Kimberly-Clark and Appalachian Woodlands Alliance Empower Small Landowners to Safeguard Forests

Strong partnerships are critical to engage the entire supply chain in responsible forest practices, and to safeguard forest ecosystems around the world.

It’s a principle the Appalachian Woodlands Alliance has embraced as it works to engage small land holders in the Southern and Central Appalachian regions of the United States in its efforts to bring Forest Stewardship Council (FSC^®) certification to small land holders in the Southern and Central Appalachian regions of the United States.

With support from Kimberly-Clark, the Smallholder Access Program is a pilot program designed to reach landowners who manage 100 hectares (250 acres) or less of woodlands through existing procurement efforts and provide them the benefits of FSC^® certification.

“Kimberly-Clark has long viewed FSC^® certification as a valuable tool for ensuring that our fiber is sourced with a sincere and proper regard for sustainable forestry and socially responsible business practices,” said Lisa Morden, Vice President of Safety and Sustainability.

The two-year pilot will engage hundreds of landowners in responsible woodlands management and address key owner objectives around stewardship and sustainability

Kimberly-Clark joined the Appalachian Woodlands Alliance in 2015. The organization is a partnership between the Rainforest Alliance and forest product leaders across the United States who share a commitment to practicing responsible forestry. The company hopes the AWA pilot’s success will lead to expansion of similar small land holder programs in other parts of the world.

“Empowering landowners to certify their land helps preserve wildlife while ensuring the long-term health of forests,” said Morden. “We are proud to support AWA as they seek to grow smallholder participation in the FSC^® system.”