International Paper Strengthens Commitment to Nature with USD15.3 million Investment in Conservation Partnerships

International Paper reaffirms its dedication to conserving forest ecosystems, nature and biodiversity with a USD15.3 million investment to renew strategic alliances with key conservation partners, including the American Forest Foundation (AFF), National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF). These collaborations are pivotal to IP’s business strategy and Vision 2030 goal to conserve and restore 1 million acres of ecologically significant forestland.

International Paper’s success depends on the sustainability of forests – and so does the future of our planet. Renewing these strategic partnerships underscores our commitment to positively impact nature while delivering low-carbon, sustainable, fiber-based products to our customers.

Sophie Beckham, Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, International Paper

Among these partnerships, IP’s collaboration with AFF has been key through the Family Forest Carbon Programme (FFCP). Developed by AFF and TNC, this programme facilitates family forest owners’ access to climate finance from carbon markets. Supported by IP, the FFCP has expanded significantly in the Central Appalachian area and is set to launch activities in the Southeastern U.S., focusing on afforestation and improved forest management practices. IP’s ongoing support allows the FFCP to invest in critically important applied research to identify which forests provide the most additional carbon mitigation when they enroll in the programme.

The Forestland Stewards Partnership (FSP) with NFWF, extended in 2022 with a USD10 million commitment over five years. Launched in 2013, FSP has successfully established, enhanced or conserved more than 1.6 million acres of iconic southern forestlands. Focused on longleaf pine and bottomland hardwood restoration, this partnership aims to further wildlife conservation and sustainable forestry practices in the Southeastern U.S.

Since 2018, IP’s collaboration with TNC has led to advancements in sustainable forestry practices. This work reaches beyond IP’s traditional supply chain to identify natural climate solutions that can be replicated in forests around the world. With the first two phases complete, IP renewed its partnership to scale up efforts towards responsible forestry, carbon sequestration and biodiversity monitoring in the Central Appalachian region of the U.S. and in Mexico.

Additionally, as one of the first five companies to join WWF’s Forests Forward programme, IP is taking action on responsible sourcing and aiding efforts in priority sourcing regions to support nature, climate and people. The latest collaboration involves helping local partners in the Mobile Basin of Mississippi and Alabama address a critical issue: the preservation of heirs’ property. The initiative provides legal services, assistance and resources to help historically disenfranchised Black landowners retain generational land and conserve working forests.

“These partnerships are essential for enhancing sustainability across our value chain,” noted Beckham. “By collaborating with AFF, NFWF, TNC and WWF, International Paper will scale our impact, learn from trusted partners, and drive positive change for people and the planet.”

For more information about all of IP’s longstanding partnerships, please visit website or IP’s 2023 Sustainability Report.

About The Nature Conservancy (TNC)
Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. It is tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 77 countries and territories (41 by direct conservation impact and 36 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit nature.org.

About The American Forest Foundation (AFF)
The American Forest Foundation is a national conservation organisation that empowers family forest owners to make meaningful conservation impact. The organisation’s flagship programme, the Family Forest Carbon Programme, helps landowners implement forest management practices to protect the health of their woodlands and help the planet. To learn more about the American Forest Foundation and the Family Forest Carbon Programme, visit www.forestfoundation.org/carbon.

About the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)
Chartered by Congress in 1984, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) protects and restores the nation’s fish, wildlife, plants and habitats. Working with federal, corporate, foundation and individual partners, NFWF has funded more than 6,800 organisations and generated a total conservation impact of more than USD10 billion. NFWF is an equal opportunity provider. Learn more at nfwf.org.

About World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
WWF is one of the world’s leading conservation organisations, working for 60 years in nearly 100 countries to help people and nature thrive. With the support of 1.3 million members in the United States and more than 5 million members worldwide, WWF is dedicated to delivering science-based solutions to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth, halt the degradation of the environment, and combat the climate crisis. Visit worldwildlife.org to learn more; follow @WWFNews on Twitter to keep up with the latest conservation news; and sign up for WWF newsletter and news alerts here.