SCA and Persson Invest began their collaboration around Gällö Timber and the sawmill in Gällö, Jämtland in 2010. Since 2010, significant investments have been made in the sawmill to develop its operations and strengthen its competitiveness. Today, the sawmill has 115 employees and a capacity of 370,000 cubic meters of sawn timber.

SCA is Europe’s largest private forest owner with 2.7 million hectares and, with its forest holdings at its core, has developed a well-invested industrial operation with sawmills, pulp mills, and manufacturing of packaging paper. By acquiring Persson Invest’s share in Gällö Timber, SCA strengthens its position as one of Sweden’s leading producers of sawn timber.

Persson Invest is a family-owned conglomerate based in Östersund. The group has a turnover of about SEK 8 billion and employs around 1,350 people. The company has six business areas where the sale of cars, trucks, and buses are the two largest in terms of turnover and number of employees. Persson Invest owns approximately 140,000 hectares of forest and operates timber processing in the company Valbo Trä, with three facilities that together have a turnover of about SEK 1 billion.

SCA and Persson Invest will continue to collaborate after the transaction, including by delivering sawn timber to Persson Invest’s operations and purchasing raw forest materials from Persson Invest’s forest holdings.

“By acquiring the remaining part of Gällö Timber AB, we further strengthen SCA’s sawmill operation and continue the strong collaboration we have with Persson Invest. Through the investments we’ve made in Gällö together with Persson Invest, we have enhanced the operation’s competitiveness and secured local jobs” says Ulf Larsson, CEO of SCA.

“The collaboration around Gällö Timber has been and continues to be fruitful. Together with SCA, we have developed an almost 150-year-old sawmill business into one of the most competitive in Sweden. We look forward to continuing our collaboration as a customer and supplier for a long time to come,” says Bob Person, Chairman of Persson Invest.

Before the transaction, SCA owns 50 percent of the capital in Gällö Timber AB. SCA acquires the remaining 50 percent from Persson Invest AB. The transaction will take place during the first quarter of 2024.

Photo: Ulf Larsson, CEO of SCA

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Tigercat Industries recently announce that Cuoq Forest Diffusion (CFD) based in Saint Pal de Mons is now representing the TCi equipment brand at the national level in France. Previous TCi dealer for France, Clohse Group, will continue to service the Benelux region and northwestern Germany.

Founder and CEO, Jean-Marie Cuoq has been involved in the French forest sector as a forester and contractor since 1984 and has used mechanized equipment in his harvesting operations since 1990. In 2005 Jean-Marie started an equipment repair business. In 2016 he expanded into equipment sales, naming the new entity Cuoq Forest Diffusion. CFD has developed strong service capabilities and a focus on parts support and availability.

“I am grateful for the trust that Tigercat Industries has placed in me and my team,” says Jean-Marie. “We are ready to work diligently, promoting the TCi brand and establishing a strong presence throughout France.”

COO, Philippe Wion adds, “This partnership marks an important step for Cuoq Forest Diffusion. Tigercat Industries is renowned for its robust and high quality forestry equipment. To be entrusted with such a renowned brand is of course a great satisfaction. The arrival of TCi products is consistent with our strategy of representing only premium quality brands.”

Matt Roberts, Tigercat Industries sales manager for Europe comments, “We are excited to work with such an exceptional organization as Cuoq Forest Diffusion to grow our population of TCi products in France. We are confident in the team’s abilities to support the forestry professionals of France. We look forward to a long and successful collaboration.”

Photo: The Cuoq Forest Diffusion team. (L-R) Adrien Leaute, Matthieu Rivière, Charlotte Ribeyron, Jean-Marie Cuoq, Bertrand Defarges, Florian Debard, Philippe Wion, Laure Rivière, Damien Portail.

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For a long-standing customer Moelven Edanesågen AB from Sweden, part of the Norwegian-Swedish Moelven Group, which produces wood elements and systems for the construction sector, Ledinek will manufacture and deliver a new planer line for exterior elements. As part of a major investment at the Edane site in Sweden, a new production line for planing and sorting will also be built.

