Strategy

Timber and non-timber products are more in demand than ever. Having weathered the recession, global consumption of forest products rose again in 2014 (UNECE/FAO Forest Products Annual Market Review, 2014-2015) while 30 % of annual global anthropogenic CO2 emissions are absorbed by forests (FAO 2006, Pan et al. 2011).

Across any landholding however, it is a mixture of complimentary uses that often yields the highest sustainable value for the whole, and will often mean a balance is achieved across economic, social and environmental factors.

At Silvalytics we have the analytical expertise to objectively assess the potential of clients' land for multiple uses and help find that optimum balance. We can facilitate evidence-based discussions on these and other strategic issues with policy makers, owners and investors.

Sustainable forest management Certification

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) are two certification schemes in wide use. Each requires a balancing of the three pillars of social, environmental and economic sustainability.

At Silvalytics we guide our clients to achieve that balance in a way that is true to the goals of each owner or organisation. Since 2001 our staff have direct experience of the certification process and audits at both strategic and site level.

Where clients serve strong timber demand and need to demonstrate their harvest sustainability our evidence-based approach can establish the facts and thereby support certification.

Environment

Forest projects, plans or programmes each attract their own level of scrutiny from a regulatory point of view. Activities that may impact areas designated under the EU Habitats Directive additional safeguards apply such as Screening for Appropriate Assessment and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

Broad scale plans or programmes may also involve the preparation of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). Silvalytics staff are fully qualified in the production of the statements arising from this legislation and have access to the expertise necessary to address each of the potential receptors.