In 2004, Stora Enso Wood Supply Russia met with several Russian NGOs, such as WWF Russia, Greenpeace Russia, the Socio-Ecological Union and Biodiversity Conservation Center, and other forest industry representatives in roundtable meetings to discuss current environmental topics related to wood procurement in Russia. The first meeting in April addressed the EU’s Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade initiative (FLEGT) traceability systems in Russia, audits conducted by the companies, and new forestry regulations and legislation. The second meeting concentrated on protected areas, old-growth forests and high conservation value forests, and the mapping of these sites.

Environmental training

In September 2004, Stora Enso Wood Supply Russia organised environmental training for its own staff and for a group of newly recruited specialists. The goal of this training was to present and discuss ideas related to forestry and environmental principles; environmental, economic and quality aspects in forestry; environmental management and the traceability of wood in Wood Supply Russia; forest certification; and the economic and technical rationale for good forestry and environmental management.