They were chosen as a strategic partner in this project because of their ability to provide all key equipment from their own production along with the entire design, implementation and optimization process. The new line will replace the two older lines at this site and will take over the production programme of the adjacent site. The products from this line will go to the Norwegian and Swedish markets.

Ledinek has been manufacturing some of the fastest planing machines for 25 years. The new generation of machines, called Stratoplan, allows four-sided planing and profiling of boards up to 300 mm wide. The new fourth generation Stratoplan, introduced this year, offers even greater profiling capacity for larger cross-sections of external profile elements.

High automation and integration and a new higher capacity machine will increase the productivity of the new line. The centrepiece of the line is the Stratoplan, with a machining speed of up to 400 m/min. The 10 spindles, combined with the integrated tool measuring and positioning system, allow short set-up times and rapid flexibility of the entire line. To improve efficiency in smaller cross-sections, the Splitcut machine, which allows horizontal cutting of workpieces into thinner boards, further increases the capacity of the line.

Due to the high processing capacity of up to two boards per second, the entire line is optimized for automatic operation, including the evaluation and sorting processes. Additional processing by profiling the ends of the boards will increase the value of the products. Stacked packages will be automatically bundled and protected.

This new line will allow faster flexibility and greater capacity for a variety of products, enabling the customer to produce high volumes of products at lower cost. The planned line will be the most powerful production line for this type of product once it is operational.

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Demand for an eight-wheeled harvester for final logging has been great, and finally it is here, in the shape of the new Komatsu 951XC. A machine that combines tried and tested innovations with new solutions. Joakim Johansson, Product Manager Harvesters at Komatsu Forest, reveals more about the ideas behind the new eight-wheeler.

The Komatsu 951XC is a final logging specialist and the third addition to Komatsu’s eight wheeled harvester range.

“We now have a complete range of eight wheeled machines specially designed for demanding conditions,” says Joakim Johansson, Product Manager Harvesters at Komatsu Forest.

Compact yet strong

Demand for an eight-wheeled harvester for final logging has been great, and the idea of an eight-wheeled 951 has been around for some time. The challenge was to design a machine for harvesting large trees without making it too cumbersome.

“What’s special about the 951XC is that it combines the strength of a 951 with an extremely compact design. It actually has about the same dimensions as a 931XC and so can even be used in denser stands,” Joakim explains.

The Komatsu 951XC is optimized for use with the Komatsu C164 – a harvester head specially designed for logging large trees.

“However, naturally, it works just as well with our highly popular C144 head. This makes it a versatile machine with the capacity to harvest extremely large trees,” says Joakim.

Low ground pressure and great stability

Thanks to the eight-wheel design, the 951XC delivers lower ground pressure, meaning less impact on the forest floor. It is mainly intended for final logging in hilly terrain and on soft ground. Another important factor when working in steep terrain is stability. The Komatsu 951XC has a number of features that make it one of the most stable harvesters on the market. In addition to the tried-and-tested Komatsu concept, the eight-wheeled XC series harvesters have a bogie on the rear frame with two suspension systems – comprised of the swinging rear axle and a bogie – giving the machines completely unique handling characteristics.

“Our bogie with twin suspension systems is an innovation of which we’re extremely proud. As well as increasing stability by lowering the machine’s centre of gravity, the machine follows irregularities in the terrain in a forgiving manner while delivering excellent manoeverability in challenging terrain conditions,” Joakim explains.

A workplace to long for

The cab is one of the most important parts of a machine – after all, this is where you spend your working day as an operator. Just like all Komatsu harvesters, the 951XC has a comfort- able operator environment with a spacious cab, excellent visibility, and a pleasant cab climate. Thanks to the machine’s stability and leveling cab, the operator is always seated level without the need to stretch and strain to maintain a good seating position.

“A relaxed operator can keep their energy level up as well as maintain their focus and a high production rate for longer. And if you choose the Smart Crane option, you get an even more easily manoeuvred crane that delivers amazing precision,” Joakim comments.

