These moments of life unfolding in PF Olsen Australia’s plantations exemplify the impact of FSC-certified responsible forestry.
The Numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus), an Endangered species, and the Mallee Fowl (Leipoa ocellata), listed as Vulnerable, have found refuge in the plantation forests managed by PF Olsen Australia (PFOA). The discovery of 14 individual Numbats on a single PFOA property and the successful nesting of Mallee Fowl in logging residue are both remarkable conservation successes, illustrating how sustainable forestry can support biodiversity.
PF Olsen, established in New Zealand in 1971, achieved FSC Forest Management certification in 2002. In 2010, it expanded to Australia, where PF Olsen Australia obtained FSC certification in 2013. Today, PFOA manages approximately 156,000 hectares of plantation forests across five states, with a focus on responsible forest management and biodiversity protection.
The plantations PF Olsen Australia manages were planted in the 1990s on land previously used for dryland agriculture, with patches of native vegetation scattered throughout the estate. While bird diversity is lower in plantations compared to adjacent state forests, the fragments of remnant native vegetation scattered across the estate support more diverse bird populations than the surrounding native forests. FSC certification has helped ensure that biodiversity in these landscapes is carefully monitored and preserved. Over the past decade, PF Olsen Australia has, for example, partnered with BirdLife Australia to monitor bird populations in plantations and document their proliferation in the remnants PFOA manages.
The plantations PF Olsen Australia manages were planted in the 1990s on land previously used for dryland agriculture, with patches of native vegetation scattered throughout the estate. While bird diversity is lower in plantations compared to adjacent state forests, the fragments of remnant native vegetation scattered across the estate support more diverse bird populations than the surrounding native forests. FSC certification has helped ensure that biodiversity in these landscapes is carefully monitored and preserved. Over the past decade, PF Olsen Australia has, for example, partnered with BirdLife Australia to monitor bird populations in plantations and document their proliferation in the remnants PFOA manages.
"We are incredibly proud to have PF Olsen as part of the FSC-certified forestry community," says Melanie Robertson, CEO of FSC Australia and New Zealand. "Their commitment to sustainable forest management exemplifies the critical role responsible forestry plays in preserving biodiversity."
PFOA’s commitment to biodiversity is driven by its 10-year Landscape Biodiversity Improvement Program and supported by investment manager New Forests’ focus on investing in forests for a climate and nature-positive future.PFOA’s program launched following recent changes in the status of the investment vehicle that owns the plantations. To develop the program, ABZECO conducted an independent review of data collected over the past decade in support of FSC certification. This review led to the identification of five key themes, each with associated objectives:
- Threatened species: Increase the security of the most threatened flora and fauna on the estate.
- High-quality ecosystems: Expand the area of high-quality ecosystems.
- Large old trees: Protect and secure large old trees throughout the asset.
- Remnant connectivity: Enhance connectivity between remnant native vegetation.
- Stakeholder partnerships: Strengthen relationships with reputable stakeholders.
The progress toward these objectives is reported annually in PFOA’s Environment and Sustainability Report. Now entering its third year, the program encompasses over 25 individual enhancement projects, including weed removal, fox and cat control, threatened species monitoring, and habitat restoration. PFOA collaborates with Natural Resource Management agencies and local universities to ensure the application of the best available knowledge and science.
Key highlights of the program include:
- Identification of 14 individual Numbats on a single property in Western Australia.
- Observation of a Mallee Fowl pair establishing a nest in logging residue and successfully rearing two chicks.
- Creation of new wetland areas to support waterfowl.
FSC certification has been instrumental in ensuring that PFOA carefully manages the environmental values within its forests. "FSC certification ensures we focus on preserving and enhancing the natural resources in the forests we manage," says David Bennett, PFOA’s Risk and Compliance Manager. This also positions us to add value to plantation assets as Australia develops its Nature Repair Markets."
Through continued monitoring, collaboration with universities, and partnerships with Natural Resource Management agencies, PFOA ensures its conservation practices are informed by the latest scientific research.
"As we look to the future, our goal is to create a landscape where native species thrive alongside sustainable forestry practices," says Bennett. "By working with experts and stakeholders, we are ensuring that our conservation efforts contribute to long-term ecological health."
Photography by © Dr Karlene Bain, Python Ecological Services