú:
"When we strengthen local value chains, we don't just conserve forests, we also create decent jobs, empower Indigenous and rural communities and bring real value to biodiversity. Investing in inclusive and sustainable projects is a commitment to a future where conservation and development go hand in hand."
Tom van Loon, Head of Sustainability, Interholco AG:
"We want to be leaders in responsible forest management in the Congo Basin, and, together with WWF, we are demonstrating that healthy standing forests can help biodiversity and people thrive."
US companies participating in Forests Forward include:
- Costco Wholesale Corporation
- HP Inc.
- International Paper Company
- Kimberly-Clark Corporation
- Nike, Inc.
- PepsiCo, Inc.
- The Procter & Gamble Company
- Sylvamo
- Williams-Sonoma, Inc.
A full list of Forests Forward partners can be found here.