Based on tried-and-tested solutions

In the development of the Komatsu 951XC, the engineers at Komatsu Forest have been able to turn to innovative, tried-and-tested solutions devised in the development of previous models. Over the years, these have been refined by means of continual improvement. One example is the parallel crane, which thanks to its clever design is fast in its outward movements, when the head is unloaded, and powerful in its return movements, when the head is heavily loaded. Another example is the levelling function for the cab and crane that makes the machine a strong performer even on inclines, which is, of course, especially advantageous when harvesting in hilly terrain.

“There are many good examples of innovations that have stood the test of time. My favourite probably remains the Komatsu concept, a feature that came about back in 1984 and means that even today we still have some of the most stable machines on the market,” Joakim ends.

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Metsä Group plans to boost biodiversity on its land areas in Kemi. Covering more than 650 hectares, the designated site encompasses Metsä Group’s mill area and other areas in the Kemi urban environment. Metsä Group’s operations in Kemi include a bioproduct mill, currently under construction, and a paperboard mill. The company aims to increase regional biodiversity at all its mill locations across Europe, which number more than 20.

The goal is to modify land use on the Metsä Group Kemi site to improve the state of nature in the industrial environment. The special features of local nature will be taken into account in the project, and the living conditions of endangered species will be improved. Biodiversity in the area will be increased experimentally and by adopting new operating methods.

For example, more than 12 hectares of meadows and sunlit habitats will be added to the Kemi mill area. Only local vegetation will be used in establishing open habitats, and these habitats will be made suitable for endangered species. Various other approaches to increasing the biodiversity of industrial environments will also be tested on the mill site.

The biodiversity plans will also extend outside the mill site to land areas owned by Metsä Group that belong to the Kemi built environment. Residents use these areas for recreational purposes. New ways to increase biodiversity are being developed collaboratively with the town of Kemi.

“Improving the state of nature is one of the goals of Metsä Group’s regenerative forestry approach, and the Kemi pilot project will expand its scope from the forest to the mill area and urban environments. Their biodiversity can also be improved if you have the will and competence and if things are done together. This could be a course adopted industry-wide,” says Ilkka Hämälä, Metsä Group’s President and CEO.

Metsä Group’s collaborative network will grow as the project progresses. One of the key partners is the Villi Vyöhyke association, a leading expert in the biodiversity of the built environment.

“Metsä Group is showing courage, as well as an impressive and high ambition in protecting biodiversity in Kemi. The scope of the new nature targets is exceptionally wide and varied, encompassing the built environment as part of regenerative land use. Metsä Group is a big operator, which gives our actions greater leverage for a wider cultural change towards the international mainstream of biodiversity protection,” says Jere Nieminen, Chair of Villi Vyöhyke.

“Metsä Group’s initiative is important for the town of Kemi. Together, we can develop and strengthen the pioneering role that the Sea Lapland region plays in protecting our nature. The coexistence of industry and nature benefits all of us,” says Matti Ruotsalainen, Mayor of Kemi.

The Kemi pilot project is now underway. The various measures concerning other Metsä Group mills will be carried out gradually over the next few years, using the operating models developed in Kemi.

Metsä Group intends to make the mill areas’ biodiversity plans part of the environmental reporting of mills.  In the next few years, the company also plans to collaborate with its stakeholders to develop the plans for the built environment into internationally approved criteria and standards.

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How much money is needed to save the rainforests?

Estimating the exact amount of money needed to save the rainforests is challenging due to the complex and diverse nature of rainforest conservation efforts across different regions. The costs involved can vary significantly based on factors such as the size of the rainforest area, the level of deforestation and degradation, the implementation of conservation strategies, and the involvement of local communities.

However, it is widely recognized that significant financial investments are required to effectively address the threats facing rainforests and implement conservation measures. Some of the key areas that require financial support include:

Forest Protection and Law Enforcement: Adequate funding is needed to strengthen law enforcement efforts against illegal logging, land encroachment, and other activities leading to deforestation. This includes supporting ranger programs, surveillance technologies, and the implementation of stricter regulations.

Sustainable Livelihoods and Community Engagement: Engaging local and indigenous communities and providing sustainable livelihood alternatives are critical for effective rainforest conservation. Supporting community-led initiatives, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, and providing economic incentives for forest conservation can help reduce pressure on rainforest resources.

Research and Monitoring: Investing in scientific research and monitoring programs is essential to understand the dynamics of rainforest ecosystems, assess the impacts of human activities, and develop evidencebased conservation strategies. This includes funding for biodiversity surveys, ecosystem monitoring, and technological advancements in remote sensing and data analysis.

Restoration and Reforestation: Restoring degraded rainforest areas through reforestation and restoration projects requires significant financial resources. This includes efforts to plant native tree species, restore wildlife habitats, and rehabilitate degraded land.

International Cooperation and Funding Mechanisms: Global initiatives, partnerships, and funding mechanisms are crucial for supporting rainforest conservation efforts. International organizations, governments, and philanthropic institutions play a vital role in providing financial assistance and coordinating efforts across countries and regions.

While an exact figure is difficult to determine, a study published in the journal Science Advances in 2018 estimated that an annual investment of around $35 billion could be needed to halt deforestation in tropical regions worldwide. However, it’s important to note that this estimate includes broader tropical forests beyond just rainforests.

Ultimately, the financial resources required to save the rainforests depend on various factors and the scale of conservation efforts undertaken. Continued support and increased funding commitments from governments, private sector entities, and international organizations are crucial for achieving long-term rainforest conservation goals.

Also visit:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/12-billion-donor-support-tohalt-and-reverse-forestloss-and-protect-land-rights

Illegal cattle farming in the Brazilian Amazon

Illegal cattle farming has been a significant issue in the Brazilian Amazon for many years. The expansion of cattle ranching has been a leading cause of deforestation and environmental degradation in the region. While not all cattle farming in the Amazon is illegal, there are illegal practices associated with the industry that contribute to deforestation and other environmental problems.

Here are some key points about illegal cattle farming in the Brazilian Amazon: Deforestation: The expansion of cattle ranching has been a major driver of deforestation in the Amazon. Forests are often cleared illegally to make way for pastureland for cattle. This not only leads to the loss of valuable ecosystems but also contributes to climate change by releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Land Grabbing: Illegal land grabbing is a common practice associated with cattle farming in the Amazon. People encroach upon protected areas, indigenous lands, or public lands, illegally claiming ownership and converting them into cattle ranches. This further exacerbates deforestation and undermines the rights of indigenous communities.

Violation of Environmental Laws: Illegal cattle ranching often involves the violation of environmental laws and regulations. These include clearing forests without proper permits, operating in protected areas, and using illegal means to obtain land titles.

Supply Chain Issues: The beef produced through illegal cattle farming can enter the formal supply chain, making it difficult to trace the origin of the meat. This creates challenges for companies and consumers who seek to avoid supporting deforestation and human rights abuses associated with illegal practices.

The Brazilian government has made efforts to address illegal cattle farming and reduce deforestation rates. Initiatives such as increased law enforcement, satellite monitoring, and the expansion of protected areas have been implemented. Additionally, consumer awareness and pressure have led some companies to commit to sourcing only deforestation free beef. However, tackling illegal cattle farming requires a comprehensive approach that includes stricter enforcement of environmental regulations, land tenure regularization, support for sustainable land use alternatives, and addressing the underlying socio-economic factors driving deforestation.

Also Read: Andrew Wasley, Elisângela Mendonça, Youssr Youssef and Robert Soutar in the Guardian

www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jun/02/more-than-800m-amazontrees-felled-in-six-years-tomeet-beef-demand

 Action urgently needed

The global warming crisis is increasing at an alarming rate. Rising temperatures are fuelling environmental degradation, natural disasters, weather extremes, food and water insecurity, economic disruption, conflict, and terrorism. Sea levels are rising, the Arctic and Antarctica are melting, coral reefs are dying, oceans are acidifying, and forests are burning.

Create a World Fighting force

Now is the time for the United Nations to make a radical decision. Create a fighting force that has to be adopted by Brazil, The Congo Basin countries and others to step up policing and putting an end to illegal logging, illegal cattle farming etc or face the dire consequences of intense global warming.

Glaring World Cost Anomalies

Positive: Glasgow COP 26

$12 billion donor support pledged to halt and reverse forest loss and protect land rights.

A new public finance pledge from 12 countries to support ambitious forest-related climate action in developing countries.

Negative:

During a recent visit by President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President Biden pledged 1 Billion pounds towards Rainforest conservation. Da Silva went on to China but it is reported President Xi Jinping was unwilling to pledge any amount

• Consider the cost of a nuclear submarine $3.45 billion

• The war in Afghanistan is estimated to have cost upwards of 2.2 trillion dollars.

• The HS2 UK rail extension is likely to cost upwards of 100 billion pounds.

• The 2023 US defence budget is Circa $770 billion.

• The 2023 Chinese defence budget is $224 billion dollars.

• That’s around 1 Trillion dollars from 2 countries in 2023!

How much is needed to save the Amazon and The Congo basin et al?

Hardly anything in comparison.

Photo: Robin Peach

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Södra Ädla is a new partner of Nordic Forestry Automation (NFA). The company develops next-generation operator support systems for forest machines based on sensor technology from autonomous vehicles and AI algorithms. The investment is done together with Sveaskog and Almi Invest Syd and comprises a total of SEK 10 million.

Thinning a forest involves constant decision-making about which, and how many, trees to harvest in order to best promote the various values of the forest. How the thinning operation is carried out is important for the long-term development of the forest, but is usually done manually and based on the experience of each individual operator. To make the thinning task easier, Nordic Forestry Automation (NFA) has developed an AI-based system to continuously support the operator in forest management decisions.

The company started in 2021 based on the founders’ research work on self-driving vehicles and AI algorithms. The founders met during their PhD studies through the national Swedish research initiative Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP). NFA recently received investment capital of SEK 10 million from Södra’s investment company Södra Ädla, Sveaskog and Almi Invest.

“Forest thinning is a craft that requires 100-percent focus and takes several years to master. The total cognitive load is comparable to that of a fighter pilot. Sensor-based operator support provides better conditions for operators and forest owners to promote forest values. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue developing this technology together with our new partners,” said Lars Svensson, CEO of NFA.

Investment to accelerate development

By supporting the operator, the NFA system makes harvesting more cost-efficient, which improves profitability for forest owners. In addition, the technology creates new opportunities for local forest adaptations, and enables systematic and cost-efficient execution of alternative forest management methods that promote biodiversity and carbon storage.

The new investment will enable NFA to further accelerate the pace of its development. In 2022 and 2023, the system was tested in pilot projects with SCA and Sveaskog and in the autumn of 2023, the company will start rolling out preseries products with Södra, Sveaskog and SCA.

“The investment and close collaboration with forest companies means that we can deploy the systems at an early stage and continue working closely with the operators. This is absolutely essential for building systems that can make a real difference out in the forest – for both operators and forest owners,” said Lars Svensson.

Better opportunities for forest owners

NFA’s operator support can be retrofitted to any type of forest harvester and supports operators in forest management decisions. The system measures, positions and classifies all trees around the machine automatically and in real time. It also gives the position of the machine and cutting head with centimetre accuracy. Data on each individual tree is continuously collected and delivered to the forest owner together with a report, enabling increased transparency, quality assurance of the harvesting and new opportunities for forest owners to apply alternative methods of management.

This factor and an improved work environment for machine operators are some of the reasons for Södra Ädla’s investment.

“We are delighted with our investment in NFA. The company’s AI-based operator support is a good example of the business models and technology that Södra Ädla wants, and intends, to invest in. The technology makes thinning easier and more precise, and enables a wider range of forestry measures. The technology also makes thinning easier for operators, which could eventually attract more contractors and forest machine operators to the industry. NFA’s technology generates direct value for forest estates and we are looking forward to contributing to the company’s development,” said Erik Bengtson, Investment Manager for Södra Ädla.

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